The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments in a major immigration case this week. The American Civil Liberties Union argues that the Trump administration’s new mandatory detention policy for immigrants, even those with pending asylum cases or without criminal records, violates their right to due process. 

ACLU Senior Attorney Miriam Aukerman says, “It’s the goal of the administration to make people so desperate because they’re detained that they’re gonna leave their families behind. And just leave the country and leave everything they’ve known. Leave their communities… their kids.” 

Most of the eleven immigrants in the case before the appeals court this week live in Michigan. Government lawyers argue they should be held until they’re deported or their immigration cases are resolved. 

-Reporting by Lindsey Smith, MPRN

Additional headlines for Monday, March 16, 2026

Hybrid transit meeting

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is hosting its monthly community input meeting. DDOT will discuss services, fares, and more. The meeting take place March 19 at 5 p.m. at the Rosa Parks Transit Center or on Zoom. 

MDHHS storm tips

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says people should be prepared for the severe weather event this week. March 15-21 is Severe Weather Awareness week. MDDHS is sharing resources for emergency preparedness, including creating an emergency plan.

Last year people in northern Michigan experienced a severe storm leaving 90,000 people without power. It was later declared a major disaster by the federal government. 

MDHHS says people can visit their Michigan Prepares website to find resources, including on reducing carbon monoxide poisoning, flood safety and food shortage. MDHHS says people can also sign up for emergency text alerts. 

New grants to boost freshwater literacy, innovative STEM education for K-12 students 

New Michigan state grants will support STEM education by allowing field trips to freshwater locations. Approximately $156,000 in funding will support freshwater literacy programs and create STEM learning opportunities for students in K-12 education. The funding will also go toward transportation costs for field trips in the 2026-2027 school year.

Faith & City Impact Summit

The City of Detroit is hosting a strategic meeting to connect Detroit clergy to city resources. The Faith & City Impact Summit will be held with Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and city officials. Attendees will learn about economic development, neighborhood support initiatives, and family programs like Rx Kids. 

The meeting takes place on Thursday March 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Greater Grace Temple located at 23500 West Seven Mile Road. To participate, RSVP by Tuesday March 17. Email Richard.White2@detroitmi.gov or call 313-618-0597. 

Skilled Trade Task Force Meeting

The City of Detroit is hosting a Skilled Trades Task Force Meeting on Wednesday. Speakers include Mary Waters, the city councilwoman at large; Renata Miller, city council member for District 5; and Denzel McCampbell, city council member for District 7.

People can attend at the IBEW Local Union 58, at 1358 Abbott St., Detroit MI 48226. The skills trade meeting takes place Wednesday March 18 from 4-6 p.m. 

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. 

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

President Trump says he won’t allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open until Canada gives him what he wants.

He didn’t specify what that is, but in a social media post, Trump threatened to prevent the opening unless Canada repays the U.S. for everything it has done for its northern neighbor. He also demanded half-ownership of the bridge, which Canada paid for.

In an interview with the Windsor Star, Mayor Drew Dilkens called the post unhinged. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026

Rx Kids supports Detroit mothers

Pregnant and new mothers who live in Detroit can now receive cash assistance with no strings attached. The payments will come from the Rx Kids program—which provides $1500 to expecting mothers and $500 a month for the first six months of their baby’s life. 

The program started in Flint and is now active in over 25 lower income communities around the state. That includes Pontiac, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Hazel Park, and Dearborn. 

Aiyash announces Michigan senate campaign

Former state Representative Abraham Aiyash has announced he plans to run for the Michigan senate. Aiyash served in the state House from 2020 to 2024. He is seeking the Democratic nomination for the District 1 seat currently filled by Erika Geiss. 

Coco Gauff donation for HCBU tennis players

Coco Gauff has donated $150,000 to the United Negro College Fund to support tennis players at HBCUs. The Michigan Chronicle reports Gauff made a similar $100,000 gift in 2025, creating the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program.  

Community Doula Workshops

The Sherwood Forest Library branch is hosting a series of Community Doula Workshops. Conversations will be centered around information and resources for new and expecting mothers, and include topics about mental health, labor and delivery advocacy and access to resources. 

