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. to 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. 

$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.

The Secretary of State has rejected a Republican Party request for a list of people who volunteer to be poll workers that would include personal identifying information. 

The state says the GOP wanted home addresses, phone numbers, birthdates and medical or disability status—and that that information is exempt from disclosure as a “clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy.”

Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says sharing unredacted information could be used to target prospective poll workers based on party affiliation. She says sharing information that could be used to dox, threaten or harass would discourage citizens from volunteering to be election workers.

The Republican Party can appeal the state’s refusal. The state has also declined to share identifying information in voter rolls with the Trump administration. That position was upheld in court. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

Gordie Howe crossing open to bikers, pedestrians Wednesday

On Wednesday, people will finally be able to walk and bike between Detroit and Windsor using the Gordie Howe International Bridge. 

The Detroit Greenways Coalition has created the Detroit/Windsor International Bike and Trail map. The map highlights biking and walking routes between the two cities. 

Coalition Executive Director Todd Scott says the view crossing the bridge is beautiful. “I know they already have high expectations, bicyclists and walkers, but I think it’s going to exceed those. It’s a smooth, beautiful, clear modern piece of infrastructure that I think is going to blow people away.” 

The bridge is toll-free for anyone who is walking or biking across the span; however, visitors still must go through customs.  

Michigan Supreme Court overthrows permit for Line 5

The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled against Enbridge’s oil and gas pipeline tunnel project that would run through the Straits of Mackinac. The “Michigan Public Service Commission” okayed the project to build the tunnel around the Line 5 pipeline after considering its possible environmental impact to the surrounding area. But the state’s highest court found Michigan environmental law requires a broader look at the impact continued operation of the entire pipeline would have. 

The issue now returns to the Public Service Commission for a new review. Enbridge is a financial supporter of WDET but has no input on its editorial decisions. 

Flint finishes inspecting water lines

More than a decade after the Flint water crisis began, city crews have inspected the last pipe connecting a home or business to the city water system for lead. The city has inspected more than 31,000 service lines since 2016 and replaced those made of lead or galvanized steel. 

Mayor Sheldon Neely estimates the inspections, replacements, and other improvements cost more than a billion dollars. 

Primary election today

Last but not least, it is Primary Election Day in Michigan. We will soon know who will move forward to compete for governor and congressional seats in November.

Wayne County voters also considered whether to expand SMART bus service, Highland Park narrowed its field of mayoral candidates and Detroit schools asked to tax businesses.

Check in with WDET and the Detroit Evening Report tomorrow for election updates. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.