politics

Detroit has concluded its fiscal year with a $105 million budget surplus, marking the eleventh consecutive year of surplus revenue since exiting bankruptcy in 2014. The surplus, which exceeded initial projections by nearly two-thirds, resulted from disciplined spending across city departments, higher income tax collections, and strategic debt management, while the city now maintains over $548 million in total reserves. Outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan, who is leaving office after twelve years to run for governor, emphasized this achievement reflects strong collaboration with City Council and demonstrates Detroit's financial transformation from a bankrupt city under state control to one with investment-grade bond ratings. Incoming Mayor Mary Sheffield, who takes office January 1, has pledged to maintain fiscal discipline while directing resources toward neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, and homeowner tax relief. The decision on allocating the surplus will rest with Sheffield's administration and the new City Council as they begin budget planning in February.

The Michigan Chronicle's Pancakes & Politics series will launch its 21st season earlier than usual with a special Auto Show Edition on January 15, 2026, at Detroit's Huntington Place. This collaborative event brings together automotive industry leaders, policymakers, and community members to discuss Michigan's evolving role in the auto sector, including electric vehicle technology, manufacturing, and economic development. Panel discussions will address critical topics such as smart city technology, EV infrastructure, and workforce development as Michigan works to maintain its leadership position in automotive innovation. Tickets are currently available for purchase, and organizers expect strong attendance for this highly anticipated conversation about Detroit's economic future and the automotive industry's transformation.

Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty from Ohio has filed a lawsuit challenging the Kennedy Center board's decision to add President Trump's name to the performing arts facility. Beatty, who serves as an ex officio trustee, contends that federal law grants only Congress the authority to rename or add memorial designations to the federally governed institution. The controversy emerged after the board voted to include Trump's name and quickly installed new signage, with Beatty claiming she was muted when trying to voice her objection during the meeting. Federal law has prohibited additional memorials in the Kennedy Center's public areas since 1983, following Congress's decision to rename the center after President Kennedy in 1963. # Key Takeaways

Former First Lady Michelle Obama discussed her close friendship with director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele during a Jimmy Kimmel interview, revealing that the Obamas had plans to meet with the couple on the evening they were found deceased in their Los Angeles residence. The Reiners' son Nick has been arrested and is being held without bail after authorities determined he was responsible for his parents' deaths. Michelle Obama defended the Reiners' character and criticized President Trump's disparaging comments about Rob Reiner, in which Trump claimed the director suffered from "Trump Derangement Syndrome." Obama praised the Reiners as decent, courageous individuals who demonstrated passion and commitment to their family, country, and principles of fairness.

Watch Night, a Black American tradition observed on New Year's Eve, traces its origins to December 31, 1862, when enslaved and free African Americans gathered secretly to await the Emancipation Proclamation's implementation at midnight. While the tradition was adapted from Moravian and Methodist religious practices, Black communities transformed it into a unique celebration combining Christian worship with anticipation of freedom. Today, Watch Night services continue in Black churches nationwide, featuring late-night worship, fellowship meals, and the symbolic countdown to midnight that once marked the moment freedom legally arrived. The tradition persists despite changing safety concerns that have altered service times, maintaining its role as one of the oldest cultural observances in the Black community. # Key Takeaways

Nearly a decade after Flint, Michigan switched its water source to the corrosive Flint River without proper treatment, settlement payments have finally begun reaching affected residents. Administrators approved approximately 26,000 claims and started distributing the first wave of roughly 7,000 property damage payments in mid-December 2024, with nearly 3,000 payments issued by late December. The water crisis, which began in April 2014 when cost-cutting measures led to untreated river water leaching lead from aging pipes, disproportionately affected Flint's majority-Black population in what was officially termed environmental injustice. While property damage payments are now flowing with a $1,000 cap per parcel, the larger health-related claims—particularly for young children exposed to lead—have not yet begun distribution despite comprising the vast majority of the settlement fund.

