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“DDOT Now,” Detroit Paratransit’s Same-Day Service

DDOT launches same-day paratransit service for Detroiters with disabilities

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) launched a new same-day paratransit program called DDOT Now on Monday. The service allows residents with disabilities to schedule rides the day before or up to an hour in advance.

Robert Cramer, executive director of Transit, says the new program gives riders more flexibility. “The new service allows people to schedule transportation on short notice,” he said.

Paratransit services are guaranteed under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in accessing public accommodations — including transportation.

DDOT Now operates between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Riders can schedule a trip by calling 313-570-6845 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The fare is $2.50 per ride, and the program is supported by federal and local funding.

The city has recently made improvements to DDOT’s paratransit services, including better on-time performance and the hiring of additional staff

Download the PDF to learn more. 

Thousands rally in Metro Detroit as part of nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests

Tens of thousands of people rallied across Metro Detroit on Saturday as part of the national “No Kings” protests against authoritarianism.

Many demonstrators carried signs criticizing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and his decision to deploy Marines and National Guard troops to protests in Los Angeles.

At a rally in Southwest Detroit, high school student Julio Henry gave an impassioned speech in support of immigrants.

“We are here in the United States to come together,” Henry said. “Our diversity is what makes the United States the United States.”

Henry added that young people are paying attention to national politics and they’re not pleased with what they see.

“We call him so many things, the fascist, the dictator, the white supremacist, but what we all agree on is he should not be our president,” Henry said.

The event in Detroit remained largely peaceful. However, a brief altercation broke out when members of a local biker gang arrived and began harassing protesters. Detroit police quickly intervened to defuse the situation.

Reporting by Russ McNamara, WDET

MDOT to extend life of I-75 Rouge River bridge with surface treatment

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is planning a two-year project to coat the surface of the I-75 Rouge River bridge in Detroit.

Crews previously rebuilt the bridge deck in 2017 and 2018. Project engineer Bill Erben says the structure is in good shape, but additional work will help preserve it.

“Sandblasting and smoothing the concrete will make it last longer,” Erben said.

MDOT plans to close the Rouge River bridge eight times this year and eight more times in 2026, each time affecting one direction of traffic at a time.

The first closure was scheduled to begin last Friday on northbound I-75 between Schaefer Road and I-96, but the threat of rain delayed the start.

Reported by Pat Batcheller, WDET

Republican-backed budget would slash funding for U-M and MSU, expand support for other public universities

The University of Michigan could lose a significant portion of its state funding under a higher education budget passed by the Michigan House of Representatives late last week.

The plan would also reduce funding for Michigan State University, while increasing support for most of the state’s other public universities.

Republican House Appropriations Committee Chair Ann Bollin said U-M and MSU rely less on state support than other schools. She and other GOP lawmakers say they hope the proposed cuts will reduce the number of out-of-state and international students at those institutions.

The education budget bill would also eliminate funding for free K-12 school meals across the state.

Reported by Collin Jackson, Michigan Public Radio Network

Taste of Dearborn returns with food tour of 20 local restaurants

The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Taste of Dearborn event this week, offering visitors a chance to sample dishes from local restaurants.

The event takes place Wednesday, June 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Bryant Branch Library.

About 1,000 attendees are expected to tour 20 restaurants in Downtown West Dearborn.

General admission is $35, and a VIP experience is $50. Tickets are available at www.dearbornareachamber.org

In this edition of The Detroit Evening Report, new housing opens in Detroit’s Gateway Community. Plus, events around the city including theater, stargazing, drag shows and Black cinema.

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Cathedral Arts Apartments open in Detroit’s Gateway Community

The City of Detroit celebrated the grand opening of the Cathedral Arts Apartments this week. The $19.7 million development brings 53 new housing units to the Gateway Community.

The project is a partnership between MHT Housing Inc. and the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, located across the street from the new building. In addition to residential space, the development includes commercial storefronts and a workforce development hub operated by MHT. The hub will connect Detroiters to job training, internships and employment opportunities.

More information: City of Detroit press release

Around Detroit: Events and activities

ACE Family Night at The Wiz – June 24
Detroit’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) is hosting a special night at the Fisher Theatre featuring the Broadway hit The Wiz. The evening includes family-friendly activities and a Q&A with the cast starting at 6 p.m., followed by the show at 7:30 p.m. Discounted tickets are available.

Details: Detroit ACE Family Night

Northern Lights possible in Michigan – June 13–14
The aurora borealis may be visible in parts of Michigan this weekend, possibly as far south as Saginaw Bay. Best viewing times are expected to be within a couple of hours of midnight, weather permitting. Top viewing locations include Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Forecast details: Free Press article

United We Slay – June 28–29
United We Slay is a new event series featuring drag brunches, dance parties, queer mixers, and performances by talent from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Most events are free, with VIP tickets available to support the ACLU of Michigan.

