detroit news

BasBlue, a Detroit community hub supporting women and gender-diverse individuals, has launched a free weekly Community Supper program to address growing food insecurity affecting city residents. The initiative responds to increased grocery costs, reduced SNAP benefits, and strained household budgets by offering complimentary Monday dinners from 5-7 p.m. without any eligibility requirements or paperwork. Local Detroit chefs, including teams from Folk Detroit, Baobab Fare, and Fried Chicken and Caviar, prepare rotating menus that celebrate the city's diverse culinary traditions. The program has already served over 100 meals and operates with support from Plum Market, providing a dignified, welcoming space where families, elders, and individuals can gather for nourishment and community connection. # Key Takeaways

Fred Durhal Jr., a highly respected Michigan legislator and community advocate, died at age 73 on November 19, 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy of public service spanning several decades. Throughout his career serving Detroit in the Michigan House of Representatives from various districts and terms, including 2008-2014 as Dean Emeritus, Durhal earned recognition for his compassionate advocacy for working-class families, marginalized populations, and Detroit's most vulnerable residents. His leadership extended beyond legislation to community revitalization efforts, youth programs, and affordable housing initiatives, while he maintained a reputation for integrity and bipartisan cooperation. The father of current Detroit City Councilmember Fred Durhal III, he is remembered by family, colleagues, and former political opponents alike as a mentor, tireless fighter for equity and justice, and devoted family man who exemplified genuine commitment to improving lives in his community. # Key Takeaways

The Rx Kids program, which provides direct cash payments to expectant and new mothers, has expanded to six Wayne County communities but excludes Detroit due to jurisdictional reasons. The initiative offers eligible mothers $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for six months after birth, targeting areas with high child poverty rates. Detroit was not included because it operates its own independent health department, while the county-administered program only serves municipalities without their own health departments. Since launching in Flint in 2024, the program has distributed $17 million to over 3,900 families and will now serve 17 Michigan municipalities total. Wayne County selected the six participating cities—River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn—based on demonstrated need and their reliance on county health services.

Australian mining company Fortescue has cancelled construction of a $210 million electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Detroit's Milwaukee Junction neighborhood, eliminating 600 promised jobs that would have paid over $45,000 annually. The company attributed the cancellation to uncertainty created by recent changes to federal clean energy tax credits included in a Republican-led budget bill. Democratic lawmakers, including State Senator Stephanie Chang, are demanding accountability and criticizing the cancellation as a major setback for local employment, environmental improvements, and Detroit's clean energy manufacturing ambitions. Michigan and Detroit officials had offered approximately $23.7 million in combined tax and brownfield incentives to attract the project, which would have converted the former Fisher Body plant into an advanced manufacturing center for EV chargers, batteries, and hydrogen generators. # Key Takeaways

A $29.3 million affordable senior housing development has opened on the site of Michigan's only Historically Black College and University in Detroit's northwest side. The Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village features 105 income-restricted apartments for seniors, combining two restored historic buildings from the original Lewis College of Business campus with new construction. The development serves residents earning between 30% and 80% of area median income, with rents ranging from $468 to $1,408 monthly depending on unit size and building type. Financing came primarily through federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and various state, city, and private sources, transforming the long-vacant Meyers Road campus into active community housing while honoring Dr. Lewis's educational legacy.

The City of Detroit, along with development partners MHT Housing and Kirsten's Touch led by Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, has initiated construction on four buildings that will create 211 affordable housing units on previously vacant property adjacent to the historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center. The $83 million development includes 159 affordable housing units across three buildings (Brewster I, II, and III) serving residents earning 30-80% of area median income, plus 52 permanent supportive housing units at The Sanctuary at Brewster specifically designed for homeless individuals with wraparound services. Financing comes from multiple sources including Michigan State Housing Development Authority tax credits, Comerica Bank's $40 million investment, and various other banking and community development partners. The project, scheduled for completion in 2027, also includes the restoration of the historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center where the KRONK Gym will reopen, with that facility targeting a 2026 completion date. # Key Takeaways

The National Entrepreneurs Association (NEA), led by Dr. ZaLonya Allen, hosted its 2025 conference at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield on October 24th, focusing on the theme of "Collaboration." The full-day event brought together business owners, leaders, and innovators for eight breakout sessions covering critical business topics such as marketing strategies, artificial intelligence, funding, cybersecurity, and mental health. Keynote presentations were delivered by former NFL player Jon Jansen on media collaboration and Paula Tutman on the power of working together, while attendees networked over lunch and participated in panel discussions. The conference successfully facilitated meaningful business connections and partnerships, with sponsors including Comerica Bank, Lawrence Technological University, and the City of Southfield supporting the NEA's mission to provide entrepreneurs with resources and networking opportunities to grow their businesses.

