The city of Detroit celebrated 10 years of Project Clean Slate with the program’s 20,000th expunged conviction.

Project Clean Slate is a program that removes barriers that limit the economic, social, physical and mental well-being of residents with criminal records. There are multiple benefits that come from expungement. Studies from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce show that companies that give second chances to returning citizens see reduced employee turnover and an overall higher quality of work.

During a press conference this week celebrating the decade-long program, Mayor Mary Sheffield announced her administration will offer a new opportunity for justice-impacted individuals.

“We just recently opened a new Office of Community and Neighborhood Safety. A part of that work will be working with justice-impacted residents through our new Office of Returning Citizens. When we invest in people and when we choose compassion, we don’t just change the lives of individuals, but the entire community,” Sheffield said.

Project Clean Slate currently has 4,000 open and eligible convictions in process and/or ready to be expunged.

Additional headlines for Thursday, April 30, 2026

Michigan gas prices continue climbing across the state

Michigan gas prices are going up again, with some areas seeing prices around $5 a gallon.

The average cost in the state is about $4.58, up about 33 cents from the day before and 71 cents higher than last week. A year ago, the average price was $3.23.

These surges are connected to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and disruptions involving the Strait of Hormuz, halting multiple shipments of oil.

Some experts say prices should stabilize after today.

Detroit teams face pivotal weekend across basketball, baseball and soccer

Pistons force Game 6

The Detroit Pistons avoided elimination Wednesday night, beating the Orlando Magic 116-109.

Now the hometown heroes travel to Orlando for a must-win Game 6 if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The showdown is set for Friday, May 1. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

Tigers look to climb AL Central standings

The Detroit Tigers face off against the Texas Rangers this weekend.

As the second-place team in the American League Central, they could find themselves in the top spot in the division with a successful weekend.

All three games will be played at Comerica Park.

Detroit City FC returns to Keyworth

Detroit City FC faces Louisville City FC at Keyworth Stadium.

The match is set for May 2 at 6 p.m.

Detroit Vinylfest returns for second year

The second annual Detroit Vinylfest returns this weekend, featuring records, CDs, tapes and more.

The event, presented by the Detroit Bookfest team, will feature more than 70 vendors selling vinyl records, cassette tapes and other music collectibles.

Vendors will also offer music-related posters, T-shirts and other memorabilia for collectors and music fans.

Some musicians will host autograph signings, and DJs will be spinning vinyl throughout the event.

For more information, visit detroitbookfest.com.

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The City of Detroit’s District 6 is hosting a meeting Wednesday about its lighting expansion program. This comes after Mayor Mary Sheffield signed an executive order to improve lighting in city neighborhoods.

The city says the Public Lighting Authority will install thousands of lights to improve public safety. The City of Detroit and the PLA are hosting community meetings to get feedback from residents. A community engagement plan and schedule will be developed and presented for approval by the City Council. 

This week’s meeting will be April 29 from 6-8 p.m at the Clemente Recreation Center located at 2631 Bagley Street. 

Additional headlines for Monday, April 17, 2026

Dearborn Heights safety workshops

The city of Dearborn Heights is also hosting workshops about safety in the city. The goal is to gather input from the community about road safety and safety trends. The city also wants to learn more about high-risk areas in order to develop safety improvements. 

Community meetings will take place tonight, April 27 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Richard Young Rec. Center 5400 McKinley St. The next one is Wednesday, April 29 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Canfield Community Center 1801 N. Beech Daly Rd. 

People can take a survey online to share their input. Visit dearbornheightsmi.gov to learn more. 

Warren hosts Asian American and Pacific Islander Celebration

The City of Warren is hosting its third annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Celebration.

Ayasha Bahar is the Administrative Coordinator for Warren Mayor Lori Stone. 

She says the third annual event was created to showcase Asian cultures in Warren, which make up about 13% of the city’s population. “[That’s] is a significant amount… Warren really stands out as having one of the larger Asian communities in Michigan, and it’s, it’s been on the rise and growing over time.” 

Bahar says the celebration will feature henna artists and performances from different cultures including Filipino, Thai, Laos, Vietnamese, Bangladeshi, Indian and Chinese. She says its a way for people to learn about different cultures and come together. 

The celebration takes place at the Warren Community Center on Saturday, May 2 from 1-4 p.m. That’s 5460 Arden Ave., Warren, MI 48092. 

