It has been an eventful year in Michigan politics with the Michigan Legislature dynamically evolving. This week on WDET’s MichMash, Gongwer News Services’ Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben analyze the major events in a live recording at the Go Comedy! Improv Theater in Ferndale.

They were joined by Detroit Free Press Politics Editor Emily Lawler and
Politics Editor for The Detroit News, Chad Livengood.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• Whether the Michigan Legislature will make its July 1 deadline
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her approach to working with President Donald Trump
• How Michigan compares on the national stage in 2025

There has been a major sea change in Michigan politics this year.

With Republicans taking over the state House, President Donald Trump back in the White House, and Democrats maintaining their majority in the state Senate — their is a new dynamic in the state capitol.

“This is the first time that I’ve covered one chamber in Democratic control and one in Republican control,” Lawler said. “…It’s been just an interesting dynamic to watch and sort of see what the chambers are teeing up for each other and what of those things they actually expect to move — which I think is a smaller pool than I initially anticipated.”

Livengood called the current relationship between the chambers a “legislative Red Rover.”

“Getting the actual votes on some of these big issues, like roads, is going to be the real test,” he said.

Kasben pointed out that the Legislature was able to compromise on major legislative efforts like paid sick leave and minimum wage packages in February.

They also talked about the notable shift in how Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has navigated national political dynamics this year, and specifically her relationship with President Trump.

Despite their fraught history, the pair have taken a friendlier tone towards each other in recent months, as they discuss future plans and initiatives for the state of Michigan.

“She’s engaged with him on things that she’s wanted to get done, and I’m not sure that all of those will get done, but certainly Selfridge Air Force Base — the upgrades coming there, the new mission coming there — is significant, that’s something that Michigan has wanted for years,” Lawler said.

But Lawler also noted that Trump isn’t someone Whitmer can rely on politically, pointing to recent discussions about pardoning some of the individuals convicted for conspiring to kidnap her.

–WDET’s Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.

More from WDET:

• MichMash: Live in Lansing!
• Whitmer ‘not happy’ about possible pardons for men involved in her kidnapping plot
• Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall says education budgets could be done by July 1

The city of Detroit announced this week that its free community shuttle service, “The Connect,” will return next month with an expanded route and new features.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The pilot program first launched last summer to help address the growing need for efficient, modern transit options in the area, according to the city.

The service will become available to residents beginning July 7, with plans to become fully autonomous after a four-week transition period. Trained safety operators will continue to monitor the operations to ensure passenger safety, the city says.

“Detroit has always been at the forefront of mobility innovation, and The Connect AV shuttle is another step toward making our city more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly,” said Mayor Mike Duggan in a statement. “With the transition to full autonomous operation, we are not just embracing the future of transportation, we are leading it.”

The program was brought back this summer thanks to a $1.67 million grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The shuttles will have expanded route offerings to loop Michigan Central, Downtown Detroit and East Jefferson Riverfront. They’ll run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for the first four months and will revert to the regular hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. by November 2025.

Visit detroitmi.gov for more information about the program.

Other headlines for Friday, June 20, 2025:

• June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and Chase Bank is teaming up with the Detroit Police Department to help seniors learn how to avoid scams through local workshops being held throughout the summer.
  The next workshop will be on July 3. Reach out to your local Chase Bank branch for more details.
• There is a major heat wave set to envelop Michigan and large parts of the U.S. this weekend into early next week, with temperatures expected to near 100 degrees. Many communities will be opening cooling centers to help provide relief for residents.
• Earlier this month, Michigan health officials closed three Oakland County beaches to swimmers due to dangerously high levels of E. Coli contamination, the Detroit Free Press reports. Eagle Lake in Waterford still remains closed, while Sylvan Lake and Elliott Lake have since been reopened. Visit EGLE’s MiEnviro – Beachguard website for the most up-to-date closure information.
• Club NYC and RELEASE Detroit are partnering to host a Choreographer’s Showcase at Big Pink Detroit on Thursday, July 31.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

In this edition of The Detroit Evening Report, new housing opens in Detroit’s Gateway Community. Plus, events around the city including theater, stargazing, drag shows and Black cinema.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Cathedral Arts Apartments open in Detroit’s Gateway Community

The City of Detroit celebrated the grand opening of the Cathedral Arts Apartments this week. The $19.7 million development brings 53 new housing units to the Gateway Community.

The project is a partnership between MHT Housing Inc. and the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, located across the street from the new building. In addition to residential space, the development includes commercial storefronts and a workforce development hub operated by MHT. The hub will connect Detroiters to job training, internships and employment opportunities.