Comerica Bank hosted a Día del Niño (Children's Day) celebration in Detroit, partnering with the Detroit Institute of Arts and Latino Press to honor the traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on the last day of April. The event brought together over 100 students from Harms Elementary School in Southwest Detroit for art appreciation, financial literacy education, and cultural activities. Since launching its Día del Niño initiative in 2021 with a small donation drive in Dallas, Comerica has expanded the program to impact more than 7,000 children and families across multiple communities over five years. The bank's efforts earned an Honorable Mention for Volunteerism from the ABA Foundation's Community Commitment Awards, marking Comerica's third consecutive year receiving recognition from the foundation for various community programs. # Key Takeaways

The Better Business Bureau of Michigan held its 2025 Torch Awards for Ethics Luncheon on November 10 at Schoolcraft College, celebrating businesses that demonstrate exceptional integrity and ethical practices. The event featured keynote speaker Mark S. Lee and was hosted by investigative reporter Rob Wolchek, with finalists representing Michigan businesses from across the state competing in six categories. A significant highlight was Comerica Bank's recognition for achieving 100 years of BBB accreditation, making it only the sixteenth business nationwide to reach this milestone, while McNaughton-McKay Electric Company celebrated 75 years. BBB of Michigan's CEO Lisa Frohnapfel also announced upcoming AI-driven training programs and the organization's first AI Summit planned for next year to help businesses adapt to evolving technologies. # Key Takeaways

The BUILD Institute, a Detroit-based entrepreneurship support organization founded in 2012, has announced it will pause operations at the end of 2025 to reassess its mission delivery, programming, and business model. Since its inception, BUILD has graduated over 1,700 participants focused on underrepresented entrepreneurs, with alumni generating approximately $56 million in annual labor income and supporting more than 560 operational businesses in Detroit. The organization will continue all scheduled programming through December 2025 to honor existing commitments while exploring new partnership models and approaches to serve its network of over 3,000 alumni. The board frames this decision as a strategic recalibration rather than a failure, responding to shifting funding landscapes and the evolving needs of Detroit's neighborhood-based business ecosystem. # Key Takeaways

The 12th Annual Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp, organized by Fresh Perspectives Seminars, will take place in Southfield, Michigan on November 28-29, 2025, to help Metro Detroit families navigate college financing challenges. Founded by scholarship expert Gwen Thomas, known as "The Scholarship Guru," the event has previously assisted over 10,000 students in securing more than $30 million in scholarships. This year's programming will address current obstacles in college funding, including reduced financial aid availability and changing admissions requirements, while providing practical guidance on test preparation, essay writing, and financial literacy. The bootcamp aims to prevent families from falling into debt traps and predatory lending situations by teaching them how to access scholarships and understand the college financing system properly.

Covenant House Michigan will host its 12th annual Sleep Out event on November 20th in Detroit, where participants will spend a night sleeping on cardboard and tarps to raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness. The event comes as Michigan reported over 35,000 homeless students during the 2023-2024 school year, many of whom struggle to maintain focus on education while lacking stable housing. Since 1997, Covenant House Michigan has served more than 80,000 young people aged 18-24, providing not just emergency shelter but comprehensive services including education support, job training, mental health care, and housing assistance. The overnight gathering will include a candlelight vigil, discussions about root causes of youth homelessness, and conversations with young people who have experienced housing instability. Proceeds from the event support the organization's round-the-clock programs that last year provided over 29,500 nights of shelter and helped 160 youth secure stable housing.

Wayne County has introduced the Rx Kids initiative with a $7.5 million investment to address maternal and infant health challenges by providing direct cash payments to expectant mothers in economically distressed areas. The program offers eligible pregnant women $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for their baby's first six months across six selected communities: River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn. This local launch follows Michigan lawmakers' approval of $250 million in state funding to expand Rx Kids statewide in the upcoming budget cycle. The initiative, originally piloted in Flint in 2024, has already distributed $17 million to nearly 4,000 families and now operates in 17 Michigan communities showing positive maternal and infant health outcomes.

Detroit City Council unanimously voted to maintain the temporary suspension of Gayanga Co., a demolition contractor owned by Brian McKinney, amid serious allegations of environmental violations and financial misconduct. Testing revealed that 47 out of 51 demolition sites where the company used backfill dirt exceeded state pollution limits, with nearly 30 sites considered unsafe for human contact, allegedly due to contaminated soil from Northland Mall. The company owes subcontractors over $1 million in unpaid work and operated without required bonding, leaving vendors with little recourse to recover their money. The scandal has drawn additional scrutiny because McKinney briefly dated Council President and Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield in 2019, before the city approved millions in contracts with his company.