More info: United We Slay on Linktree

Black Film in Focus – June 14
The Black Canon and Motor City Cinema Society present a night of cinematic storytelling at Newlab at Michigan Central. This event explores African American film history and features curated screenings from the Black Canon collection.

Event details and tickets: Michigan Central Events

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

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Bill would allow friends, family to officiate weddings

A new bill would allow friends and family members to officiate wedding ceremonies without getting ordained.

Currently, Michigan law only permits certain city officials, judges, or ordained individuals—such as ministers—to perform weddings.

State Senator Veronica Klinefelt sponsored the bill. She says some religious leaders have denied couples based on personal beliefs. She shared her own experience:

“The priest I was seeing made the determination that I shouldn’t be getting married and wouldn’t conduct the ceremony. This year, I will be married 40 years. So I don’t know that he was any more equipped to make that call than my family members who were at that wedding.”

The bill would also expand officiating privileges to township clerks and state lawmakers. It has passed in the Senate and is now headed to the House.

Detroit bike trail guide to include Gordie Howe Bridge path

The Detroit Greenways Coalition is expanding its bike trail guide to include a route across the Gordie Howe International Bridge into Canada.

The group is working with Bike Windsor Essex to compile a list of trails and attractions for cyclists on both sides of the border.

Coalition Executive Director Todd Scott said the potential for tourism is significant:

“I was at the Ontario Bike Summit recently, and they said that bike tourism in Ontario contributes $900 million to that province’s economy. That really opened my eyes to how much potential there is for expanding that bike tourism into the Detroit area.”

The guide will answer questions about cross-border documentation and differing cycling laws. It’s expected to be ready before the bridge opens later this year.

Dearborn updates food truck regulations

The City of Dearborn has revised its food truck regulations, allowing permanent operations in areas zoned for commercial and light industrial use.

The update includes requirements for proper electrical hookups, propane storage, and sanitation. Trucks will not be permitted in business districts near restaurants to protect brick-and-mortar establishments, but they may operate in public parks if they meet city standards for power and waste disposal.

The new rules take effect September 1st.

Juneteenth Black-Owned Business Market in Royal Oak

Bamboo Royal Oak is hosting its first Juneteenth Black-Owned Business Market on June 18th, celebrating Black excellence and economic empowerment.

The event features local entrepreneurs offering handcrafted jewelry, fashion, cuisine, wellness products, and more. It’s free for attendees and vendors.

The market runs from 3–8 PM. For more information, email ally@bamboocowork.com.

Dearborn Summer Market returns this Friday

The Dearborn Summer Market returns this Friday at 4:00 PM in West Downtown Dearborn.

The market highlights downtown businesses, local vendors, and free kids’ activities including face painting, balloon twisting, and caricature art.

More information is available at dearbornsummermarket.com.

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GM to invest $4B in U.S. manufacturing, reshuffle SUV and EV production

General Motors has announced plans to invest four billion dollars in U.S. manufacturing facilities over the next two years. The Detroit automaker says the investment at several factories around the country will allow it to build more than two million vehicles per year in the U.S. Such a move would help GM avoid certain tariff penalties.

The company’s Orion Township assembly plant will begin making gas-powered, full-sized SUVs and light pickup trucks. That change will shift the manufacturing of several electric SUV and pickup models to Factory Zero on the Detroit-Hamtramck border.

GM CEO Mary Barra says the moves demonstrate the company’s commitment to building vehicles and creating jobs in the U.S.

Detroit casinos see slight revenue boost in May

Detroit’s casinos are reporting slightly improved revenues for the month of May. The three casinos say revenues rose to $114 million last month—up 1.2% from May 2024.

MGM Grand held the largest share of the market at 47%, followed by MotorCity Casino at 30%, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown with 23%.

The three casinos provided $13.4 million in taxes and wagering agreement payments to the City of Detroit last month. They also paid an additional $9.1 million in taxes to the State of Michigan.

Downtown Detroit Partnership rolls out summer fun at Campus Martius

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is working to spread the word about several of its summer events. The organization will once again bring 20,000 tons of sand to downtown Detroit to create “The Beach at Campus Martius,” giving kids a chance to play—and adults a chance to relax.

Other DDP events planned for the summer include trivia nights, a beach party, Thursday markets in Cadillac Square, and live music. Campus Martius Park will also host Movie Night in the D, where attendees can enjoy films under the stars.

Heidelberg Project launches summer series with ‘Second Saturdays’

The Heidelberg Project is kicking off a series of events beginning this weekend. The organization, known for its internationally acclaimed art installation, will once again host Second Saturdays throughout the summer.

Organizers say the goal is to activate the space where the Heidelberg Project is located and bring the community together.

