politics

Detroit voters can now participate in the November 4 General Election through multiple voting options, including mail-in ballots and early in-person voting which begins October 25 and runs through November 2. The Department of Elections is hosting a block party to promote early voting, continuing an initiative they began during the August primary. Over 30,000 absentee ballots have already been returned according to election officials, and residents can request absentee ballots until specific deadlines before Election Day. This expanded access to voting stems from a 2022 ballot initiative that requires local clerks to provide at least nine days of early voting for statewide elections.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is opening its new Reimagine African American Art galleries on Saturday, featuring four rooms that showcase fifty works chronicling Black artistry from 1840 to 1986. Positioned adjacent to the museum's famous Rivera Court, the galleries trace artistic movements from Reconstruction through the Black Arts era, with Robert S. Duncanson's 1853 "Uncle Tom and Little Eva" painting serving as the spiritual entryway. The DIA, which began collecting African American art in 1943 and established the Center for African American Art in 2000, aims to raise a $16 million endowment to support these galleries, with $4 million already secured. This installation represents a milestone in recognizing Black artists' contributions to American visual culture and provides Detroit's majority African American community with cultural representation within the museum.

During the WXYZ mayoral debate in Detroit, candidates Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. presented child-focused financial proposals to combat poverty. Sheffield proposed implementing the existing Rx Kids program, which provides $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for babies, while Kinloch unveiled his "Kinloch Promise," a trust fund granting Detroit newborns $1,000 annually until age 18. The Rx Kids program, already operating successfully in several Michigan communities with $270 million in state funding, has shown positive health outcomes in Flint, including improved birth weights and reduced NICU admissions. While both candidates presented compelling visions for investing in Detroit's youngest residents, neither fully addressed implementation details such as funding sources, eligibility requirements, or administrative oversight.

Michigan officials have announced plans for a $40 million multimodal transit hub at Michigan Central Station that would reconnect Detroit to Windsor, Toronto, and Chicago by rail by 2029. The Michigan Department of Transportation, the City of Detroit, and Michigan Central have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop this hub, which would restore rail service to the historic station for the first time since 1988. The project will leverage existing tracks and tunnels to bridge the nine-mile gap between Detroit and Windsor, with projections suggesting it could serve more than 66,000 passengers annually. The hub will also relocate regional bus lines from the aging Howard Street Station, centralizing transit access in Detroit's west downtown area while complementing the existing Amtrak station in New Center.

Detroit mayoral candidates Rev. Solomon Kinloch and Mary Sheffield debated public safety approaches ahead of the November 4 municipal election, with federal law enforcement assistance emerging as a key point of contention. While both opposed military deployment in Detroit, Kinloch expressed openness to federal collaboration on law enforcement, whereas Sheffield firmly rejected militarizing neighborhoods and advocated for addressing root causes of crime. The debate occurred amid claims about Detroit's crime statistics, with Kinloch questioning their legitimacy while city officials maintain crime rates are declining. Current Mayor Mike Duggan, who is not seeking reelection, has credited partnerships between Detroit Police and federal agencies along with community violence intervention groups for the city's reduced crime rates.

The televised debate between Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and Triumph Church Rev. Solomon Kinloch revealed intense personal criticisms as both candidates vie for Detroit's mayoral position. Sheffield criticized Kinloch's absence from community forums, questioned his Detroit residency, and cited his lack of political experience. Kinloch countered that Sheffield represents privileged leadership that has failed to meaningfully improve residents' lives despite her years on the council. The contentious exchange covered public safety concerns, neighborhood investment versus downtown development, and both candidates defended their community contributions while accusing each other of misrepresenting their records.

Three Democrats—Barb Byrum (47), Adam Hollier (40), and Aghogho Edevbie (37)—are competing to be their party's nominee for Michigan Secretary of State in the 2026 election, as current Secretary Jocelyn Benson is term-limited and running for governor. Byrum, the Ingham County Clerk since 2013 and former state representative, positions herself as a fighter against voting restrictions, while Hollier, a former state senator, emphasizes his military background and legislative experience. Edevbie, a deputy clerk who helped develop voting reforms that became Proposal 2, distinguishes himself by pledging not to accept corporate PAC donations, though his competitors have higher name recognition. The Democratic nominee will be selected by delegates at the state party's nominating convention rather than through a primary election.