More information: City of Detroit press release

Around Detroit: Events and activities

ACE Family Night at The Wiz – June 24
Detroit’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) is hosting a special night at the Fisher Theatre featuring the Broadway hit The Wiz. The evening includes family-friendly activities and a Q&A with the cast starting at 6 p.m., followed by the show at 7:30 p.m. Discounted tickets are available.

Details: Detroit ACE Family Night

Northern Lights possible in Michigan – June 13–14
The aurora borealis may be visible in parts of Michigan this weekend, possibly as far south as Saginaw Bay. Best viewing times are expected to be within a couple of hours of midnight, weather permitting. Top viewing locations include Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Forecast details: Free Press article

United We Slay – June 28–29
United We Slay is a new event series featuring drag brunches, dance parties, queer mixers, and performances by talent from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Most events are free, with VIP tickets available to support the ACLU of Michigan.

More info: United We Slay on Linktree

Black Film in Focus – June 14
The Black Canon and Motor City Cinema Society present a night of cinematic storytelling at Newlab at Michigan Central. This event explores African American film history and features curated screenings from the Black Canon collection.

Event details and tickets: Michigan Central Events

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

As the July 1 deadline approaches, Michigan House Republicans have unveiled and passed a budget for K-12 schools. In this week’s episode of MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben discuss what’s inside the proposal and the next steps.

Plus, former Lieutenant Governor of Michigan and President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, Brian Calley, joins the show to talk about the state of small businesses in Michigan and the insurance cost crisis.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• How are insurance costs affecting small businesses?
• What’s in the K-12 budget that Michigan House Republicans just passed?
• What direction is the Michigan Small Business Association leaning during this major election year?

Calley said the cost of healthcare has been taking a major toll on small business owners.

“Four out of five of business owners tell us it’s getting in the way of expanding the business. Three out of four said it’s an impediment to hiring,” he said. “As you look at the overall economic performance of the state, there are subtle changes that could be damaging over time”.

He said the increased cost is coming from health systems and pharmaceuticals.

Hear the full episode on all major podcast platforms.

Detroit’s “largest and oldest literary nonprofit,” InsideOut Literary Arts, celebrated its 30-year anniversary last week by unveiling a new Detroit City Walls mural along the Avenue of Fashion.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The mural was designed by artist Oshun Williams and inspired by InsideOut student poet Charisma Holly. It features a quote from her poem entitled “If I wake up in Detroit 25 years in the future,” which reads “In the Detroit City, the D has always been for dreams.”

The mural is located on the side of the Yoshi Hibachi Grille on Livernois Avenue along Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion.

“Detroit is where I was born and raised,” Holly said. “I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be a part of this mural project because Detroit is truly the place where I learned to dream big.”

Other headlines for Friday, June 6, 2025:

• Money Matters for Youth is looking for help to keep their student trip to Washington D.C. alive.
• Motor City Pride is taking over downtown this weekend, June 7-8 at Hart Plaza, with the parade beginning at noon on Sunday.
• The city celebrated the opening of the Orchard Village Apartments with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, bringing 48 affordable units across four buildings to the Old Redford neighborhood.
• Michigan’s First Native American Music and Cultural Festival, Vibes With the Tribes, is coming to the Russell Industrial Center this Saturday, June 7, with doors opening at 2 p.m.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

The annual Mackinac Policy Conference has wrapped up for 2025. In this episode of MichMash, reporter Elena Durnbaugh joins Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben from Mackinac Island to recap this year’s conference.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• Budget negotiations during the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s reactions to the Trump administration’s pardon considerations
• 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference themes

Durnbaugh shared that both Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and Republican Speaker Matt Hall publicly criticized each other at the conference over budget negotations. She also shared that after speaking with Speaker Hall, it appeared that the budget wouldn’t be passed until after the July 1 deadline.

“Conversations of the budget are happening, just not between the leaders of the Senate and the House,” she said. 

Durnbaugh also noted the most important conversations seemed to be happening off the stage.

More from WDET:

• Detroit Evening Report: The Mackinac Policy Conference is underway
• Whitmer ‘not happy’ about possible pardons for men involved in her kidnapping plot
• Critics: Medicaid cuts in House GOP budget plan will burden Michigan health system

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Governor Whitmer at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Pride Month kickoff and a free meditation workshop.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Whitmer outlines top goals before leaving office

The 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference is coming to an end, and Governor  Gretchen Whitmer is outlining her top priorities before leaving office.