Hamtramck Health Hike

The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition is hosting its 17th annual 5k run. The Hamtramck Health Hike will be led by Hamtramck Fire Marshall Michael Young. It starts off at Zussman Park in front of the Hamtramck City Hall.

The free event will also provide giveaways to the first 400 people who register.  The event takes place between 9:30 a.m. and noon on May 16. 

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Large groups of teenagers have been gathering in downtown Detroit organized on TikTok and Snapchat. It’s part of a national trend being called “teen takeovers.” Most of the kids were just hanging out. But some of these gatherings turned chaotic. There have been brawls, vandalism, and an attempted robbery on Woodward. On April 11, a gun was fired, though no one was hurt.

Two of the 16-year-olds who organized the first gathering sat next to Mayor Mary Sheffield at a press conference last week. Daveion Page said he did it because he was bored. Danasha’ Tidwell said the violence that followed was “harmful and very unacceptable.”

Where can Detroit kids go to be safe and have fun? And, what’s the responsibility of a city to help grow and develop young people? 

Jerjuan Howard is the first director of Detroit’s new Office of Youth Affairs. He’s also an Army veteran, founder of the Umoja Debate League, and the owner of a new bookstore on Puritan Avenue. He spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.

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More stories from The Metro

A 48-year-old Hamtramck man has been arraigned and charged with kidnapping and assaulting a 16-year-old Hamtramck student on Monday. CBS News reports Donald James Joseph Arthur Fields is being held without bond at the Wayne County Jail. 

The student was kidnapped at gunpoint from a bus stop and forced into a white van. Other students were able to track her location through her social media and alert police. The teen also managed to call the police herself.  

The kidnapper took the student to a local gas station, where the student mouthed “help” to the attendant who intervened and walked the kidnapper outside. Police arrested Fields within 30 minutes of the kidnapping. 

Hamtramck Police Chief Hussein Farhat says this was an isolated incident. A probable cause conference is slated for Fields on April 30. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, April 16

Attorney General Dana Nessel files against Consumers Energy

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed testimony against the state’s largest energy provider.

Nessel urged the Michigan Public Service Commission to cut 61% of a $240 million request from Consumers Energy for another rate hike. This comes after the commission already approved a $157 million rate hike for Consumers Energy in December.

Nessel says Consumers Energy allegedly inflated their costs and customers ultimately take a hit. If approved, customers would save $146 million in future costs.  

Consumers Energy provides electricity and natural gas to about 2 million people in Michigan.  

Coalition for Property Tax Justice says overassesments continue in Detroit

The Coalition for Property Tax Justice continues to fight with the City of Detroit over its property assessments. Overassessments by the city have led to thousands of foreclosures. 

Coalition founder Professor Bernadette Atuahene says a recent study shows overassessments of lower-priced homes are still happening. 

“A report released this year shows that 50% of the homes worth 70,000 and under are still being assessed in violation of the Michigan State Constitution, which quite clearly says no property should be assessed at more than 50% of its market value.” 

City Assessor Alvin Hornh tells WDET his office has adjusted its Economic Condition Factors to get a better idea of what is happening in a particular neighborhood. 

A recent report by the International Association of Assessing Officers showed the city complied with state law. 

– Reporting Russ McNamara   

U-M president elect diagnosed with cancer

The University of Michigan Regents announced U of M president-elect Kent Syverud has brain cancer and will not be able to serve as the school’s next president. 

Syverud issued a written statement saying in part that he is “ready to meet this challenge.” 

Syverud was selected as U of M’s next president in January. He was scheduled to start next month. Board Chairman Mark Bernstein says the university will begin a new presidential search soon. He says Domenico Grasso will continue to serve as the university’s interim president as the school searches for a new leader. 

– MPRN   

Flood watch 

A flood watch is in effect for much of southeastern Michigan until midnight.

Kyle Klein is a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s White Lake office. He says the risk of flooding comes after several days of above-average rainfall, leaving the ground heavily saturated. 

“Most of the area in the past 10 days has seen between 1.5 – 4.5 in of rain. And then we’ve picked up anywhere from an inch to basically 2.5 inches in places.”  

Klein says while storms aren’t expected to be as heavy as the round that passed through the region Tuesday night, they may still bring additional inches of rainfall. That could result in water backing up onto roads and into basements. 

– Reporting by Alex McLenon

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Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield recently appointed Ali Abazeed as the city’s new Chief Public Health Officer, saying he would be a part of creating a “health in all policies” approach to government.

