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.

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

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. 

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

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.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

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

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

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. 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

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

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