This weekend’s event will feature Puppet Karaoke Detroit, scheduled to run from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Tigers hold MLB’s best record after win over Orioles

The Detroit Tigers continue to set the pace for the rest of Major League Baseball. They currently hold the best record in the league, with 44 wins and 24 losses.

Detroit beat the Orioles in Baltimore last night, 5–3. The two teams face off again tonight (Wednesday), with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a celebration of African ancestors, a Detroit student facing deportation and more.

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Carnival of the Spirit returns for 25th year

Each June for the last 25 years, a ceremony has been held on Belle Isle to honor and celebrate African ancestors. The African Diaspora Ancestral Commemoration Institute of Detroit launched the Carnival of the Spirit in 2001 to “venerate” Africans lost in the Middle Passage during the slave trade.

Kefentse Chike is one of the organization’s founders. He says people from various backgrounds have found solace in the ceremony.

“When we started this, the idea was to be — I’ll use the word interfaith, for lack of a better word — but it was to be inclusive of all the various spiritual expressions of African people in the diaspora,” Chike said.

Attendees wear white and often bring items to commemorate loved ones lost. The ceremony starts at the Belle Isle Lighthouse with a procession to the river, and includes African drumming, dance and other offerings.

This year’s carnival will be at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 21.

To celebrate the carnival’s 25th anniversary, there will also be a film screening and a spiritual healing ceremony as part of this year’s festivities. The film screening takes place on Friday, June 13 at the Shrine of the Black Madonna and features a documentary exploring African spiritual traditions as well as a panel discussion with practitioners from several African faiths. The spiritual healing ceremony, Akom, takes place on Saturday, June 21 at the Detroit Food Commons. For more information, visit ADACI Detroit on Facebook.

Detroit student faces deportation

A Detroit high school student is hoping to stay in the U.S. long enough to graduate before returning to his home country, Colombia. But 18-year-old Maykol Bogoya-Duarte now faces deportation.

Chalkbeat Detroit reports police stopped the undocumented immigrant as he was driving to Lake Erie Metropark to join his classmates for a field trip on May 20. He did not have a driver’s license and officers who couldn’t speak Spanish called Customs and Border Protection, who arrested him. His lawyer says Bogoya-Duarte was already planning to leave the country voluntarily after finishing his education.

U-M updates security

The University of Michigan says it’s cutting ties with a private security company that was accused of following pro-Palestinian activists on and off campus. The school says it found the actions of one employee to be “disturbing, unacceptable and unethical.” It did not elaborate.

Neighborhoods Day continues advocate’s legacy

ARISE Detroit’s Neighborhoods Day returns on August 2, 2025.

Longtime journalist and community advocate Luther Keith founded the event and the nonprofit to help change perceptions about city neighborhoods, and show people the good things they offer. Keith died in March, but his legacy endures.

The city-wide event includes volunteer service opportunities as well as music, car shows and other activities. For more information about Neighborhoods Day, visit arisedetroit.org.

—WDET’s Pat Batcheller contributed to this report.

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

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New travel ban takes effect

President Trump’s latest travel ban targeting 12 countries—many of them Muslim-majority or located in South America and Africa—went into effect today. The proclamation blocks travel to the U.S. for individuals without a valid visa from: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Seven additional countries also face restrictions: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Last week, the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR Michigan) issued a community alert urging individuals from the affected countries to return to the U.S. by today if possible.

CAIR Michigan staff attorney Amy Doukoure says the new restrictions could have immediate consequences.

“We might also see people who have a valid visa who don’t quite make it into the United States by June 9, unable to actually enter on the visa that they’re issued. And we will definitely see people who are here on a current valid visa, being unable to travel outside of the United States and then reenter once the travel ban takes effect.” 

Doukoure says the policy mirrors previous bans issued during Trump’s first term. She warns it will likely separate families and increase anxiety among communities from the affected countries.

Local ICE protests

About 50 protesters gathered near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Detroit on Sunday, voicing opposition to the Trump administration’s mass deportation raids.

Russ McNamara reports from the protest.

Leah Checchini of Hazel Park attended the rally. She says her father immigrated from Argentina and believes everyone deserves the same opportunity.

“Just seeing everything that’s going on around me—I have a lot of friends who are in the process of getting their papers taken care of—so watching what’s happening to people like them is enraging, to say the least.”

More protests are planned in cities across the country.

Free clinic offers help with license restoration

The Michigan Department of State is hosting a free clinic to help residents restore their driver’s licenses. The Road to Restoration clinic will take place Tuesday, June 24 at the La SED Senior and Youth Center, located at 7150 Vernor Highway in Detroit. Department staff and pro bono attorneys will be on-site to assist with the process. The clinic runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walk-ins welcome between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Register at michigan.gov/r2r.

New guidelines added to Michigan’s Eat Safe Fish Guide

About 300 new recommendations have been added to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Eat Safe Fish Guide, with a renewed focus on reducing exposure to PFAS—commonly known as “forever chemicals.”