Securing a semiconductor plant by the end of 2026, she says, would help Michigan stay competitive in the age of artificial intelligence. Whitmer added that it would also make Michigan an economic magnet — one she imagines could help grow the state’s population. She said she’ll be seeking federal support to make it happen.

Tackling childhood literacy is another priority. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only a quarter of Michigan’s 4th graders can read at a proficient level.

And of course, the “fix the damn roads” governor emphasized the need for a sustainable, long-term plan to fund road repairs. Whitmer stressed that while challenges remain, bipartisanship is still possible.

Ferndale kicks off Pride Month celebrations

June is right around the corner, which means Pride Month is almost here — and Ferndale Pride is kicking things off on May 31. According to organizers, the event strives to support and uplift all LGBTQ+ communities. Expect live musical performances, drag shows, food, a variety of vendors, and a kids’ area. For more information, visit ferndalepride.com.

Free sound bowl meditation on the riverfront

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the month is wrapping up, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting a Sound Bowl Meditation Workshop on June 5. It’ll take place at Gabriel Richard Park and introduce attendees to basic techniques and the science behind sound healing. Best of all — it’s free, which is the perfect price for peace of mind. Just bring a yoga mat or blanket. For more information, visit detroitriverfront.org.

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover lingering building vacancies downtown, brewery closures, sports updates and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Vacant buildings linger downtown

Although private developers have renovated many big and empty buildings in Detroit, there are still more buildings that could use a facelift.

Some buildings that have been successfully adapted and revitalized to serve a new purpose is Book Tower (the former Book-Cadillac hotel), the David Whitney Building (which is now a hotel and apartment building), and the old Detroit Free Press building (which is now upscale housing).

According to reporting from The Detroit Free Press, there are 10 big and empty downtown buildings that are still in need of a transformation, such as the Executive Plaza (across from the Greyhound station), the Old Wayne County Building, and the 40-story office building known as Cadillac Tower.

All of these vacant buildings are at different stages of negotiations and planning, but according to the firm HMC Architects, repurposing old builidings can help communities fill needs in housing, boosting local economy and improving public safety.

Michigan breweries face closures

There is growing concern among the Michigan craft brewery scene due to some recent closures across the state. The closing of breweries like Loaded Dice in Troy, Three Gatos in Wyoming and Creston Brewery in Grand Rapids have dissappointed patrons and put pressure on the remaining brewers because of rising costs of materials and labor.

According to the Michigan Brewers Guild, Michigan’s craft beer scene is still robust and says breweries around the country are dealing with the same issue as Michigan.

Workshop explores movement and memory

The Arab American National Museum invites the community to participate in a workshop called “Blood Memory” this weekend.

The event is the brainchild of artist-in-residence Sarah Dahkne. Her work investigates “ancestral memory through movement, moving image and sound.” Sunday’s workshop, “Blood Memory: The Stories We Carry” brings community into that investigation to consider, what stories live inside the body? Does the body have knowledge that our words cannot explain? Participants will explore group and personal movement.

All ages and abilities are welcome – no movement experience is necessary. The event is Sunday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tickets are available at arabamericanmuseum.org.

Rising golf star makes PGA Tour debut in Detroit

Michael La Sasso, a University of Mississippi junior who won the NCAA individual national championship on Monday in California, is making his PGA Tour debut in Detroit.

La Sasso will be playing at the Rocket Classic at the Detroit Golf Club in June. College golf players can earn exemptions to play in PGA Tour tournaments, primarily through PGA Tour University. La Sasso is the third current player to get an exemption for the 2025 Rocket Classic, along with Michigan State golfer Ashton McCulloch. The Rocket Classic gets up to eight sponsor’s exemptions.

The tournament is set for June 26–29, 2025.

Detroit Grand Prix to return Friday

Detroit Grand Prix is coming up this Friday, May 30. The weekend affair will be held in downtown Detroit. You can expect various racing series including IndyCar, IMSA and Indy NXT. Organizers are saying that this year’s race will continue to have the vibrant atmosphere and diverse lineup of racers that fans know and love.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Holiday travelers planning to venture up north for some time outdoors this weekend may be met with potential hazards and changes to the landscape following a recent ice storm, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The DNR says several trees and power poles snapped or fell over under the weight of an inch or more of ice during the severe northern Michigan storm in March, affecting nearly 1 million acres of state forest land.