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that Detroit's contracts for ShotSpotter police surveillance technology violated the city's Community Input Over Government Surveillance (CIOGS) ordinance, which requires public disclosure of surveillance technology details before hearings. The court found the city held multiple public meetings before publishing the required oversight report, though they stopped short of nullifying the $7 million contracts, leaving that decision to a lower court. The case centers on ensuring proper public information and transparency when surveillance technologies are considered, with attorney John Philo emphasizing that informed public debate about such technologies is essential to democratic governance. Despite the legal challenge, Detroit police officials continue to defend ShotSpotter's effectiveness, claiming it has helped make 131 arrests and recover 244 firearms.

The Joe Louis Greenway Partnership is organizing Pink 'o' ween, a free community event on October 18, 2025, that combines Halloween festivities with breast cancer awareness activities. The celebration includes a 2-mile awareness walk led by Pattidukes of The Detroit Fitness, along with family-friendly activities such as food trucks, a petting zoo, trick-or-treating, and special support for breast cancer survivors. Taking place at the Warren Trailhead of the Joe Louis Greenway, the event aims to unite the community around breast cancer awareness while providing resources and support, with organizers highlighting that one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield has received an endorsement from District 6 incumbent Gabriela Santiago-Romero in her campaign for mayor. The endorsement was announced at a Joe Louis Greenway Partnership event, where both officials emphasized their shared values of inclusion and equity. Sheffield, who faces Rev. Solomon Kinloch in the November 4 general election, praised Santiago-Romero as "a fighter for Detroit" while Santiago-Romero expressed confidence that Sheffield would implement her ideas and hold police accountable regarding immigration policies. The two have been allies on council legislation, though they have occasionally disagreed, most recently on expanding the city's curfew enforcement powers.

East side Detroit residents, activists, and political leaders gathered at Gaylord and Moran to protest a concrete crushing plant they claim is causing air pollution, noise, and blight in their neighborhood. Local activist Jahdante Smith and residents like Diana Morris described deteriorating living conditions and health concerns, citing dust contamination and respiratory issues. Despite community outcry, city officials maintain the facility, which operates in a heavy industrial zone, is legally permitted to continue operations and has worked to maintain air quality standards. Senator Stephanie Chang and U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed joined residents in calling for the plant's closure, with El-Sayed explaining how small silica dust particles can cause serious respiratory conditions by lodging in the lungs.

Judson Center, under the leadership of President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster for nearly a decade, has evolved from a small foster care and adoption organization into a comprehensive social services provider throughout Michigan as it celebrates its 101st anniversary. The organization now offers integrated care spanning autism services, behavioral health, primary healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, and disability support, with multiple locations across the state. Hardy-Foster has transformed the organization by implementing an integrated care model that addresses clients' interconnected challenges and securing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic status. Judson Center will celebrate its achievements at a black-tie gala on November 7 at The Henry in Dearborn, which will include presenting the Care of Art Award to recognize outstanding support for the organization's mission.

Detroit officials celebrated the opening of a new two-mile stretch of the Joe Louis Greenway, a pedestrian and bike-friendly path that now totals nearly six miles of completed trail. The event included the unveiling of a bronze statue titled "Outside the Ring," created by Detroit artist Austen Brantley, honoring Joe Louis' pioneering role in breaking racial barriers in professional golf. This expansion, funded primarily through $35 million in State ARPA dollars, features new sidewalks, bike paths, safety features, landscaping, and a trailhead with community amenities at Grand River Avenue. When completed, the full greenway will stretch 29 miles through Detroit and neighboring communities, connecting 23 Detroit neighborhoods, with another six miles expected to be finished by the end of 2026.

The Gilbert Family Foundation's Motor City Contractor Fund (MCCF) is partnering with Barton Malow and Invest Detroit to host a networking event during National Construction Inclusion Week on October 14, 2025, at Barton Malow's Southfield headquarters. This initiative aims to connect Detroit-based contractors, particularly minority- and woman-owned businesses, with major industry players to help them access opportunities within Detroit's booming construction sector, which currently has over $5 billion in construction and rehabilitation projects underway. The event will feature representatives from numerous organizations including the City of Detroit Land Bank and Detroit Development Fund, providing contractors with direct access to decision-makers and information about available resources to help them compete in the growing market.

David Hogg, founder of Leaders We Deserve PAC and former DNC vice chair, has announced support for state Rep. Donavan McKinney's challenge against incumbent U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan's 13th Congressional District. Hogg criticized Thanedar as "out-of-touch" and "ineffective," specifically mentioning concerns about constituent services and campaign finance practices. Several Black leaders from Wayne County, including former U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, have also backed McKinney's bid, expressing desire for Black representation in a district that includes parts of Detroit. Thanedar has defended his record by highlighting his work on healthcare and immigration issues while pointing to his previous electoral success in Detroit.