Officials say the chemicals are more harmful than previously thought. The updated guidelines outline which waterways are safe for fishing and how much of each species is safe to consume. For example, it’s considered safe to eat up to four servings of Bluegill per month from the Detroit River, but Bluegill from Belleville Lake should be completely avoided due to elevated PFAS levels.

Because PFAS are found in the fish fillet, simply trimming fat won’t reduce exposure. However, poking holes in the skin and grilling or broiling the fish can help lower the risk.

You can find the full Eat Safe Fish Guide at michigan.gov.

Reporting by Emma George-Griffin

Fall prevention resources available for Michigan seniors

Several groups are coming together to offer fall prevention resources for seniors. Each year, about 30 percent of Michiganders 65 and older report falling in their homes.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Aging, Community Living and Supports Health Services, the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition, and Oakland University have partnered to connect people with health care providers, community organizations, and fall prevention resources.

People can explore safety planning tools, physical wellness services, and daily life support online at mi211.org. You can also call 211 for help finding resources.

The website was made possible by a $408,000 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund Healthy Aging initiative.

Learn more at mifallsprevention.org.

Detroit’s “largest and oldest literary nonprofit,” InsideOut Literary Arts, celebrated its 30-year anniversary last week by unveiling a new Detroit City Walls mural along the Avenue of Fashion.

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The mural was designed by artist Oshun Williams and inspired by InsideOut student poet Charisma Holly. It features a quote from her poem entitled “If I wake up in Detroit 25 years in the future,” which reads “In the Detroit City, the D has always been for dreams.”

The mural is located on the side of the Yoshi Hibachi Grille on Livernois Avenue along Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion.

“Detroit is where I was born and raised,” Holly said. “I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be a part of this mural project because Detroit is truly the place where I learned to dream big.”

Other headlines for Friday, June 6, 2025:

• Money Matters for Youth is looking for help to keep their student trip to Washington D.C. alive.
• Motor City Pride is taking over downtown this weekend, June 7-8 at Hart Plaza, with the parade beginning at noon on Sunday.
• The city celebrated the opening of the Orchard Village Apartments with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, bringing 48 affordable units across four buildings to the Old Redford neighborhood.
• Michigan’s First Native American Music and Cultural Festival, Vibes With the Tribes, is coming to the Russell Industrial Center this Saturday, June 7, with doors opening at 2 p.m.

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

The Arbor Day Foundation has renewed Dearborn’s “Tree City USA” status for its efforts to maintain a healthy tree canopy. 

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Timothy Hawkins, Dearborn’s public works director, says the city has kept the title for 38 years. 

“We continually make the investment to be a Tree City, and we continually plant more than we remove to maintain our tree city status,” Hawkins said.

He says the city planted 1,200 trees in 2024 and removed about a 1,000 due to disease or construction.

To qualify for Tree City USA status, cities must adhere to the standards laid out by the Arbor Day Foundation, including maintaining a dedicated department for tree management, passing a tree care ordinance, and spending a minimum of $2 per capita annually on its forestry program.

“We’re proud of this designation and plan on keeping our status as a Tree City USA community for many years to come,” said Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud in a news release. “We understand the importance of trees not just to our neighborhoods, but to public health and air quality, which is why we’re intentional in our tree planting efforts.”

Other headlines for Thursday, June 5, 2025:

• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says there’s an increase in recreational nitrous oxide use, or laughing gas, leading to more emergency room visits.
• Detroit’s Kronk Gym is making its return to the city under new management and at a new location — the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center.
• Smoke from Canadian wildfires will linger over metro Detroit through the first half of the day on Friday. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued air quality alerts for the entire Lower Peninsula and the eastern Upper Peninsula.
• Outlier Media is hosting an audio recording training with Detroit Documenter and assistant producer for WDET’s The Metro, Jack Filbrandt. The training will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Tech Town.

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

A group of Democratic state lawmakers is calling for an expansion of Michigan’s civil rights law to specifically include protections against antisemitism.

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This is following recent acts of alleged antisemitic violence in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.

The legislation would add the word “ethnicity” to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act’s wide range of protected characteristics that already include “religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or source of income.”

Supporters say they view recent incidents of violence against Jewish people — some of which have been labeled by police and the alleged perpetrators as alleged antisemitic violence in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. to protests of Israel’s actions in Gaza — as evidence that antisemitism deserves to be specifically included in the civil rights law.

An annual survey by the America Jewish Committee found roughly a third of Jews in the U.S. say they have been target of antisemitism, and an Anti-Defamation League report found antisemitic incidents reached a record high last year.

“There is a tremendous conflict going on that has evoked a lot of emotions, but when Jews here are subject to harassment, intimidation and incitement of violence, that is antisemitic,” Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) told Michigan Public Radio. “Jews should be able to be safe in this country where they stand.”

