Detroit anti-violence organizer Eric Ford died Monday. Ford was the founder of Detroit 300.

Police Chief Todd Bettison says Ford was a “massive voice” for Community Violence Intervention. Bettison called him a “superhero to his community” and said he will be truly missed.

Ford’s family says he died of natural causes. He was 58.

Additional headlines from Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Duggan reports city budget surplus

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says the city is ending the fiscal year with a $60 million budget surplus.

He is proposing City Council set aside a portion of that money for a Corporate Income Tax reserve. Federal spending cuts are expected to cause a shortage in the taxes collected from businesses in the city. And Duggan says tariffs have already caused a 50% drop in manufacturing income taxes.

He says council should set aside $42 million to cover these gaps, “so that next year there is no conversation about having to deal with cutbacks or deficits, the city will remain in strong financial situation.”

If approved by City Council, the city’s total cash reserves would increase to $544 million. 

Michigan Central Drone Day

Michigan Central’s Drone Day is tomorrow. Organizers promise youth workshops,‘dronut launches from the roof and the longest commercial delivery flight in the city to date.

The event will showcase a collaboration between Aerialoop, Newlab at Michigan Central, Airsapce Link and the state’s Office of Future of Mobility and Electrification and Department of Transportation.

Its drone deliveries are expected to be five times more energy efficient than delivery by electric vehicles. 

DCFC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

The Detroit City Football Club is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a special ticket package that adds a themed DCFC shirt to a game ticket purchase.

The Pablo’s Tacos Pack option gets 2 ticket holders into the club’s City Supporters section and a voucher good for 2 tacos and a drink from the Pablo’s Tacos Food Truck at Saturday’s game against Lexington SC.

Le Rouge starts a four-match homestand series against Lexington. Ballet Folklorico will perform at halftime. For more information and to buy tickets go to detcityfc.com.

Correction for recent Detroit Evening Report

Lastly… we reported earlier this month on the Carr Center’s exhibit “In the Life: Black Queerness – Looking Back, Moving Forward” presented by Mighty Real Queer Detroit. The exhibit spans a variety of media and features work from more than a dozen artists.

It is open through October 11^th at the Carr Center location at 15 E Kirby Street. Our previous report directed listeners to the wrong Carr Center location. We apologize for the error. 

If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org

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

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover the opening of a new exhibit at the Carr Center centered around Black queerness. Plus, festivals to check out this weekend and more.

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

New Carr Center exhibit showcases Black queerness

The Carr Center opened a new exhibit today called “In the Life – Black Queerness.” 13 artists share works around the theme, “Looking back, moving forward.” The show runs through October 11.

Visitors can meet the exhibit’s artists and curators on Saturday, Sep. 6 at 2 p.m. as they discuss their work, vision and creative practices.

The exhibit can be found at the Carr Center’s 15 E. Kirby Street location.

Entertainment returns to Michigan Central Station

Michigan Central’s Fridays at the Station series returns next week on Sep. 12 with DJ BJ and local singer Charity holding the music for the event. It kicks off at 5 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit michigancentral.com/events.

6 Mile Street Festival

The 6 Mile Street Festival is this Saturday, Sep. 6. It celebrates the culture and vibrance of neighborhoods along McNichols between Livernois and Wyoming, with offerings including children’s activities at the University of Detroit Mercy, specials from restaurants along the corridor, and an outdoor party at Chon’s House of Hair. Learn more at live6detroit.org.

Dally in the Alley

Dally in the Alley takes over the Cass Corridor on Saturday, Sep. 6 from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. The iconic Detroit street festival features music, food and even a dog show. Get this year’s lineup at dallyinthealley.com.

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

Editor’s Note: An edit was made on 9/16/2025 to correct the location of the “In the Life – Black Queerness” exhibit. It can be found at 15 E. Kirby St.