“We’re really excited to get up and going and also to continue the good work that the department has done over the years, but also to upgrade the software of what public health can look like in the city of Detroit,” he shares. 

Abazeed previously created and led the city of Dearborn’s health department. He also worked as a public health advisor at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

Past policies shape today’s health issues

He says health is impacted by housing quality and environment. He hopes to work with the department’s staff of 280 people to create better health outcomes for Detroiters.

“The challenges that Detroit faces from a health perspective, those aren’t inevitable…  they’re created by decades, if not centuries of decisions made by man, policies that have been excluding people from opportunities,” he says.

Abazeed says the city focuses on a harm reduction approach by working with all city departments to connect the dots for people who live in the city. He says part of that will include having more health department officials out in the city.

“90% of your life expectancy happens in the communities where you live, learn, work, worship, play…  then it requires us to take that 90% collaborative approach across everything that we do at the city,” he says. 

Abazeed says Detroiters face health burdens like asthma, which he says require a multifaceted response. 

He says everyone is entitled to good health. 

“Understanding who has been disqualified, who has been sort of pushed to the side, and whether that’s… in Washington or Dearborn and now in Detroit, I think the work is relatively the same, even if it does take on a little bit of a different scale,” he says. 

The Office of Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion has a new director. Mayor Sheffield named Elizabeth Orozco-Vasquez as the leader to integrate the voices and needs of Detroit’s large immigrant population into the policies and strategies of the city.

Orozco Vasquez’s office will also focus on creating greater opportunities, equity and economic mobility initiatives to underserved Detroiters. Serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Freedom House, Detroit Orozco-Vasquez led the only agency in the state that provides shelter and wraparound services to refugees, asylum seekers and others seeking humanitarian support. She said in a statement that it is an honor for her to be a advocate for immigrants and she will work to make Detroit a place where all residents feel at home.

She begins her new position April.

Additional headlines for March 20, 2026

Children’s ibuprofen recall

There is a nationwide recall for children’s ibuprofen. It is being recalled because the liquid contained unidentified black particles according to the FDA. The 4 fluid ounce bottle named Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension is an anti inflammatory drug to relieve moderate pain. Health officials have advised consumers to stop using it immediately.

If you have that medication and want to be sure it is not affected check the number on the back. The affected bottle numbers are 7261973A and 7261974A with an expiration date of January 31, 2027.

Sports

NCAA

We are in the madness of march and both Michigan State and Michigan had dominate performances beating their respective teams by about 20 points a piece. Michigan State (#3) will go on to play Louisville (#6 ) tomorrow, March 21 at 2:45 p.m. Michigan (#1) will go on to play St Louis (#9) tomorrow at 12:10 p.m. They both play at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY.

NBA

The Pistons will be playing the Golden State Warriors tonight without their leader Cade Cunningham who sustained a a collapsed lung during the Tuesday game against the Wizards. Even without the all start the Pistons are the favorite team to win. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.

NHL

The Red Wings beat the Montreal Canadiens 3 to 1 yesterday and stay in the fight for a wild card spot in the playoffs. The next two opponents are also in the Atlantic Division and could determine the chances for the Red Wings to make it to the playoffs. They face the Boston Bruins tomorrow at 8:00pm at Little Caesars Arena.

High school basketball

The boys high school basketball season ended last weekend at Michigan State’s Breslin Center. As DER’s high school sports correspondent Lex Walker reports, the girls teams are in the finals this weekend.

As the high school basketball season comes to an end, two teams have already journeyed to Breslin. The boys teams at U Prep lost to Hudsonville Unity Prep in the semifinals and Douglass made it to the finals but lost to Concord.

At the time of this taping, the girls from Renaissance face Dewitt in the semifinals for the chance to win the state championship Saturday.

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About 10,000 registered nurses at Corewell Health East hospitals voted to authorize a strike, saying they have been unable to negotiate their first contract despite months of bargaining with the hospital system. Nearly 90% of members voted for the strike. 

Members are asking for better nurse-to-patient ratios, wage increases, affordable health insurance coverage and improved workplace safety. The nurses voted to unionize in November 2024 and began negotiations in June 2025.

They are represented by Teamsters Local 2024 and work at Corewell Health East hospitals in Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak, Trenton, Troy, Wayne, and Southfield. 

