In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover the latest in federal funding cuts, a bill that would expand support for new mothers and more.

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EPA cuts funding for energy accessibility program

Michigan’s Solar for All program has lost its funding. It provided grants to organizations working to make solar power accessible to low-income residents across the state so they might lower energy costs and improve environmental impacts.

The state-funded residential and community solar programs used federal funds from the Environmental Protection Agency. Director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Phil Roos, announced today the EPA has canceled that funding.

Roos says the programs were set to save thousands of Michigan families an average of $400 a year in energy costs, and create 700 jobs. He says EGLE is working with the state Attorney General’s office to determine next steps.

The state had already awarded grants to Hope Village to provide 10 homes in Detroit and Highland Park with rooftop solar, to the Intertribal Council of Michigan for solar projects for a dozen homes and a community building, and to the North End Woodward Community Coalition for a “solar neighborhoods” initiative. EGLE has awarded almost $14 million of the $156 million in federal funding it was promised.

Lansing considers expanding maternal support program

State legislators today considered a bill to expand a program that supports pregnant and new mothers. RX Kids gives pregnant women $1,500 before they give birth, and $500 a month for the baby’s first six months. It started in Flint and spread to Pontiac and the eastern Upper Peninsula.

Program director Dr. Mona Hanna says the program is designed to run efficiently with few overhead costs, and to be easily scaled and replicated for communities across the state.

New DCFC stadium name announced

The Detroit City Football Club has revealed the name of its new stadium in southwest Detroit. AlumniFi Field will seat 15,000 people when it’s finished. AlumniFi Credit Union is the team’s financial partner. The stadium is set to open in 2027.

Disability dance event comes to DIA

Danceability is returning to the Detroit Institute of Arts this week. The event is free and provides a space for all bodies to enjoy dance in community. Organizers are inviting the whole community to attend this “afternoon of disability joy” Thursday from 1–4 p.m. in in the DIA’s Great Hall. Attendees are invited to wear shades of blue to “embody the sea and sky.” Cellist and composer King Sophia will provide the music. Cara Graninger will facilitate. For more information and to register, visit detroitdisabilitypower.org/danceability.

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Detroit City Football Club celebrated the naming of its new stadium with food, music, and artist renderings of the project. 

Club co-founder Sean Mann says the new grounds in southwest Detroit will be called AlumniFi Field. AlumniFi Credit Union is the team’s official financial partner.

The stadium will be located between Corktown and Mexicantown. Representatives from Mexicantown joined Mann for the announcement at The Mercado on Bagley St.  

Mann says the next step in the process is to craft a community benefits agreement with the city and surrounding neighborhoods.

“We’ve been very mindful from day 1 of creating a very neighborhood-oriented facility,” Mann says. “We’ve done over 50 informal and formal meetings with block clubs in the neighborhood.”

More than just a soccer field

Mann says the project will also include 15,000 square feet of retail space around the stadium, a 420-unit parking deck, and 76 units of affordable housing. He also says since the project is privately owned and financed, the club will pay property taxes on it.

Before crews can start building the stadium, they have to tear down the vacant Southwest Detroit Hospital. Mann says they’ve already had a few challenges, including hazardous chemicals in the water on site.

“All the water has been pumped and filtered,” he says. “Now we have to update our environmentals, and that’ll clear the way for us to start demolition shortly.”

Players and supporters react

Mann says the goal is to finish the stadium and open it in time for the club’s 15th anniversary in 2027. Team Captain Stephen Carroll says he hopes to lead Le Rouge onto the pitch. He says he hopes fans and families will be able to enjoy the stadium for generations to come.

“I have a 1-year-old son now, and hopefully he’ll be able to play in this stadium when he gets old enough” the Irish defenseman says. “It’s obviously a great step forward for this club, and the city, and the sport in general.”

DCFC has played its home matches at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck since 2016. Northern Guard Supporter Jared Coke of Livonia says it’s a step in the right direction for the club and its fans.

“And not just for our team actually, but for the whole city,” Coke says. “We love soccer, this is a soccer city.”

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we highlight a community sailing center that’s looking for help. Plus, a preview of this weekend’s sports and more.

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Sailing center seeks assistance

The Detroit Community Sailing Center is looking for support for its youth programs. The center’s mission is to spread the joy of sailing to communities who otherwise may not have the opportunity.

For years, the Challenge the Wind youth sailing program has taught hundreds of youth to sail. Staff say increased rent at the Belle Isle Boathouse, hikes in insurance premiums and increased boat maintenance costs have created financial challenges for such programs. To help them continue these efforts, visit sailingdetroit.org.

Arab and Chaldean Festival returns

This weekend, the 52nd Arab and Chaldean Festival is taking place at Hart Plaza in Detroit. On Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from noon to midnight, the public is invited to a free, family-friendly event that features a variety of ethnic foods, a cultural gallery and impressive Middle Eastern live performances. There will also be folk dancers, kid-focused activities and a fashion show. This is the largest Arab and Chaldean-American cultural event in North America. To learn more, visit arabandchaldeanfestival.com.

Shinedown to perform at LCA

Multi-platinum rock band Shinedown is stopping by the Motor City today with a performance at Little Caesars Arena. They are celebrating their album, Dance, Kid, Dance, that debuted earlier this year. English rock band BUSH and singer-songwriter Morgan Wade will open up the show. For more information, go to visitdetroit.com.

Tigers v. Blue Jays

The Detroit Tigers continue to face the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at Comerica Park as part of a four-game weekend affair. The Tigers lost to the Blue Jays 11-4 in a tough match up where the Jays turned up and didn’t look back in the 6th inning. The Tigers are still on top of the American Central Division with 60 wins and 44 losses. The Blue Jays are on top of the American Central East with 61 wins and 42 losses. First pitch for today’s game is at 7:20 p.m.

DCFC v. Westchester

The Detroit City Football Club faces the Westchester Soccer Club as a part of the USL Cup at Keyworth Stadium on Saturday, July 26. They are currently ranked third in Group D with two wins and one loss. The game starts at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 2. For more information, visit detroitcityfc.com.

Public media loses federal funding

Government funding for public media has been eliminated. That means WDET will lose $500,000 in cash and in-kind support for 2026. If you believe in fact-based journalism, community voices and music with depth — now’s the time to stand up for it.

Become one of the 1,000 additional members we need to close the gap. You’ll be supporting programs like The Detroit Evening Report. Give now at wdet.org/support.

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