State Rep. Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield) is a lead sponsor of the bill. He said the concept of “collective guilt” is an antisemitic trope that has been resuscitated.

“The idea of collective responsibility, collective punishment, used to be thought of as racist,” he said. “Now, suddenly, all American Jews — and frequently not just American Jews, but Jews in France, Jews in the U.K., Canada, are being held collectively responsible for the actions — right or wrong, agree or disagree — of the government of the state of Israel.”

A United Nations special committee investigating Israel’s warfare in Gaza found last year that it was “consistent with the characteristics of genocide, with mass civilian casualties and life-threatening conditions intentionally imposed on Palestinians there.”

The Jewish population of the U.S. has been split in its attitude toward Israel and its war on Gaza after a Hamas-led attack killed more than 1,100 Israelis.

Arbit said politicians on the right and the left have failed to stand up against antisemitism. He said an expansion of the civil rights law would show elected officials are taking the new rise of antisemitism seriously.

Other headlines for Wednesday, June 4, 2025:

• Last week, the Trump administration paused funding for all Job Corps centers — a decades old residential career training program. A group of Michigan Democrats sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor urging them to reverse the order, stating the move has left staff and students scrambling. 
• Former University of Michigan president Santa Ono left Ann Arbor expecting to become the president of the University of Florida. However, that’s not going to happen, as the board that oversees the sunshine state’s public universities rejected Ono’s appointment, overruling the school’s own board of trustees, which approved his appointment in May.
• The Department of Natural Resources is inviting Michiganders to take advantage of free fishing, ORVing and state park entry during “Three Free” weekend June 7-8. 
• The city of Detroit’s Retirees Task Force is hosting a hybrid meeting from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Friday, June 6, at the Coleman Young Municipal Center.

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

Experts say Medicaid cuts passed by the U.S. House could result in millions of people losing health care — including more than 700,000 people in Michigan. 

Michigan resident Janae Wouldfolk says the cuts would change her life. A union liaison for AFSCME Local 140 who has worked at the Detroit Medical Center for 27 years, Wouldfolk cares for her 74-year-old mother and 19-year-old disabled son, Shemar.

On today’s episode of the Detroit Evening Report, she spoke with WDET’s Sascha Raiyn about her concerns. 

Wouldfolk says she’s used the knowledge she’s gained as an advocate and caregiver to help coworkers who needed help with health care coverage for themselves or loved ones. She says she knows many families who will be deeply impacted by the Medicaid cuts.

“You know, it’s a lot. It’s a struggle and if they do cut it, it’ll be a disaster,” she said.

The House passed the Trump administration budget last month. The bill will move to the Senate for a vote this week.

Other headlines for Tuesday, June 3, 2025:

• The Department of Homeland Security has agreed to restore the visas of four international college students — two at Wayne State and two at the University of Michigan. The American Civil Liberties Union sued the government, which has stripped visas from thousands of students across the country this spring and threatened to deport them. A federal judge dismissed the case after the Trump administration agreed not to terminate their status based solely on cursory background checks.
• Tiff Massey’s “Baby Bling” will be added to the Detroit Institute of Arts’ permanent collection. DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons broke the news on WDET’s The Metro on Monday. Baby Bling is one of the pieces featured in Massey’s year-long “7 Mile + Livernois” exhibit that closed at the museum in May. After the success of the exhibit, the museum says it plans to re-install its contemporary African American galleries in a more prominent location near Diego Rivera Court in October. 

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

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we highlight the Detroit Fire Department’s new Nurse Navigation program, a luxury hotel coming to Michigan Central Station, and the latest closure in the Bobcat Bonnie’s restaurant chain.

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Detroit Fire plans nurse triage program to ease ambulance demand

The Detroit Fire Department hopes its new “Nurse Navigation” program will help reduce response times.

Instead of dispatching an ambulance for minor calls, a third-party service would connect those calls to certified nurses via telehealth.

The department handled 158,000 medical runs last year, with 40% classified as Code Threes — less serious calls.

Fire Commissioner Charles Simms says the program would help free up ambulances to respond to higher-priority emergencies.

“If we have, you know, 40 ambulances out there per day, but a large majority are responding to Code Threes, they may not be readily available for Code Ones and Code Twos. This program will allow them to be ready to respond to just Code Ones and Twos.”

Simms explains that Code One and Two calls are more severe, life-threatening emergencies like chest pain or cardiac arrest. A Code Three call might be something like a sprained ankle or knee pain.

A dispatcher would connect Code Three calls to a nurse, who would guide the patient through their options.

“That dedicated nurse will talk to the patient to determine whether they need telehealth care, can manage with self-care, or should go to urgent care — and guide them through that process.”

Nurses would also help arrange appointments with primary care physicians and could even order free transportation.

City Council approved $650,000 to launch the Nurse Navigation program. Simms says they’re still looking for a third-party provider, and the program is expected to launch in early 2026.