Mary Sheffield will be inaugurated as Detroit's first female mayor on January 9 at a free public ceremony held at the Detroit Opera House. The investiture event will include performances by local artists and will be accessible both in person and via livestream on city platforms. Sheffield has emphasized making the ceremony publicly accessible because she views this as a milestone for all Detroit residents, not just herself. As part of her transition process called Rise Higher, she has been gathering community input for her first 100 days in office while her team reviews over 1,200 job applications for administration positions. # Key Takeaways

The Detroit City Council has welcomed two new members—Renata Miller, who fills the District 5 seat vacated by Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, and Denzel McCampbell, who replaces Fred Durhal III. While members were sworn in during a December 9th orientation, a public inauguration ceremony is scheduled for January 9th at the Detroit Opera House. A major question facing the reconstituted council is who will serve as its next president, with Council Pro Tem James Tate expressing interest in the position that Sheffield previously held. Meanwhile, outgoing member Durhal will join Sheffield's administration as director of state government affairs, and outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan announced he is leaving office with a $105 million budget surplus.

The Motor City Contractor Fund is recruiting Detroit-based contractors for its fourth cohort before a January 30 application deadline, aiming to help local small and mid-sized construction businesses compete for projects in Detroit's $5 billion revitalization boom. Since launching, the program has provided over $2 million in capital support, nearly $2.5 million in lending, and $365,000 in grants to address barriers like limited access to capital, bonding, and technical assistance that prevent local contractors from securing large-scale development work. The fund, backed by the Gilbert Family Foundation, Invest Detroit, and Barton Malow, combines financial resources with hands-on support to strengthen business operations and competitive positioning. By helping local contractors succeed, the initiative aims to retain wealth in Detroit neighborhoods, create jobs, and ensure outside firms don't monopolize the city's development opportunities.

A utility company is offering energy-saving advice to customers during the holiday season when home appliances experience increased usage. The guidance includes lowering thermostats when hosting guests, switching to LED holiday lights with timers, and using alternative cooking appliances instead of ovens to reduce natural gas consumption. For those traveling during the holidays, recommendations include adjusting thermostats to lower settings without turning them off completely and unplugging unnecessary electronics. The company also promotes its Bill Analyzer Tool, which allows customers to review their previous year's energy consumption patterns and identify opportunities for savings. # Key Takeaways

The Judson Center is launching a new infant mental health program in Oakland County with $150,000 in funding from the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, distributed as $75,000 annually over two years. The "Our Early Years" pilot program will serve families involved with child welfare services and those experiencing poverty-related trauma, focusing on strengthening caregiver-child relationships for children from birth to age three. This initiative responds to concerning Michigan data showing that 68% of adults and 58% of youth have experienced adverse childhood experiences, with infants under one year representing 11% of child maltreatment victims in 2023. Additionally, Judson Center's CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster received the foundation's "Mental Health Hero" Award, which provides $25,000 to her organization along with support for leadership renewal time. # Key Takeaways

The article argues that Trump's executive order challenging birthright citizenship, currently before the Supreme Court, would reclassify millions of U.S.-born residents—predominantly Latino, African, Caribbean, and Asian Americans—as non-citizens eligible for deportation. The author contends this immigration pause targeting "Third World" countries is part of a calculated strategy to prevent America from becoming a majority-minority nation by 2040, despite demographic shifts already showing non-white youth as the majority in numerous states. The piece draws parallels between current anti-immigrant rhetoric and Nazi Germany's scapegoating tactics, highlighting discriminatory enforcement where Black and Brown migrants face militarized responses while European immigrants receive preferential treatment. Beyond immigration restrictions, the author argues that systemic policies affecting healthcare access, environmental quality, and economic opportunity in communities of color constitute a coordinated form of demographic control designed to maintain white political and economic dominance. # Key Takeaways