A women's basketball team is returning to Detroit in 2029, with "Shock" being one of several names under consideration by the ownership group led by Hadad. The Detroit City Council unanimously approved a brownfield tax abatement worth up to $34.5 million to cover cleanup costs for a 75,000-square-foot practice facility and youth sports complex at the contaminated former Uniroyal site on East Jefferson Avenue. While the original Detroit Shock won three WNBA championships before relocating to Tulsa in 2008 and later becoming the Dallas Wings, the "Shock" name is currently owned by Ryan Reed, president of a struggling semi-pro league, who has reportedly had discussions with the WNBA about potentially releasing it. Some community activists oppose the tax financing structure, arguing it allows developers to avoid community benefits requirements while using public resources. # Key Takeaways

Detroit will become the nation's only city hosting a film festival exclusively for HBCU student filmmakers when Autumn Sun presents its three-day event in November 2025. The festival will showcase work from student directors, writers, producers, and visual artists representing more than a dozen historically Black colleges and universities across various film genres. An awards ceremony at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will honor outstanding films and filmmakers, drawing attention from arts leaders and industry professionals. The initiative, supported by Detroit's mayor and City Council, aims to establish the city as a creative pipeline for emerging Black film talent while providing students critical early-career visibility, networking opportunities, and professional development through workshops and industry meetings.

The article warns against naming minor children as direct beneficiaries on financial accounts and life insurance policies, as this practice can create significant legal complications rather than avoiding them. While such designations bypass probate initially, financial institutions typically require courts to appoint a conservator to manage funds for minors, resulting in court supervision, delays, and restricted access until the child turns eighteen. The author illustrates this problem through the example of Jill, a single mother whose sudden death leaves her children with substantial benefits that her mother cannot access without court involvement. To avoid these issues, the article recommends establishing trusts or using Michigan UTMA accounts, which allow designated adults to manage funds for minors without court interference.

JPMorgan Chase has announced that its combined business and philanthropic investments in Detroit have exceeded $2 billion since 2014, marking a major milestone in the company's commitment to the city's revitalization. The financial institution has appointed Katrina Chaves as its new Global Philanthropy Program Officer for Detroit to help guide future investments and partnerships in the community. Chaves brings extensive experience from Detroit's public sector, including previous work with the city's Housing and Revitalization Department, and most recently with Trust Neighborhoods, a national nonprofit focused on mixed-income housing. The firm's philanthropic efforts concentrate on affordable housing, neighborhood commercial development, small business support, and workforce development programs aimed at creating economic opportunities for Detroit residents. # Key Takeaways

Rolling Out, a media brand with 25 years of experience in Black cultural marketing, has launched Rolling Out Music, an integrated music and cultural marketing platform rather than a traditional record label. The venture combines its acquired MusicXchange technology platform with Rolling Out's existing influencer networks, event production capabilities, and film studio to create a comprehensive ecosystem connecting artists, brands, and audiences. The platform debuts with holiday song "This Winter" featuring R&B artist Kevin Ross and offers Fortune 500 companies multiple partnership opportunities including sponsorships, influencer campaigns, and content integration. Rolling Out Music aims to provide brands with authentic cultural access while empowering artists through transparent partnerships and diverse distribution channels across major markets.

The Detroit City Council has unanimously approved brownfield tax incentives worth $34.5 million for a development project that will bring a WNBA franchise to the city on a contaminated former Uniroyal manufacturing site along the Detroit River. The project includes a $50 million WNBA practice facility and headquarters, plus a separate youth sports development academy to be run by a nonprofit organization. By structuring the WNBA facility as a standalone $50 million project, developers avoided triggering Detroit's Community Benefits Ordinance requirements that apply to developments valued at $75 million or more, meaning they won't need to negotiate formal benefits contracts with surrounding neighborhoods. The project has received support from community residents and former basketball stars who welcome both the return of women's professional basketball and new youth sports facilities to Detroit.

The Detroit City Council unanimously voted 9-0 to uphold the Office of Inspector General's suspension of Gayanga, a major demolition contractor, and its owner Brian McKinney while investigating contaminated dirt spread across the city. Environmental testing revealed that 42 of 47 demolition sites filled by Gayanga exceeded state pollution standards, with 62% deemed unsafe for direct human contact out of roughly 2,400 residential sites the company had worked on. McKinney claims he purchased dirt from a city-approved vendor and the city shares responsibility, but Inspector General Kamau Marable says evidence points to multiple sources and inaccurate self-reporting by the company. The hearing was particularly significant because Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, who previously dated McKinney and had authorized millions in city contracts to Gayanga, presided over the proceedings and voted to uphold the suspension without offering commentary.