The Michigan Chronicle has announced their endorsements for the Detroit City Council elections taking place on November 4, coinciding with the mayoral election where all nine council seats are contested. Through an interview process, the editorial board evaluated candidates for two at-large positions and seven district seats based on their experience, vision, and community commitment. The Chronicle endorsed Mary Waters and Coleman A. Young II for the at-large seats, citing their proven advocacy for Detroit neighborhoods, transparency, and ability to provide stability during the mayoral transition. For the district seats, the endorsed candidates include current Council President Pro Tem James Tate (District 1), Angela Whitfield-Calloway (District 2), Scott Benson (District 3), Latisha Johnson (District 4), Renata Miller (District 5), and Gabriela Santiago-Romero (District 6).

Bruce Simpson has completed a 10-year term as Detroit's ombudsman, during which he doubled his office size and processed over 74,000 complaints. His tenure included issuing 50 policy recommendations and conducting 1,440 community meetings to raise awareness about the office's role in helping residents and businesses. Simpson's final report highlights issues with the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED), which generated 62% of complaints, and includes recommendations like making the Office of Immigration Affairs permanent and improving code enforcement. Former state Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo has been selected as Simpson's successor for the next 10-year term.

Detroit's mayoral race between City Council President Mary Sheffield and Triumph Church pastor Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. will feature two scheduled debates following their top finishes in the August 5 primary election. The first debate will be held October 15 at WXYZ-TV's studios, moderated by Chuck Stokes and Carolyn Clifford, while a second debate is scheduled for October 27 on Fox 2's The Pulse. Sheffield leads significantly with 51% of primary votes compared to Kinloch's 17%, garnering support from unions and billionaires, while Kinloch has secured endorsements from organizations like the UAW and has recently criticized Sheffield over an ethics concern regarding concert tickets.

The new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, an $80 million development spanning 22 acres along Detroit's Southwest riverfront, is set to open on October 25th. The park features numerous attractions including a four-acre playground, water garden, sports pavilion, and distinctive animal-shaped structures like a 20-foot bear slide. Matt Cullen, CEO of the Riverfront Conservancy, described it as potentially "the most iconic park in the United States," comparing it to Chicago's popular Millennium Park. The development includes several sponsored zones such as the Delta Dental Play Garden, Clinton-Huron MetroParks Water Garden, William Davidson Sports House, and DTE Foundation Summit, with grand opening celebrations featuring The Jacksons performing during Detroit Harvest Fest.

The Michigan Chronicle editorial board has officially endorsed Mary Sheffield for Mayor of Detroit in the upcoming November election. The board cites Sheffield's detailed policy plans, decade of experience in Detroit politics, and proven track record as City Council President as key factors in their decision. While acknowledging both candidates' similar aspirations for neighborhood investment and tax relief, the board emphasized Sheffield's superior grasp of funding mechanisms and budgetary constraints. Sheffield's platform focuses on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, police accountability, and improved city services, with specific initiatives like a new Department of Human, Homeless and Family Services and district-based Neighborhood Opportunity and Empowerment Hubs.

Detroit is considering significant zoning amendments that would expand residential districts to allow multi-unit buildings, modify dimensional requirements for vacant lots, permit more accessory units, and reduce parking requirements. The Detroit Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote this Thursday on whether to recommend these changes to the City Council, which would need to authorize them by November 25. These amendments primarily focus on the R2 zoning district, which comprises 25% of Detroit's lots, half of which are vacant. City officials and organizations like Strong Towns Detroit argue these changes would increase housing supply, reduce pricing pressure, and eliminate barriers to development in underdeveloped areas.

Justin Onwenu, Detroit's entrepreneurship and economic opportunity director, has launched a campaign for Michigan's redrawn 1st Senate District, potentially facing a competitive Democratic primary. In his announcement, Onwenu criticized Michigan politics for failing to pass key legislation during last year's lame duck session when Democrats controlled all branches of government. With experience as an attorney, environmental justice organizer, and small business advocate, Onwenu aims to strengthen labor rights, address wage inequality, and implement statewide entrepreneurship programs similar to Detroit's Motor City Match. If elected, the 29-year-old would become the youngest and only Black male in the Michigan state Senate.