Michigan contributing columnist Adam Hollier argues that recent federal immigration enforcement actions demonstrate the critical importance of accessible identification systems and progressive state leadership. He advocates for modernizing Michigan's ID infrastructure through the Secretary of State's office by implementing features like custom photos, blockchain-secured digital IDs accessible via smartphones, and optional embedded medical information for emergencies. Hollier envisions IDs that could facilitate secure online document signing, prevent identity theft, and streamline healthcare and business transactions while maintaining user control over personal information. He emphasizes that Michigan has an opportunity through upcoming elections to lead national innovation in identification technology while protecting residents from both cybercriminals and federal overreach. # Key Takeaways

Michigan's Republican-led House Appropriations Committee, headed by Matt Hall, has blocked $644 million in previously committed funding for various state programs and organizations. The cuts affect numerous initiatives including food infrastructure, Flint water emergency support, voting equipment, firearm violence prevention, and institutions like the Museum of African American History and Detroit Zoo. Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony criticizes these funding cuts as cruel and lacking compassion, arguing they harm vulnerable Michigan residents under the false pretense of addressing fraud and waste. He calls on Michigan residents to protest these decisions and urges Republican legislators to reconsider their actions, comparing the situation to the Grinch stealing Christmas and suggesting the cuts align with President Trump's policies rather than serving Michigan residents' needs.

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen has opened its second location in Southfield, Michigan, expanding the restaurant brand named after Detroit boxing legend Joe Louis. The 5,300-square-foot breakfast and brunch establishment employs 35 people and serves traditional comfort food seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Co-CEO Joe Louis Barrow II, son of the heavyweight champion, aims to connect diners with his father's enduring Detroit legacy through food and planned branded merchandise. The expansion follows the success of the original 2021 Detroit location, leveraging Joe Louis' historical significance as a cultural icon who represented both athletic excellence and American pride during challenging social and political times. # Key Takeaways

Detroit-based nonprofit CALM has launched "Therapy Within Reach," a program providing free mental-health counseling exclusively for Black women who cannot afford traditional care. The initiative addresses a significant treatment gap, as CDC data reveals only 15.3 percent of Black adults received mental health treatment in 2023 compared to 25.6 percent of white adults, while just four percent of psychologists nationwide are Black. Founded by Takyra Fulton and initially funded by Black women business owners, the program partners with local shelters and community organizations to deliver culturally competent care directly to women facing housing insecurity, caregiving burdens, and systemic barriers. The program emerges during a cultural shift where Black women increasingly seek mental health support, though financial barriers and lack of culturally informed providers remain significant obstacles. # Key Takeaways

Pharrell Williams expressed strong anti-political views during the fifth annual Black Ambition Demo Day, stating that he despises politics and views it as a divisive illusion rather than reality. He emphasized that businesses should receive support based on merit and excellence rather than racial identity, asking whether entrepreneurs want backing because they are the best or simply because of their skin color. Williams has consistently maintained a neutral political stance, previously stating that celebrity political endorsements annoy him and that he prefers focusing on concrete action over political rhetoric. While he acknowledges he will vote and cares about his community and country, he distances himself from both political sides and believes significant work needs to be done outside the political sphere.

The Democratic National Committee has released statistics claiming that Trump administration policies are financially harming Michigan families through tariffs, budget bills, and inflation that collectively cost households over $1,700 annually. Democrats are particularly focused on Republican resistance to extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, which could cause over 470,000 Michigan residents to face dramatically higher healthcare premiums. The party views Michigan as strategically important for the 2026 midterm elections when voters will elect a new U.S. Senator, and they're pointing to Trump's declining approval ratings as evidence voters are rejecting his economic agenda. While the White House counters with data showing private sector job growth of 121,000 since September, Democrats argue proposed SNAP benefit cuts could affect nearly 800,000 Michigan residents who rely on the program for food security. # Key Takeaways

Detroit has issued only 71 citations for snow and ice removal violations since 2019, despite city ordinances requiring property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall. The majority of these violations involve absentee landlords, with 62% of ticketed properties owned by people living outside Detroit, who account for 68% of unpaid fines totaling over $4,000. Meanwhile, the city has introduced an AI chatbot called "Emily" to help residents in Districts 3 and 4 report issues like icy sidewalks, though early testing revealed significant limitations in the system's ability to provide accurate information or connect callers to human representatives. As incoming Mayor Mary Sheffield prepares to take office in January, questions remain about enforcement priorities and how the new administration will address infrastructure safety concerns.