Energy bills fluctuate during winter months due to several key factors that increase consumption. Homes require more natural gas and electricity to maintain comfortable temperatures in cold weather, with older homes experiencing even greater energy demands due to inadequate insulation and outdated windows. Holiday activities compound the problem through increased hosting, decorative lighting, and additional appliance usage. Additionally, billing cycles that vary between 26 and 35 days depending on when service started and weekend/holiday adjustments can create the appearance of inconsistent charges even when actual usage remains steady. # Key Takeaways

After retiring from a 21-year Navy career, DeShawn W. established a Detroit-based business connecting communities with essential services and discovered a significant shortage of certified contractors to help local families improve their homes' energy efficiency. He participated in the DTE Energy Efficiency Academy, a paid training program created in 2023 with Walker-Miller Energy Services that provides hands-on instruction and nationally recognized certifications in energy-related trades. Through the Academy, DeShawn obtained multiple Building Performance Institute certifications that now enable him to conduct energy assessments helping homeowners access free upgrades and rebates. His success demonstrates how the program transforms individual careers while simultaneously addressing Detroit's critical need for energy-efficient housing improvements that reduce families' utility expenses.

DTE Energy has launched its Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan to assist Michigan households struggling with energy costs during winter months. The two-year program provides qualifying customers with predictable monthly payments calculated according to their income levels and energy consumption patterns. Participants can receive up to $3,000 in forgiveness for overdue balances they have accumulated. The initiative works alongside Michigan's expanded Energy Assistance Program, which now covers families earning as much as 60% of the state's median income, extending eligibility to households making around $70,000 annually for a family of four. # Key Takeaways

DTE Energy and Detroit have commenced construction on the Van Dyke/Lynch Solar Park, a 42-acre facility that represents one of five solar installations under the city's Neighborhood Solar Initiative. The project will produce 10 megawatts of renewable electricity starting in June 2026, sufficient to power over 2,000 residences and help operate municipal facilities including City Hall and emergency services buildings. Nearby residents will receive home energy efficiency improvements valued at up to $15,000 through DTE's program. This community-driven development supports Detroit's objective to transition all municipal buildings to clean power by 2034 and aligns with DTE's targets of achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

The Michigan Wolverines secured a narrow 24-22 victory against Northwestern at Chicago's Wrigley Field when sophomore kicker Dominic Zvada converted a 31-yard field goal as time expired. Michigan dominated possession and controlled much of the game but undermined their own performance with five turnovers and costly penalties that kept Northwestern competitive throughout. Despite losing running back Jordan Marshall to injury and playing without Justice Haynes, Michigan's offense managed crucial drives, with quarterback Bryce Underwood leading a game-winning march in the final two minutes. The Wolverines' defense proved critical by forcing key stops after Michigan turnovers, holding Northwestern to just 245 total yards and preventing the Wildcats from capitalizing on Michigan's mistakes. # Key Takeaways

Financial coach Damon Carr argues that being broke isn't simply about lacking money, but rather encompasses ten distinct financial situations that require different solutions. These range from overspending despite adequate income and earning too little to cover basic needs, to emotional spending patterns and generational cycles of poor money management. Each type of "broke" stems from losing control over different aspects of personal finance, whether that's controlling spending habits, income generation, or beliefs about money. The article emphasizes that breaking free from financial struggle requires awareness, discipline, and consistent action tailored to each person's specific situation, with the ultimate goal of building wealth rather than merely appearing wealthy. # Key Takeaways

James Pickens Jr., who portrays Dr. Richard Webber on Grey's Anatomy, publicly disclosed his prostate cancer diagnosis through a public service announcement that aired at the conclusion of a November episode. After experiencing elevated PSA levels in early 2024 and January 2025, medical tests revealed a tumor, which he had removed through robotic radical prostatectomy surgery. Given his family history of prostate cancer affecting his father and uncles, Pickens used his platform to advocate for early cancer screenings, especially among Black men who face higher risk. Days after his announcement, he shared on social media that he is now cancer-free and continues encouraging others to get screened.

A viral TikTok video showing a Black woman in active labor being forced to wait in a Dallas hospital's intake area has sparked widespread allegations of medical racism. The woman, Karrie Jones, was recorded screaming in pain while a nurse conducted routine intake questions, and her baby was born just 12 minutes after finally being admitted, following a wait of over 30 minutes. The video, posted by Jones' mother and viewed over 54 million times, prompted outrage from social media users who noted that pregnant women in active labor should be immediately taken to delivery suites. Dallas Regional Medical Center has announced it is investigating the incident, though the hospital has not confirmed reports that the nurse involved was terminated.