In a statement, a Corewell spokesperson says it has already agreed to raise wages. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, March 19, 2026

Detroit block club meeting

Detroit is having a city-wide block club meeting. The Department of Neighborhoods is inviting all Detroit neighbors, community leaders, and block clubs to engage with city leaders. The event will be held Tuesday March 24 at the Northwest Activities Center. The event runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00. Residents and community leaders can find resources and meet with various city departments. 

Digital marketing seminar

The Arab American Women’s Business Council is hosting a Digital Marketing, SEO, and AI Seminar. Learn about business strategies, search engine optimization, AI tools and tips for running an effective digital campaign.

The seminar is open to all. It will be held March 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 13846 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. Tickets are $25. 

Interfaith Leadership Council hosts workshop

The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a workshop called “Bridging the Divide: From Division to Belonging.” The workshop focuses on exploring practical ways to find connection with people, understanding the need for belonging and nurturing community.

The event will be held Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at Madonna University Welcome Center in Livonia. Tickets are $35. 

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These days, when it rains, it much more often pours. That’s due in large part to climate change. Heat waves are longer, winds are stronger, and rains are heavier. 

Meanwhile, much of metro Detroit’s infrastructure is old. And, combined with the downpours, it has led to more flooding. That’s true on Hines Drive in Wayne County; it’s true in East Dearborn; and it’s true in Jefferson Chalmers, or the “Venice of Detroit.” 

In 2021, the eastside neighborhood was declared a “high-risk flood zone” by FEMA after heavy rains flooded many basements and roads. 

The City of Detroit recently announced a $1 million pilot program to repair or replace sea walls for low-income residents to protect them from flooding. What do people in the neighborhood make of this plan? What do they need to protect their neighborhood?

Blake Grannum is a longtime Jefferson Chalmers resident. She spoke with The Metro’s Robyn Vincent about that and more.

The Metro reached out to Detroit Council member Latisha Johnson, who represents Jefferson Chalmers. Her office did not respond to our request for comment.

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More stories from The Metro

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

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Artists in Detroit largely depend on support from charitable organizations and government funding. So, what does that support look like? And how can artists and city government come together to make art happen?

The Detroit Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship or ACE is the city’s department that oversees its investment in the arts. It supports the city’s creative workforce with education, mentorship and networking opportunities.

Lacey Holmes is the Project Manager for Detroit ACE . She joined the show to help us understand the city’s role in this conversation. 

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More stories from The Metro

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced a new protocol that will increase oversight for property managers in the city – especially for senior housing. 

The four point plan mandates increased inspections and communication between the city and property managers, and new citations and fines up to $2000 for violations.

Sheffield says they are also launching a senior advocate program.

“You can expect to see a senior advocate in your building at least twice a month. Those senior advocates will be connecting you with information and resources, whether it’s quality of life issues or even access to recreational activities as well.”
Sheffield says the senior advocate will also create a tenant council in every senior housing development.

She says the new protocol will also double the number of elevator inspections at properties in the city.

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 

ICE and Detroit

Following the killing of another American by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, Mayor Sheffield says Detroit residents should feel safe and respected in the city. Sheffield says she is always looking for ways to improve safety, but that so far what they have been doing has been working. “We have done a great job of ensuring that we are not a target or on the radar in the city of Detroit, and we will continue down that path.” 

Sheffield says she is planning to meet with City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who has been very vocal about ICE enforcement tactics in the city. Sheffield posted a statement on social media saying the city “stands with the people of Minnesota as they exercise their First Amendment rights…” She did not condemn the violent actions of ICE agents. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Warming shelters stay open

The City of Detroit and its nonprofit partners will keep overnight warming shelters open for the rest of the week. The National Weather Service is forecasting nighttime temperatures below zero Thursday and Friday. The mayor’s office is working with the Neighborhood Service Organization, the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, and the Pope Francis Center to help families and single adults escape the cold. 

Residents can also call the city’s Housing Resource Helpline between 8am and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon on weekends. That number is 866-313-2520. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Newspaper buy out

The owners of the Detroit Free Press plan to buy the Detroit News. USA Today’s announcement comes less than a month after the newspapers ended their 36-year-old joint operating agreement. The company formerly known as Gannett says it expects to close the deal this week, adding that both papers will continue to publish separately.

The Detroit News recently said it would print its own Sunday edition for the first time since the joint operating agreement began. It’s not clear how the sale will affect that plan. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

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