politics

Marie Woo, a celebrated ceramic artist, recently died at the age of 97 after making significant contributions to the artistic community. Her groundbreaking achievement came in 2020 when she became the first ceramicist ever honored with the prestigious Kresge Eminent Artist award. During a 2020 interview with One Detroit, she shared insights about her distinctive signature glaze known as "Woo Blue," which gained international recognition. Throughout her career, she remained dedicated to ensuring that ceramic arts would continue to thrive and be passed down to upcoming artists. # Key Takeaways

Dr. Calvin Mann, the founder and president of "Encourage Me I'm Young," recently discussed his nonprofit organization with host Stephen Henderson. The organization is dedicated to empowering young African American males and strengthening family units in the local community. Mann highlighted two specific programs: a literacy initiative called "Reading is Life" and an upcoming event called National Respect Day scheduled for early April. He explained that his work targets challenges commonly faced by Black boys and their families, such as community violence, absent fathers, and reading difficulties, while also noting the financial hardships nonprofits currently face. # Key Takeaways

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has announced toll rates for the upcoming Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Michigan and Canada, making it the most affordable crossing option in the region. Passenger vehicles will pay $5.75, significantly less than the $10 Ambassador Bridge toll and $9 Detroit-Windsor tunnel fee, while commercial trucks face axle-based charges starting at $8.75. An electronic payment program called "Breakaway" will offer 25% discounts to users who register for automatic tolling. The bridge, funded entirely by Canada with costs to be recovered through toll revenue, is scheduled to open this spring and will uniquely accommodate pedestrians and cyclists at no charge.

Detroit is launching the third round of its Down Payment Assistance program, offering eligible residents up to $25,000 to help purchase homes, with priority given to those impacted by flooding in August 2023. The initiative, which has already helped 794 families buy homes in previous rounds, will support an additional 450 applicants using $9 million in federal funding from HUD's Community Development Block Grant programs. Mayor Mary Sheffield emphasized that down payments, rather than monthly mortgage costs, represent the primary barrier to homeownership for many Detroit residents. The program aims to help families build generational wealth and requires applicants to be Detroit residents for at least one year, have household incomes at or below 120% of the area median, and meet other eligibility criteria.

The Belle Isle Conservancy is celebrating Detroit's 313 Day with a full schedule of complimentary activities on the island, headlined by the grand reopening of the Belle Isle Casino after a year-long closure for renovations funded by $4.75 million in federal relief money. The celebration serves as part of the nonprofit's rebranding efforts, which included launching a redesigned website in January to improve visitor engagement and trip planning. Multiple island attractions will operate with extended hours, and visitors can participate in various activities including storytelling sessions, a design challenge, live music experiences, and a concluding evening celebration with a DJ. The event aims to showcase the diverse offerings of the 982-acre park while demonstrating appreciation for Detroit and its residents.

Following the emergency evacuation of Detroit's Leland House in December, displaced tenants have been unable to access their abandoned belongings for approximately four months, causing significant frustration among city council members. Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett Jr. announced that the city will present a recovery plan to a federal bankruptcy judge, proposing to give tenants a full day with assistance to retrieve their possessions, with the city covering the $850,000 cost while seeking reimbursement from the building owners. In response to this crisis, city officials are developing new proactive measures to identify and address troubled rental properties before similar evacuations become necessary. Council members have expressed anger over the situation and fear of recurrence, with plans to establish oversight groups and enforcement mechanisms to hold negligent landlords accountable and protect vulnerable residents from displacement. # Key Takeaways

Detroit City Council Member Scott Benson is requesting that Mayor Mary Sheffield increase the city's Forestry Division budget by $4 million beyond her proposed modest increase from $5.8 million to $5.9 million. The additional funding would support hiring and training more Detroit residents to plant and maintain trees as the city works toward its ambitious goal of doubling its tree canopy to 40% coverage by planting 75,000 new trees by 2027. Detroit has already planted over 52,000 trees since 2022, achieving 70% of this target, with officials emphasizing the environmental and economic benefits including reduced temperatures, improved air quality, and increased property values. Benson advocates for bringing more tree services in-house rather than outsourcing to contractors outside Detroit, arguing that expanding the urban forest would strengthen neighborhoods and create local employment opportunities.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has proposed raising the minimum wage for city employees to $21.45 per hour, which represents the living wage calculation for Wayne County and would affect approximately 900 workers starting in July. The initiative aims to address high turnover rates in certain positions and help employees who currently struggle to afford basic necessities, with some workers holding multiple jobs or even experiencing homelessness. The proposal, which requires City Council approval, would cost $7.9 million and primarily impact departments including Public Works, Transportation, and General Services, where roughly 70% of affected workers are Detroit residents. Sheffield has also issued an executive order requiring a comprehensive report within 60 days on all positions earning below this threshold to ensure equitable implementation.