Detroit's Reparations Task Force is dissolving at the end of the month after releasing nearly 100 policy recommendations in October, including cash payments for descendants of enslaved people and investments in housing and economic development. Task force leaders are pushing Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield and the newly elected City Council to establish a permanent Reparations Administrative Office to study and implement these proposals, though Sheffield has not committed beyond continuing discussions. The recommendations lack clear funding mechanisms and prioritization, leaving questions about implementation, with some task force members expressing disappointment that the report doesn't adequately measure the wealth extracted from Black Detroiters. The effort, which began with an overwhelmingly supported 2021 ballot initiative, now depends on public pressure and political will to move forward, as task force leaders plan community organizing to hold the new administration accountable.

An economic impact study commissioned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority found that the agency has generated approximately $2 billion in property value increases since 2014 through its rehabilitation and demolition activities. The research revealed that rehabilitating blighted properties into occupied homes produces roughly three times greater impact on surrounding property values compared to demolitions, with each rehabilitation increasing nearby home values by an average of $90,890 versus $30,092 for demolitions. As Detroit's largest property owner managing about 66,000 parcels, the land bank's operations are estimated to account for up to 40 percent of the city's total home value growth over the past decade. Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield plans to reform rather than dismantle the agency, seeking improved processes and customer service while utilizing its unique legal powers to clear titles and eliminate liens. # Key Takeaways

Detroit's Health Department launched the Rides to Care program one year ago to address transportation barriers preventing pregnant women and new mothers from accessing essential healthcare appointments. The initiative has now provided over 20,000 free round-trip rides to prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric appointments for pregnant residents, new mothers, caregivers, and infants under one year old. Operating Monday through Saturday, the service eliminates transportation costs and scheduling difficulties that historically caused families to miss critical medical visits in a city with significant maternal and infant health disparities. The program's success is exemplified by residents like Margarie Isbell, who previously experienced a miscarriage due to delayed transportation but successfully carried her daughter to term using Rides to Care for consistent appointment access. # Key Takeaways

A bipartisan group of Michigan legislators is introducing bills to repeal tax exemptions for data center developers that were approved by the state Senate last year, which allow facilities to avoid sales and use taxes on equipment through 2050. While Governor Gretchen Whitmer has championed data center projects as major economic investments creating thousands of jobs, including a massive facility planned for Saline Township, critics argue these developments threaten Michigan's clean energy goals, will increase utility rates, and provide minimal community benefits. Environmental advocates and rural residents are particularly concerned about the facilities' energy consumption, strain on fossil fuel reliance, and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities. The controversy reflects a growing national debate as communities across the country grapple with billion-dollar tech companies seeking to build approximately 1,000 new data centers beyond the 3,000 already operating nationwide.

Detroit's incoming Mayor Mary Sheffield has announced that Todd Bettison will remain as the city's police chief, continuing in the role he assumed earlier in the year. Sheffield praised Bettison's nearly three-decade career with the Detroit Police Department and credited his community-focused approach for contributing to significant reductions in violent crime, including historic lows in homicides and a 50% decrease in nonfatal shootings between 2022 and 2024. Both leaders have committed to establishing a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention that will partner with community organizations to involve residents in shaping safety policies. Bettison, who previously served as deputy mayor and first assistant chief before becoming chief when James White departed, has been actively advocating for state funding to support community violence intervention programs. # Key Takeaways