Luxury hotel coming to Michigan Central Station in 2027

Luxury hospitality brand NoMad will open a hotel inside Michigan Central Station in 2027. The hotel will have 180 rooms and occupy the top five floors of the building. It will include 30 suites, a wellness facility, a restaurant, and a bar.

Brand officials say they plan to showcase local artists and makers throughout the hotel and guest rooms.

Ford Motor Co. led the restoration of the train station after it sat empty for 30 years. Company officials say the hotel is the next vital step in the redevelopment.

Bobcat Bonnie’s closes Ferndale location

Ferndale restaurant Bobcat Bonnie’s closed its doors today. It’s the latest shutdown for the small chain.

In March, Bobcat Bonnie’s closed its Corktown location after 10 years in business. Other locations in Wyandotte, Ypsilanti, Clinton Township, and Grand Rapids have also closed over the past year. Plans to open a Kalamazoo location have been scrapped.

The Ferndale location will sell all its furniture, dishware, art, and other items on Tuesday, June 3. Lansing is now the chain’s only remaining location.

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Governor Whitmer at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Pride Month kickoff and a free meditation workshop.

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Whitmer outlines top goals before leaving office

The 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference is coming to an end, and Governor  Gretchen Whitmer is outlining her top priorities before leaving office.

Securing a semiconductor plant by the end of 2026, she says, would help Michigan stay competitive in the age of artificial intelligence. Whitmer added that it would also make Michigan an economic magnet — one she imagines could help grow the state’s population. She said she’ll be seeking federal support to make it happen.

Tackling childhood literacy is another priority. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only a quarter of Michigan’s 4th graders can read at a proficient level.

And of course, the “fix the damn roads” governor emphasized the need for a sustainable, long-term plan to fund road repairs. Whitmer stressed that while challenges remain, bipartisanship is still possible.

Ferndale kicks off Pride Month celebrations

June is right around the corner, which means Pride Month is almost here — and Ferndale Pride is kicking things off on May 31. According to organizers, the event strives to support and uplift all LGBTQ+ communities. Expect live musical performances, drag shows, food, a variety of vendors, and a kids’ area. For more information, visit ferndalepride.com.

Free sound bowl meditation on the riverfront

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the month is wrapping up, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting a Sound Bowl Meditation Workshop on June 5. It’ll take place at Gabriel Richard Park and introduce attendees to basic techniques and the science behind sound healing. Best of all — it’s free, which is the perfect price for peace of mind. Just bring a yoga mat or blanket. For more information, visit detroitriverfront.org.

On this episode of Detroit Evening Report Weekends, we listen to the last story in WDET reporter Nargis Rahman’s series Shustho. 

The four-part series explores the barriers Bangladeshi women face in accessing high-quality health care, and efforts to bridge those gaps. 

Michigan is home to the third largest population of Bangladeshis in the U.S., most living in the metro Detroit area. 

In this story, we discuss how Bangladeshi mental health care workers are working toward breaking the stigma and filling the gap for more counselors in the Bangladeshi community. 

Listen to the episode using the media player above. 

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In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Detroit parks national ranking, Sister Pie temporarily closing, community milestones, and hepatitis screening and vaccines.

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Detroit climbs to 58th in national park ranking, praised for access and equity

Detroit parks ranked 58 on the Trust for Public Land’s 2025 Parkscore Index. That’s up from the 65 spot the city held last year. The ranking is based on five categories: acreage, access, amenities, investment, and equity. Detroit received high marks for park access, with 84 percent of Detroiters living within a 10-minute walking distance of a park. The city also scored well in equity and park amenities. Detroit has more than 300 parks, with 14 regional parks of at least 50 acres, including Belle Isle and Palmer Park. 

Sister Pie to temporarily close as owner plans a period of rest and reinvention

Detroit Baker Sister Pie is temporarily closing after experiencing some financial struggles. Owner Lisa Ludwinski announced on the company’s Instagram the business will close and  “enter a period of rest and radical reconfiguration, of exploration and experimentation.” Sister Pie will still host occasional pop-up events and continue with special orders and classes. Sister Pie opened in 2015 in West Village. Ludwinski released a cookbook in 2018 that topped the New York Times best baking books of the year. 

Windsor park honors Mary E. Bibb with new gateway arch

The Mary E. Bibb Park in Windsor, Ontario unveiled a gateway arch honoring the journalist. She and her husband, Henry, launched the first black newspaper in Canada called the Voice of the Fugitive in 1851. The publication was the first antislavery newspaper published in Canada by people of African descent. Bibb was also an abolitionist, educator, artist, and seamstress. A request was made in 2020 by the Friends of the Court-Mackenzie Hall which is adjacent to the park to rename it in Bibb’s honor. The Friends of the Court commissioned the design, fabrication and installation of the gateway arch, with financial support from the Gordie Howe International Bridge’s community organization investment fund.  