A 24-year-old man in Michigan's Waterford Township was arrested for destroying several automatic license plate readers, ironically caught through data from one of the cameras he damaged. This incident exemplifies the growing tension in Michigan communities over law enforcement's use of these surveillance devices, which photograph vehicle license plates at public intersections and store the data for typically 30 days. Bipartisan state lawmakers are now proposing legislation to regulate these readers statewide, including limiting data retention to 14 days and restricting their use to specific law enforcement purposes, while police organizations worry such restrictions could hamper investigations. Meanwhile, Michigan communities are reaching different conclusions, with some cities like Bay City and Ferndale canceling contracts due to privacy concerns, while others like Waterford Township are expanding their use of the technology.

Detroit's Department of Neighborhoods is developing a plan to deliver municipal services directly in residential areas, representing a partial revival of the neighborhood city hall system that was eliminated in 2012 during pre-bankruptcy budget cuts. Director Bryan Peckinpaugh explained that Mayor Mary Sheffield wants to reduce barriers preventing residents from accessing downtown services by establishing service points in locations like recreation centers, community organizations, and faith-based institutions. The department is analyzing neighborhood-specific data to determine which services different areas need most, with a rollout expected in the coming months. This initiative builds on the Department of Neighborhoods framework established in 2013, which focused on blight identification and code enforcement, by expanding its scope to include broader municipal services and improved resident accessibility.

Mayor Mary Sheffield is presenting her first budget proposal for Detroit's 2026-27 fiscal year, which will reveal whether the city continues its recent trend of reducing property taxes. Over the past three years, Detroit has cut property taxes by 5 mills total, saving homeowners approximately $250 annually on $100,000 homes, though residents still pay around 64 mills—among Michigan's highest rates. Sheffield's administration has indicated that further property tax reductions are a priority, but officials acknowledge that alternative revenue sources or new taxes would be needed to prevent financial problems similar to those before Detroit's bankruptcy. The budget will also detail funding for Sheffield's campaign priorities, including home repair programs, small business support, and newly created departments focused on community safety and family services. # Key Takeaways

George Clinton, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who founded Parliament-Funkadelic, and Grammy-winning producer Maurice "Pirahnahead" Herd participated in a conversation at the Detroit Opera House about their experiences at United Sound Systems Recording Studios. The historic Detroit recording facility, which hosted numerous renowned artists over the years, served as Clinton's creative headquarters—dubbed the P-Funk Lab—for nearly two decades. During their discussion with radio contributor Cecelia Sharpe, Clinton discussed his connection to Detroit and memorable recording experiences, while Herd recounted his journey from young Detroit musician to working alongside Clinton at the studio. Together, they explored how United Sound Studios played a pivotal role in creating influential funk music that impacted Detroit's and America's musical landscape.

Michigan will elect a new Secretary of State in 2026 to replace term-limited Jocelyn Benson, marking the first change in the position in eight years ahead of the crucial 2028 presidential election. Six candidates are vying for the role: Democrats Barb Byrum, Garlin Gilchrist, and Suzanna Shkreli, along with Republicans Anthony Forlini, Amanda Love, and Monica Yatooma, though Love and Yatooma did not participate in interviews. The candidates differ sharply on requiring citizenship proof for voter registration, with Republicans supporting additional verification measures and Democrats defending current safeguards while warning against making voting more difficult. Both parties will select their nominees through convention endorsements rather than primaries, with Republicans convening on March 28 and Democrats on April 19.

Detroit's Construction and Demolition Department has announced new safeguards for its demolition program after discovering contaminated backfill dirt containing neurotoxins and carcinogens at demolition sites throughout the city. The city now suspects soil contamination at over 600 locations, significantly more than the roughly 500 sites initially identified, but has fallen behind its March testing deadline due to winter weather delays and now aims to complete testing by late May. The contamination involves two companies—Gayanga and Iron Horse—that are under investigation by police and state environmental officials for potentially using unapproved dirt sources rather than clean material. New protective measures include restricting backfill to only virgin material sites and enhancing contract language to verify material sources, though environmental experts argue the testing protocols remain inadequate because they don't include topsoil testing or cover enough of the approximately 2,500 sites handled by Gayanga alone.