The series is hosted by Penny Love Fitness. Join this week Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 11:30 a.m. at Sherwood Forest Library at 7117 West Seven Mile Road. 

Free Fishing Weekend

Valentine’s Day is not the only thing to celebrate this weekend. Free Fishing Weekend is Saturday and Sunday. This is one of two weekends during the year when people can fish without a license and without needing a recreation passport to access state parks.

All fishing regulations still apply. The next free fishing weekend is in June. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/dnr.

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

Andre “Dre” Dukes is a living example of what happens when you get a second chance in life. Dre grew up in Detroit on the eastside and watched once thriving neighborhoods collapse. 

Dre lived a rough life, growing up in Detroit riddled with gun violence and drugs. He battled addiction and spent a decade in prison. Since his release, he has changed the way he approaches life. He works at recovery centers, and with at-risk kids and teens.

He has been motivated to make an impact to ensure the next generation of young Black boys have a blueprint to follow and learn a better way to escape their issues. 

“Street-Wise & Real Talk” is an autobiographical guide for boys who simply need to feel seen and heard. It’s a fictional, age-appropriate book for at-risk youth that focuses on consequences and not glorifying crime.

Dre spoke with The Metro’s Tia Graham about “Street-Wise & Real Talk.”

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield took office on New Year’s Day. But she’s celebrating her achievement with a public swearing-in ceremony this week.

Detroit City Council members, police commissioners and the City Clerk will also take part. The ceremony at the Detroit Opera House features poetry and music performances as well.

Sheffield is the first woman ever elected mayor of Detroit. She says her team is developing an action plan for her first 100 days with input from the community. But she’s also retaining several key officials from the past mayoral administration including the corporation counsel—the city’s top lawyer—and Detroit’s fire commissioner.

Sheffield also announced today that the city will join a program that gives financial support to pregnant women and infants. The city has already raised 9 million dollars to participate in RX Kids. It’s looking for $2 million to fund the program for 3 years.

Sheffield says she hopes to secure the funding to launch the program within her first 100 days.

Additional headlines for Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

State utility regulators demand more transparency

DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and other regulated utilities in Michigan must do more to inform customers about potential rate hikes. This is because of a new order by state utility regulators.

The Michigan Public Service Commission wants to increase customer participation in utility issues, including cases that set new rates. After March, regulated electric utilities must inform customers when they asked for higher rates, and how much their bills would go up if that amount is approved.

There’s concern that this could confuse people, since rarely do utilities get their full requested amount. But supporters of the change say advance notice will let more people find out about and comment on potential rate hikes before the cases are resolved.

Gas prices

Michigan gas prices have dropped 11 cents since last week. According to the auto group AAA, you can get regular unleaded for $2.70. This new price is 18 cents less than a month ago and 44 cents less than this time last year, making this new price the lowest since February of 2021.

The US strikes in Venezuela this weekend don’t seem to have impacted oil prices just yet, according to AAA. The organization also says Venezuela crude oil exports have been limited due to the sanctions in the last couple of years.

Sports updates

NFL

The Lions beat the Chicago Bears 19-16 yesterday with a walk off field goal kick from Jake Bates, ending the season with a winning record. Now all eyes are on the off season, the NFL draft and seeing how they will bounce back for the 2026 season.

NBA

The Pistons beat the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday 114-110 and remain on top of the Eastern Conference. Their next game is today at Little Caesars against the New York Knicks and again at Little Caesars on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls.

Tip off for both is at 7:00 p.m.

NHL

The Red Wings play against the Ottawa Senators tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Red Wings are currently third in the Atlantic Division.

Carl Thomas performs

And R&B singer Carl Thomas known for his smash 2000 hit “I Wish” will be performing at Sound Board on Sunday Jan. 11, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The artist from Illinois hit the Billboard Top Hot 100 and peaked at 20. And this year marks the 26th anniversary of his debut studio album “Emotional.”

To hear Thomas live, go to soundboarddetroit.com for tickets and more information.

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