Feast of Resistance celebrates Asian comfort food and community milestones this Saturday

The nonprofit, Rising Voices, is hosting their annual Feast of Resistance this Saturday at the ACA Community Center in Madison Heights. The community potluck is a tribute to Asian and Asian American comfort foods. This year is the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian American refugees immigrating to Michigan, the 20th anniversary of the ACA Community Center, and the fifth anniversary of Rising Voices. The event is free to attend. Potluck dishes are encouraged but not required. It starts at 5:30 p.m. at 32585 Concord Drive in Madison Heights. 

Michigan health officials urge testing and vaccination during Hepatitis Awareness Month

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents to get tested and vaccinated. Viral hepatitis can cause inflammation to the liver and liver cancer. People who have the virus can go many years without feeling sick, and wont be alerted until advance stages of the disease. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have the virus. The health department recommends vaccination against hepatitis for people of all ages, including children and infants. 

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Politicians converge on Mackinac Island

The Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference is underway on Mackinac Island. Hundreds of politicians, business executives and non-profit leaders are spending the week talking to one another…strategizing for the future of the region and networking. Key topics include panel discussions on economic development and education. U-S Senate candidates will introduce themselves and their ideas for next year’s election. Three Democrats are taking part in that panel. They include former Detroit Health Director Abdul El-Sayed, State Senator Mallory McMorrow and Congresswoman Haley Stevens.

For Detroiters, one of the highlights of the Mackinac Policy Conference will be a forum that will include the city’s mayoral candidates. Stephen Henderson and Nolan Finley will moderate the panel. Five candidates will take part in the event:

• City Council President Mary Sheffield
• Council Member Fred Durhal
• Former City Council President Saunteel Jenkins
• Pastor Soloman Kinlock
• Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig

Turmoil in Hamtramck

The Hamtramck city council has put city manager Max Garbarino on paid administrative leave. Mayor Amer Ghalib and others criticized Garbarino’s decision to suspend Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri last week.

Garbarino told the Detroit News that an officer accused the chief of working with an associate of President Donald Trump to bribe the president in exchange for pardoning a federal prisoner. Altaheri denies the allegations. The officer has also been suspended. The mayor who is Trump’s pick to be ambassador to Kuwait, also referenced secretly-recorded audio of the chief arguing with his wife.

The council has temporarily appointed financial officer Aamir Ahsan as city manager.

Stellantis names Antonio Filosa as next CEO

Stellantis has found its next leader in-house. The automaker is promoting its chief quality officer Antonio Filosa to chief executive officer. He’ll replace Carlos Tavares, who resigned last year. Filosa is also the company’s chief operating officer for the Americas. He’ll take over as CEO next month when he’ll announce his leadership team.

Tigers stay hot with league-leading record

The Detroit Tigers remain atop Major League Baseball’s American League. The team had a record of 37 wins and 20 losses at the beginning of the day. The Tigers are on a four game winning streak. They’re playing the final game in a three-game homestand series against the San Francisco Giants. The Tigers have the day off before starting a weekend series against the Royals in Kansas City.

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover lingering building vacancies downtown, brewery closures, sports updates and more.

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Vacant buildings linger downtown

Although private developers have renovated many big and empty buildings in Detroit, there are still more buildings that could use a facelift.

Some buildings that have been successfully adapted and revitalized to serve a new purpose is Book Tower (the former Book-Cadillac hotel), the David Whitney Building (which is now a hotel and apartment building), and the old Detroit Free Press building (which is now upscale housing).

According to reporting from The Detroit Free Press, there are 10 big and empty downtown buildings that are still in need of a transformation, such as the Executive Plaza (across from the Greyhound station), the Old Wayne County Building, and the 40-story office building known as Cadillac Tower.

All of these vacant buildings are at different stages of negotiations and planning, but according to the firm HMC Architects, repurposing old builidings can help communities fill needs in housing, boosting local economy and improving public safety.

Michigan breweries face closures

There is growing concern among the Michigan craft brewery scene due to some recent closures across the state. The closing of breweries like Loaded Dice in Troy, Three Gatos in Wyoming and Creston Brewery in Grand Rapids have dissappointed patrons and put pressure on the remaining brewers because of rising costs of materials and labor.

According to the Michigan Brewers Guild, Michigan’s craft beer scene is still robust and says breweries around the country are dealing with the same issue as Michigan.

Workshop explores movement and memory

The Arab American National Museum invites the community to participate in a workshop called “Blood Memory” this weekend.

The event is the brainchild of artist-in-residence Sarah Dahkne. Her work investigates “ancestral memory through movement, moving image and sound.” Sunday’s workshop, “Blood Memory: The Stories We Carry” brings community into that investigation to consider, what stories live inside the body? Does the body have knowledge that our words cannot explain? Participants will explore group and personal movement.