Detroit is launching two free home repair programs that will accept applications for a limited two-week period starting March 9th. The city acknowledges that home repair costs present a significant ongoing challenge for Detroit residents, particularly affecting elderly homeowners most severely. While Detroit has utilized federal pandemic relief funds to address housing maintenance needs, the demand far exceeds available resources. The programs, called Critical Home Repair and Detroit LeadSafe, will use a unified application system through the city's Neighborly platform, with the application window closing on March 22nd. # Key Takeaways

The Detroit City Council has designated the historic Conductors' Protective Assurance Company building in Corktown as a protected historic district, preventing future demolition of the distinctive neoclassical structure. Constructed in 1924 by architect Alvin E. Harley, the building originally served as headquarters for an insurance company that protected railroad workers from job loss during an era before corporate employment benefits existed. The flatiron-style building, featuring ornate stonework with locomotive carvings, sits prominently across from the former Michigan Central train station and once housed various tenants including banks, doctors, and business offices. Though currently vacant and for sale, preservationists argue the building's architectural significance and role in Detroit's working-class history make it worthy of protection for future development. # Key Takeaways

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a warning about a text message scam falsely claiming to be from Detroit's 36th District Court regarding toll violations. The fraudulent messages include fake court notices with QR codes that direct recipients to deceptive websites designed to steal personal and financial information, and even reference a non-existent judge named John Smith. This "smishing" scam uses urgent language and threats to pressure people into making immediate payments through illegitimate channels. Ironically, the actual 36th District Court is running a legitimate amnesty program from March 9 through April 2 that waives late fees and penalties on original fines, providing genuine relief to those with outstanding court debt. # Key Takeaways

On Friday night, over 20,000 fans gathered at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena for The New Edition Way Tour, featuring legendary R&B acts New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton performing together on a 360-degree stage. The elaborate production showcased each artist's greatest hits through multiple costume changes, dramatic stage elevations, and coordinated performances that spanned decades of R&B music. Toni Braxton shared an emotional moment discussing her lupus diagnosis and how doctors said she'd never perform again, while Boyz II Men honored late Detroit artist Aaliyah and paid tribute to Whitney Houston. The historic collaboration represents over 160 million records sold collectively and marks an unprecedented entertainment event with three major acts touring together across 30 cities from Oakland to Houston, presented by the Black Promoters Collective. # Key Takeaways

Detroit entrepreneurs are being encouraged to adopt artificial intelligence and smart technology as practical business tools rather than viewing them as threats or luxuries reserved for large corporations. The article argues that AI can help small businesses operate more efficiently by automating routine tasks, improving financial decision-making, and personalizing marketing efforts to generate additional revenue. Beyond cost savings, AI enables Detroit's lean operations to compete more effectively through better pricing strategies, enhanced cybersecurity, and consistent customer outreach. The author emphasizes that technology should complement Detroit's relationship-driven business culture rather than replace the human connections that define the city's entrepreneurial community.

Following the abrupt eviction of approximately 30 tenants from Detroit's Leland House in December, a dispute has emerged over a proposed plan to allow former residents to retrieve their belongings. The Detroit Tenants Union claims their attorney was not given adequate time to review or approve the city's proposal, which would provide tenants 60 to 90 minutes to collect items while the building temporarily has power and elevator service restored. The retrieval process could cost at least $575,000, which the city plans to recoup from the building's eventual sale, but bankruptcy proceedings have stalled as this issue remains unresolved. A bankruptcy judge expressed surprise that no written agreement was presented at a February hearing, while the building's owners argue they cannot sell the property with tenants' possessions still inside.

Following the deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of ICE agents in Minnesota, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced in February 2026 that Minneapolis-based agents would receive body-worn cameras. A public policy researcher has examined ICE's body camera policy and compared it to state and local policies to determine whether it can deliver the transparency and accountability being demanded by critics. The analysis reveals that ICE's current policy has significant gaps, including optional recording during vehicle pursuits and detainee transportation, prohibition of recording inside detention facilities, and allowance for facial recognition on recorded footage. The effectiveness of body cameras as accountability tools depends heavily on mandatory activation requirements, continuous recording protocols, restrictions on facial recognition technology, and robust enforcement mechanisms with consequences for policy violations.

A feature story examines how caregiving at American House in Livonia extends beyond medical tasks to emphasize emotional connection through active listening and conversation. Staff members view their caregiving roles as a calling rather than simply a job, requiring genuine compassion that cannot be taught like technical skills. Senior residents report that having others show interest in their lives and stories provides significant emotional benefits, including boosted self-esteem and a sense of being valued. The facility's approach recognizes that social engagement and storytelling serve therapeutic purposes, helping residents maintain mental sharpness and overall happiness through meaningful human interaction.