The agency is warning those who haven’t traveled to the area since the storm that it may look different, and to look out for hazards or closures as a result.

“Crews have been working hard to reopen forest roads and trails and repair state facilities, and they’ve made a lot of progress so far,” said Kerry Heckman, public information officer for the DNR Ice Storm Response Team, in a statement. “We know everyone wants to get outside to enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors, and we want that, too. But it’s critical to use caution, steer clear of closed areas and be fully aware of your surroundings.”

Visit the DNR’s Ice Storm Response page for the latest closure information about state parks, trails, boating access sites and state forest campgrounds.

Other headlines for Friday, May 23, 2025:

• Many in Detroit will be celebrating Memorial Day weekend at Movement Festival, and this year the city’s first cannabis pop-up will be in the mix. having its first cannabis pop up during the festival. The Trap, presented by JARS, will be open from noon to 10 p.m. May 24–26, at 154 W Larned St., Detroit.
  
• It’s going to be a busy weekend in the Motor City. We have the Movement Electronic Movement Festival May 24-26, Detroit Tigers games against the Cleveland Guardians; The Weeknd is performing at Ford Field May 24-25, and much more. For that reason, the city is encouraging folks to plan parking in advance and to use public transportation when possible. 
  

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

This week on MichMash, Democratic House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) joins the show to talk about ongoing tensions between parties within the Michigan Legislature.

Before that, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow discuss news this week that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violated campaign finance laws when announcing her bid for governor inside a state-owned building.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• Michigan AG finds Jocelyn Benson violated campaign finance act
• ‘Political theater’ creating gridlock in the Michigan Legislature
• Puri’s working relationship with House Speaker Matt Hall

In a determination released by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office on Monday, Dana Nessel found that Benson violated the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by holding a press conference in the lobby of a state office building to announce her bid for governor.

Benson has denied the violation, saying she had planned to make the announcement outside the building after filing her paperwork, but moved it to the lobby because it was freezing cold. 

“The law does exist for a reason,” said Gorchow. “[To] prevent government officials from using taxpayer resources for political purposes. Benson’s campaign should’ve rented a facility to hold this press conference. The cost to taxpayers was zero…but Republicans will argue that Benson conveniently ignored the law she’s supposed to enforce, when it came to her own activities.”

Speaking with Roth and Gorchow, Rep. Puri said the Michigan Legislature is “at a crossroads for what the vision of Michigan could be,” calling much of what the governing body accomplished this year unproductive and “political theater.”

“For things to get done there needs to be true bipartisanship,” he said. “Until that changes we will continue to see the gridlock we’ve been seeing.”

Roth noted the strained relationship between Puri and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township). Puri said he attempted to have a handful of conversations with Hall early on to encourage healthy bipartisanship, but it hasn’t led to meaningful dialogue.

“I’m not a reporter, I’m not President Trump, I don’t think [Hall] has much interest in talking to me,” Puri said. “But jokes aside, you know I think, again, Speaker Hall is engaged in being an actor of political theater. I am taking a much more pragmatic approach here; I understand that we are in split government.”

Puri said with billions of dollars in federal cuts looming over the state, it’s more important than ever for state legislators to work together to find bipartisan solutions.

“There’s a whole host of things that we should be doing to protect Michiganders, from the tariffs, the economic uncertainty…there’s a lot of problems headed Michigan’s way, but here we are continuing to talk and fill the room with distractions and just an unserious approach,” he said.

–WDET Digital Editor Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.

More from WDET:

• MichMash: Michigan House comes to dramatic close, adjourning early
• GOP oversight chair wants Benson to testify on disclosure site glitches
• House GOP, Dems at odds in chaotic budget fight

The Coalition for Property Tax Justice held a press conference last week to encourage Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree to place a moratorium on tax foreclosures for home valued at $50,000 or lower.

The Coalition is refuting the city of Detroit’s interpretation of a study conducted by the International Association of Assessing Officers, which concluded that the city is following Michigan law, and on average they are assessing properties correctly.

Coalition Leader Bernadette Atuahene says while the results are correct, averages can still hide the real issue.

“For instance, 10+60+80 divided by three, is 50, right, the average of those three numbers is 50; but within that, the 60 and the 80 are both unconstitutional, right?” Atuahene said. “So two-thirds, two of the three right, are unconstitutional, but you can declare that on average, they’re following the law, and that’s exactly what’s happening.”

Atuahene applauded the city for getting the averages right, but says it still needs to reevaluate the over-assessed homes. She calls tax foreclosure “an act of legal violence” and says it should only happen with extreme precaution.