All ages and abilities are welcome – no movement experience is necessary. The event is Sunday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tickets are available at arabamericanmuseum.org.

Rising golf star makes PGA Tour debut in Detroit

Michael La Sasso, a University of Mississippi junior who won the NCAA individual national championship on Monday in California, is making his PGA Tour debut in Detroit.

La Sasso will be playing at the Rocket Classic at the Detroit Golf Club in June. College golf players can earn exemptions to play in PGA Tour tournaments, primarily through PGA Tour University. La Sasso is the third current player to get an exemption for the 2025 Rocket Classic, along with Michigan State golfer Ashton McCulloch. The Rocket Classic gets up to eight sponsor’s exemptions.

The tournament is set for June 26–29, 2025.

Detroit Grand Prix to return Friday

Detroit Grand Prix is coming up this Friday, May 30. The weekend affair will be held in downtown Detroit. You can expect various racing series including IndyCar, IMSA and Indy NXT. Organizers are saying that this year’s race will continue to have the vibrant atmosphere and diverse lineup of racers that fans know and love.

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

On this episode of Detroit Evening Report Weekends, we hear a local woman’s story of discovering and trying to address her mother’s hoarding.

Brenda McGadney says her work as a social worker focused on gerontology did not prepare her to identify her mother as a hoarder or to address it.

Hoarding disorder affects about 3% of the population. Older adults and people who experience depression and anxiety are more susceptible to the condition than others.

McGadney told WDET’s Sascha Raiyn that she turned to family, clergy and community professionals for help. They weren’t prepared to help either. Now, McGadney is working to increase awareness about the disorder and to advocate for a Hoarders Task Force in Wayne County.

Listen to the episode using the media player above.

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Holiday travelers planning to venture up north for some time outdoors this weekend may be met with potential hazards and changes to the landscape following a recent ice storm, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

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The DNR says several trees and power poles snapped or fell over under the weight of an inch or more of ice during the severe northern Michigan storm in March, affecting nearly 1 million acres of state forest land.

The agency is warning those who haven’t traveled to the area since the storm that it may look different, and to look out for hazards or closures as a result.

“Crews have been working hard to reopen forest roads and trails and repair state facilities, and they’ve made a lot of progress so far,” said Kerry Heckman, public information officer for the DNR Ice Storm Response Team, in a statement. “We know everyone wants to get outside to enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors, and we want that, too. But it’s critical to use caution, steer clear of closed areas and be fully aware of your surroundings.”

Visit the DNR’s Ice Storm Response page for the latest closure information about state parks, trails, boating access sites and state forest campgrounds.

Other headlines for Friday, May 23, 2025:

• Many in Detroit will be celebrating Memorial Day weekend at Movement Festival, and this year the city’s first cannabis pop-up will be in the mix. having its first cannabis pop up during the festival. The Trap, presented by JARS, will be open from noon to 10 p.m. May 24–26, at 154 W Larned St., Detroit.
  
• It’s going to be a busy weekend in the Motor City. We have the Movement Electronic Movement Festival May 24-26, Detroit Tigers games against the Cleveland Guardians; The Weeknd is performing at Ford Field May 24-25, and much more. For that reason, the city is encouraging folks to plan parking in advance and to use public transportation when possible. 
  

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

A recent survey from a Detroit researcher has revealed that Black women disproportionately experience evictions in the city.

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Dr. Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson, a social epidemiologist at Ohio State University — and native Detroiter — surveyed nearly 1,500 Black women in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties for the Social Epidemiology to Combat Unjust Residential Evictions (SECURE) Study. She found that more than half of the women who said they experienced eviction were forced out of their homes illegally.

A quarter of the participants said they were evicted during childhood. She also says the number of children a woman has increases their chances of eviction. 

“Eviction is not just a housing issue — it’s a public health crisis. It disrupts families and communities and causes intergenerational trauma,” Sealy-Jefferson wrote.

Other headlines for Thursday, May 22, 2025:

• Entrepreneurs looking to open a small business in Detroit may soon see less red tape. Two ordinances will be presented to city council this week aimed at streamlining business licensing in Detroit. The reforms will include eliminating the business licenses for restaurants and extending the permits to two years for other businesses.
• Many families are struggling to meet their basic needs in Wayne County, according to the latest ALICE Report from the Michigan Association of United Ways. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. The organization found that just over half of households in Wayne County experienced financial instability in 2023. The rates were 38% in Macomb County and 31% in Oakland County.
• The Department of Insurance and Financial Services is warning residents to be wary of people offering services for repairs after a storm. Scammers often appear after disasters, promising quick repairs and asking for cash up front or refusing to give ID.
• The Belle Isle Conservancy shared plans for a public square at the park with the City Council this week. The conservancy and the state are wrapping up a preliminary design this month for the Belle Isle Commons.

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