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, a candidate for Michigan's open Senate seat, has secured endorsements from former Representative Brenda Lawrence and more than a dozen members of the Congressional Black Caucus as she competes in the Democratic primary. Stevens is actively positioning herself as the candidate best able to earn support from Black voters in the Senate race, emphasizing her record of fighting for Michigan jobs and Black-owned businesses. The endorsements come as she faces two Democratic challengers—state Senator Mallory McMorrow and former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed—in the upcoming August primary. Lawrence, who represented Metro Detroit for four terms before retiring in 2023, praised Stevens' career accomplishments, including her role in saving Michigan jobs during the Obama administration's auto industry rescue. Stevens had previously secured an endorsement from Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, the state's first Black Speaker, as part of her strategy to build support among Black political leaders.

During Black History Month, a Detroit radio series called "Black Church in Detroit" featured an interview with Dr. Theron Williams, a Detroit-born pastor and founder of The Bible is Black History Institute. Dr. Williams discussed how scholarly research, historical analysis, and DNA evidence have documented the significant presence of people of African descent throughout biblical texts. The conversation explored why highlighting this African presence is important and how Dr. Williams has developed educational materials, including books and curricula designed specifically for children to learn about this often-overlooked aspect of biblical history. The interview also touched on how this information has influenced his congregation's understanding and his pastoral ministry in Indiana. # Key Takeaways

With the Texas Democratic primary less than a week away, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has emerged as the frontrunner in the Senate race, leading her opponent James Talarico by double digits in recent polling after the race was tied in January. If successful in the primary and general election, Crockett would become Texas's first Black woman U.S. Senator and the first Black woman elected to the Senate from any Southern state, continuing a legacy established by Texas Black women leaders like Barbara Jordan, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Sheila Jackson Lee. Her candidacy is part of a historic 2026 election cycle that could see as many as five Black women running for Senate seats, building on the current unprecedented moment of two Black women serving simultaneously. Despite being outspent by her primary opponent, Crockett has drawn significant attention from Republicans, with Governor Greg Abbott spending over three million dollars on attack ads against her, signaling that they view her as a formidable general election threat.

Detroit's Board of Ethics is demanding access to confidential legal memos that examine whether the board can hire its own independent attorney rather than relying on lawyers from the city's Law Department. The board's Executive Director argues that withholding these documents prevents the ethics board from functioning independently and making informed decisions about obtaining separate legal representation. Board members are concerned that using city-assigned attorneys creates conflicts of interest when they investigate mayoral administration officials. While the City Council held a private session to review the memos, the ethics board was excluded from that meeting and continues to be denied access to the documents, despite the council recently releasing other confidential legal opinions on unrelated matters. # Key Takeaways

Following a December 2025 electrical outage that forced residents to evacuate the Leland House apartment building in Detroit, a federal bankruptcy judge has approved a plan to temporarily restore power so former tenants can retrieve belongings they left behind. The city's Corporation Counsel emphasized that the building cannot be sold until tenants' property is removed, addressing concerns from residents who said they were initially told the building would remain accessible. Detroit City Council members, responding to pressure from displaced tenants and advocates, are exploring acquiring the property to convert it into affordable cooperative housing. The situation highlights a broader crisis in Detroit where approximately 85% of rental properties fail to meet city code requirements, prompting calls for better coordination between health and code enforcement departments.

Obsidian Advocacy Group, a prominent Black-founded governmental consulting and lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan, has appointed Jasmine Harris as Senior Director of Communications and Associate Lobbyist as of February 25, 2026. Harris brings extensive high-level political experience, including serving as Spokesperson and Director of African American Media for U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and working on the Kamala Harris presidential campaign where she orchestrated significant media moments. The Michigan native and Central Michigan University graduate will lead strategic communications initiatives, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement to expand the firm's public relations capabilities. This appointment represents a strategic expansion for OAG, combining traditional lobbying with modern communications strategies to better serve clients in Michigan's competitive political landscape. # Key Takeaways

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is hosting a second public meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss the ongoing feasibility study for a proposed park cap over Interstate 75. The initiative aims to reconnect Detroit's downtown and Midtown neighborhoods by covering portions of the highway with park space. Transportation firm AECOM is conducting the study, which involves evaluating transportation, technical, and environmental design factors through a community engagement process that started in October 2025 and continues until June 2026. Attendees will receive updates on engineering design progress and can contribute stories and historical memorabilia to help shape the project's development. # Key Takeaways

This article by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware highlights five spiritually significant books written by African American authors that explore the Christian season of Lent through distinctly Black theological perspectives. For Black Christians whose faith emerged from experiences of enslavement and resistance, the Lenten period of fasting and reflection carries unique cultural and spiritual dimensions beyond traditional observance. The featured works address themes including repentance without despair, the wisdom found in Black spirituality, the intersection of slavery's legacy with Christian devotion, the sacredness of Black physical existence, and the spiritual power of traditional African American hymns. These texts connect historical Christian practices with contemporary Black experiences and offer pathways for encountering faith during challenging times.