The coalition is also calling for Mayor Mike Duggan to admit the issue exists.

“The Duggan administration, study after study after study, refuses to acknowledge that the lower valued homes are still being overassessed,” Atuahene said. “Instead, they keep resting on the fact that, on average, the homes are being assessed at 50% so we’re calling on the Duggan administration to respect the data.”

The coalition released a study from the University of Chicago last year that showed overassessment of the value of these properties. City officials denied any systemic issues in the taxing process.

The City Assessor’s Office told WDET that the coalition has a poor success rate in assessment appeals, suggesting their claims are not supported by facts.

–Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley, WDET News

Other headlines for Monday, May 19, 2025:

• A group representing Michigan’s corrections officers is asking the state House of Representatives to send a package of bills affecting their retirement options to the governor, WKAR reports.
• Detroit City Council has confirmed Tanya Stoudemire as the city’s new Chief Financial Officer. Stoudemire — the first woman to hold the CFO title in Detroit — will succeed Jay Rising, who retired in April after 4 years on the job.
• Fridays at the Station returns to Michigan Central on Friday, May 23, with music from Malik Alston and the Linwood Ensemble performing with songstress Maurissa Rose. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben discuss bills introduced both in the Michigan House and Senate aimed at curbing distractions in the classroom by limiting cell phone use in class.

Also, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox stops by to talk about his motivation behind running for governor.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• Competing bills in the state Legislature to restrict cell phone use in schools
• Former Michigan AG Mike Cox joining the gubernatorial race
• Cox’s recent comments on X about Congressman John James

Lawmakers in Lansing are debating policies to help curb cell phone use by students during school time.

Both the state House and Senate are moving competing legislation to limit cell phone use in the classroom. The Senate bill passed 28-9 last week. In the House, a more restrictive bill advanced out of committee Wednesday that would prohibit cell phone use in schools based on grade level and other factors.

“Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has called for the Legislature to act on this issue,” Roth said. “What the final versions of these bills look like and what she actually ends up signing — if anything — remains to be seen.”

Cox announced his candidacy for governor last month, joining Republicans U.S. Rep. John James, state Sen. Aric Nesbitt and former U.S. House candidate Anthony Hudson.

The former Attorney General — who served from 2003-2011 — previously ran for governor in 2010 but lost in the Republican primary. He says he was motivated to run again because “there’s a real hunger for leadership and change.”

“The Michigan that I grew up in, that my parents came to, has fallen behind so many other states,” Cox said. “Now my granddaughters in Hernando, Mississippi go to schools that perform better than the schools in my neighborhood in Livonia, Michigan. That’s a civil wrong, that’s immoral, and that’s absolutely wrong to our children and to the residents of our state.”

He also spoke to his growth in experience since he last ran for governor.

“Since then…I started my own business. I went from $400,000 in my first year in business to $30 million now in about 12 years,” he said. “It was fun and a lot of anxiety at first because I have never been in the private sector before. I think it really rounded me out as a candidate.”

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are seeking the Democratic nomination in the August primary. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is also running as an independent.  

The general election will be held Nov. 3, 2026.

–WDET’s Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.

More from WDET:

• The Metro: Should cell phones be restricted in Michigan schools?
• Detroit Evening Report: Former Michigan AG Mike Cox announces bid for governor
• Rep. John James seeks GOP nomination for Michigan governor

Tornadoes may be possible for a second consecutive night across much of lower Michigan on Friday, with parts of metro Detroit likely to experience thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The strongest storms are expected to pass through the region between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., with winds up to 55 mph and up to 1-inch size hail possible.

Several counties in West Michigan, mid-Michigan and metro Detroit are still recovering from the severe storm that passed through the area overnight Friday, bringing high winds and power outages for thousands of residents.

Roughly 9,000 DTE  customers and 185,000 Consumers Energy customers were still without power as of Friday morning, according to outage maps. Officials warn to stay at least 20 feet away from downed power lines and to keep children and pets inside.

Residents can report fallen power lines to DTE Energy by calling 800-477-4747 or to Consumers Energy by calling 800-477-5050.

Other headlines for Friday, May 16, 2025:

• The Detroit Fire Department is continuing its Summer Safety Series every second Wednesday of the month through August, covering seasonal fire safety tips, prevention strategies and more.
• The Coleman A. Young Recreation Center has reopened after a five-year closure and $11 million renovation. The city of Detroit now has 13 recreation centers open to the public.
• Movement Festival is coming to Hart Plaza Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, featuring more than 115 local and international techno artists across six stages. WDET is an official media partner for the event. Learn how you could win VIP passes to this year’s festival at wdet.org/movement.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

In this epsiode of MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow sit down with State Senator Mallory McMorrow to discuss why she’s running for Michigan’s open US Senate seat.