The Michigan Good Food Fund has launched its 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, featuring locally produced food items from small businesses throughout Michigan that have received financial support and technical assistance from the organization. This statewide initiative focuses on investing in food entrepreneurs who work to improve access to nutritious, affordable food while promoting economic equity, particularly for underrepresented business owners and communities of color. The guide showcases diverse products ranging from farm-raised meats to artisanal goods, organized by category to help shoppers find locally sourced holiday gifts. By connecting consumers directly with these mission-driven entrepreneurs, the guide aims to boost sales during the crucial holiday period while supporting Michigan's broader food economy and community development goals.

Michigan's Department of Corrections will begin photocopying all legal mail sent to incarcerated individuals starting January 5, eliminating the long-standing exception that allowed attorney-client documents to be delivered in original form. Officials justify this policy change by pointing to synthetic drugs entering prisons through paper soaked in chemical substances, which are increasingly being disguised as privileged legal correspondence. The new procedure requires staff to photocopy legal documents in the recipient's presence before immediately shredding originals to maintain confidentiality while preventing contraband circulation. This shift mirrors actions taken by several other states facing similar synthetic drug challenges and reflects broader national trends in prison contraband involving lab-made substances that can be absorbed through touch. The policy expansion raises questions about balancing institutional security with constitutional protections for Michigan's nearly 32,000 incarcerated people.

Detroit's Health Department launched the Rides to Care program one year ago to address critical transportation barriers preventing pregnant women and new mothers from accessing medical care. The initiative has now delivered over 20,000 free round-trip rides to prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric appointments for Detroit residents, their infants, and primary caregivers. Operating six days weekly, the service transports families to healthcare providers within Detroit and up to five miles beyond city limits, eliminating a major obstacle that historically caused missed appointments in a community facing significant maternal and infant health disparities. The program particularly impacts vulnerable mothers like Margarie Isbell, who experienced pregnancy loss due to delayed transportation previously but successfully carried her daughter Heaven to term with reliable access to frequent medical monitoring through Rides to Care. # Key Takeaways

Detroit's Campus Martius Park ice skating rink has earned the title of best skating destination in the United States for the second year running, according to USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The outdoor rink, operated by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and sponsored by Lexus, draws over 100,000 skaters annually and has become a centerpiece of Detroit's winter culture over its 22-year history. The 7,200-square-foot venue hosts everyone from casual skaters to Olympic champions, while also serving as a popular proposal location and charity event space. The recognition reflects public voting that elevated Detroit above 19 other notable skating rinks across the country. This achievement highlights how the rink has transformed into more than just a recreational facility—it's become a beloved community gathering space that defines Detroit's winter identity.

Writer Roz Clark reflects on navigating her first holiday season following her mother's death after providing hospice care at home for her 90-year-old mother. Rather than experiencing the anticipated heaviness, she discovers an unexpected tenderness where joy and grief coexist, learning that love persists beyond physical loss. This year, she is releasing the pressure to orchestrate perfect holiday celebrations and instead choosing to be present with whatever feelings arise naturally. She plans to honor her mother through cooking—their shared love language—preparing familiar recipes as a meaningful ritual that creates space for both memory and connection. # Key Takeaways

DeKalb County, Georgia is implementing a $18.9 million crime-fighting initiative called Digital Shield as part of a six-year strategy to reduce both violent and non-violent crime through advanced technology. The program centers on establishing a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) at DeKalb Police Headquarters, utilizing Flock Safety cameras, drones, and other surveillance technologies that have proven successful in reducing crime by 20-50% in other cities like New York, Miami, and Atlanta. County officials are taking a comprehensive approach that combines technological solutions with improved police officer recruitment, training, retention, and compensation programs. While crime remains a significant concern across the Atlanta metropolitan area, DeKalb County has already seen encouraging results, including a 34% year-over-year decrease in homicides as of June 2025. # Key Takeaways