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist publicly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza at an Arab American conference, calling it genocide and pledging not to accept money from pro-Israel lobby AIPAC in his gubernatorial campaign. His stance marks a significant break from other Democratic candidates in Michigan, where a large Arab American community and Jewish population coexist. Gilchrist criticized using American taxpayer dollars to fund weapons while Palestinian civilians suffer, positioning himself differently from fellow gubernatorial candidates Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. His comments come as Michigan Democrats face internal division over the Israel-Gaza conflict following Hamas' October 2023 attack and Israel's subsequent military campaign.

A deadly attack occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former Marine, crashed his vehicle into the building, opened fire on congregants, and set the church ablaze during a Sunday service. The incident killed four people and injured eight others before police killed the suspect in a shootout less than 10 minutes after the attack began. Officials described the shooting as a "targeted act of violence" but are still investigating the motive, with the White House press secretary suggesting Sanford "hated people of the Mormon faith." Investigators have interviewed over 100 victims and witnesses and discovered makeshift explosive devices at the scene.

A violent attack occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford drove a vehicle into the building during Sunday services, opened fire with an assault-style rifle, and started a fire, resulting in at least four deaths and eight injuries. The assailant, a Marine Corps veteran, was killed by police within eight minutes of beginning his rampage, which authorities are investigating as an "act of targeted violence" though the motive remains unclear. The attack caused extensive fire damage to the church building, which was attended by hundreds of people at the time. FBI and local authorities have responded with 100 FBI agents deployed to assist with the investigation, while also addressing and clearing additional bomb threats at multiple other locations.

Esther Haugabook has announced the end of her write-in campaign for Detroit's District 5 City Council seat, choosing instead to focus on advocating for housing affordability, homeowner protections, and transparency issues. The November 4 general election will now proceed between UAW retiree Renata Miller and Board of Police Commissioner Willie Burton, who finished ahead of Haugabook in the primary. Haugabook emphasized that her withdrawal is not a concession but a redirection of her efforts, while keeping open the possibility of running again in 2029. District 5 is considered one of Detroit's most active council districts, encompassing downtown, Midtown, and numerous important landmarks across both east and west sides of the city.

Michigan voters can now cast absentee ballots for the November general election, with options to submit by mail or in person at clerk's offices or official drop boxes by 8 p.m. on November 4. Registered voters have until November 3 at 4 p.m. to apply for absentee ballots, while same-day registration remains available through Election Day. Voting rights advocates recommend submitting mail-in ballots by October 22 to avoid postal delays that could affect timely delivery. The Detroit mayoral race between City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr. headlines a ballot that also includes contests for city clerk, city council, the board of police commissioners, and community advisory council positions.

The Detroit City Council is in the final stages of selecting a new city ombudsman from ten finalists, with a vote expected as early as next week. The ombudsman position, which comes with a ten-year term and $195,000 salary, serves as a critical bridge between Detroit residents and government by investigating complaints when city services fail. Current ombudsman Bruce Simpson's appointment ends October 5, with candidates ranging from government insiders like Deputy Ombudsman Gail Barnard to community leaders like State Board of Education member Tiffany Tilley and former state lawmaker Sherry Gay-Dagnogo. This influential appointment will determine how resident complaints about city services are handled for the next decade, making it a crucial decision for government accountability and resident trust.

Round Here, a new platform launched in August by Detroit native Matthew Burnett, aims to consolidate entrepreneurial resources for Michigan's business community into a single accessible space. The platform addresses longstanding challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly Black business owners, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and professional services. Round Here offers live workshops, searchable networks of investors and accelerators, a job board, connections to vetted freelancers, and AI-powered personalized recommendations to help founders navigate their growth journey. With early partnerships with prominent innovation hubs like TechTown and Newlab, the platform hopes to democratize entrepreneurial support across Michigan before potentially expanding nationwide.

of Detroit's Industry Standards Board Recommendations for Arena Workers Detroit's first Industry Standards Board has released recommendations aimed at improving working conditions for arena employees in the city. The recommendations focus on enhancing access to childcare, subsidizing public transit, developing better job training pathways, and improving security measures for workers who face harassment. According to a commissioned report, while Detroit's stadiums financially benefit the city, nearly one-third of arena workers live below the poverty line and two-thirds are living paycheck to paycheck. The board notes that state law prevents Detroit from setting local wage standards, which limits the city's ability to ensure workers benefit from tax incentives given to arena owners.