Plus, people have grown accustomed to remote work since the pandemic, but is it here to stay? We discuss how remote work has affected state government employees and whether Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will have them return to in-person work full time.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• Is remote work here to stay for state government employees?
• Discussing the cost of remote work
• State Senator Mallory McMorrow on her run for Michigan’s open US Senate seat

Democrats nationally have been struggling to form an identity since the recent presidential elections. McMorrow said that while establishment Democrats may not be meeting the moment, newer voices could help give the party a stronger sense of direction. 

“My sense is that the Democratic Party needs a shakeup, but that’s not going to come from the party itself,” she said. “It is going to come again from candidates and people, in every state across the country, running the types of campaigns that are going to reshape what this party is, how it presents itself.”

In addition to McMorrow, former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed and 11th Congressional District Representative Haley Stevens are also running for the state’s open senate seat as Democrats. The election will take place Nov. 3, 2026.  

City leaders joined with community members and stakeholders on Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of a new affordable housing complex at the historic St. Matthew School on Detroit’s east side.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Renamed The Residences at St. Matthew, the building had previously been vacant for almost a decade. Now the residence will offer 46 new affordable apartments with 36 one-bedroom, four two-bedroom and six studio units. Twenty-five of the units are reserved for permanent supportive housing for individuals who were unhoused. The rest of the units will serve folks making 30%-60% of the area median income.

The Residences at St. Matthew is part of the national Healthy Housing Initiative launched by Catholic Charities USA. The Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, who spearheaded the renovation, will have the residence serve both affordable housing needs and health services delivered through a partnership with Henry Ford St. John Hospital.

“This redevelopment represents the heart of Catholic Charities’ mission — to create hope, foster dignity, and build community,” said Paul Propson, CEO of CCSEM, in a statement. “We are proud to honor the legacy of St. Matthew’s Parish by helping meet a critical need for affordable housing in Detroit.”

Other headlines for Friday, May 9, 2025:

• The My Mental Wellness clinic inside the Islamic Center of Detroit will host a mental health first aid training from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.
• Southwest Detroit music venue El Club closed down Saturday due to what the general manager described as “police intimidation,” Detroit Metro Times reports.
• The late Detroit funk and soul ‘ambassador’ Amp Fiddler is being honored on May 16 with his own street — Amp Fiddler Ave. The city of Detroit, in collaboration with the Amp Fiddler Estate, will reveal the street sign on the corner of 7 mile Rd and Revere St.
  All are welcomed to attend.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

President Donald Trump marked his 100th day in office on Tuesday by visiting the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, where he announced a new fighter jet mission at the base. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow spoke about the base’s history and significance to the region.

Also, Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township) stopped by to talk about his run for governor and his vision for the state.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• President Trump rallies in Michigan for 100th day
• Historical and political significance of Selfridge
• Sen. Nesbitt’s vision for Michigan

Nesbitt is joined by U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) and former U.S. House candidate Anthony Hudson in seeking the GOP nomination in Michigan’s gubernatorial race. On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson have both launched campaigns, while Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an Independent candidate.

Nesbitt spoke with Kasben and Gorchow about what his “common sense” priorities would be if he were chosen as the state’s next governor.

“I’m working around the state, I’m going to put together a campaign that’s  going to put Michigan first, and a campaign that’s going to offer positive conservative solutions to fix some of the deepest problems in Michigan,” Nesbitt said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been both lauded and criticized in recent weeks for her attempts to bend Trump’s ear about her state’s priorities. But the Democratic governor has responded to her critics by pointing to the results her meetings with Trump have yielded — including the 21 new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets replacing the aging A-10 squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County.

Nesbitt says Whitmer’s collaboration with Trump has been good to see.

“I think people expect leaders to be able to work to get things done,” he said. “And believe me, I’m not going to agree with the governor and neither is President Trump going to agree with the governor on things like men competing in women’s sports — she seems to support that and we’re opposed to that — or having all this money spent on DEI initiatives — I’m going to actively oppose any of that and so is President Trump…but as I look at it, having President Trump come to Michigan to celebrate his first 100 days shows the importance of Michigan; how much he cares about Michigan.”