politics

Billy Dec, a Chicago-based entrepreneur and restaurateur, is featured in a new PBS documentary called "Food Roots" that chronicles his travels to the Philippines to discover his family's traditional recipes from his relatives. The film, produced by Detroit native Doug Blush and directed by Michele Josue, explores how learning these culinary traditions deepens Dec's connection to his Filipino heritage and uncovers stories from his family's past. Dec recently expanded his restaurant Sunda New Asian Cuisine to downtown Detroit, situating it between the Fox and Fillmore Theatres after originally launching the concept in Chicago in 2009. In an interview with One Detroit's Chris Jordan, Dec discussed both the documentary and his new Detroit location while explaining the distinctive qualities of Filipino cuisine and its cultural significance. # Key Takeaways

Gayanga Co., a Detroit-based demolition contractor owned by Brian McKinney, announced it is permanently closing and filing a defamation lawsuit against the city's Office of Inspector General after being accused of using contaminated soil at demolition sites. The company was temporarily suspended last September when investigators alleged it used toxic backfill dirt, affecting hundreds of properties across Detroit, though the suspension was lifted in March due to time limits. The situation gained additional scrutiny due to McKinney's personal relationship with then-City Council President Mary Sheffield, who voted to approve tens of millions in contracts for his company. Federal investigators have taken over the case, though no formal charges have been filed, while Detroit considers spending $4.5 million on environmental testing and remediation that could ultimately cost much more.

Detroit city officials estimate it would cost approximately $20 million and take several years to fully transition emergency medical services in-house, a timeline that has sparked heated debate over proposed three-year contracts worth $5 million with private ambulance companies. The City Council has twice delayed voting on these contracts, with several members and the firefighters' union pushing for shorter one-year agreements to expedite the shift toward city-operated services. Currently, private contractors handle about 25 percent of Detroit's EMS call volume and provide four full-time ambulances to supplement the city's 26 rigs, helping reduce response times. While both city administration and the fire department support eventually bringing services in-house, they favor a gradual phase-in approach, citing challenges including a 21-month vehicle procurement timeline, facility limitations, and the need for additional staff training and budget allocations.

Former residents of Detroit's Leland House began retrieving their personal belongings in May after being evacuated months earlier when the building's owner filed for bankruptcy. The Detroit City Council approved two emergency contracts totaling $300,000 to temporarily restore electricity and elevator service to facilitate the retrieval process. While city officials have successfully relocated 19 households to permanent housing, 12 families remain in hotels as case managers help them find new accommodations. The city expects to recoup some costs from the anticipated $3 million bankruptcy sale of the property, though the exact amount remains uncertain. # Key Takeaways

The U.S. Department of Justice requested election records from Wayne County, Michigan, but County Clerk Cathy Garrett responded that the county does not maintain the requested ballots, receipts, and envelopes. Under Michigan's election system, municipal clerks at the city and township level—not the county—are responsible for administering elections and maintaining such records, and state law does not grant the county authority to compel local clerks to surrender these materials. This inquiry is part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration investigating elections in Democratic strongholds across swing states, including similar actions in Georgia and Arizona. Local clerks are now preparing for possible federal requests while defending the integrity of Michigan's election system and criticizing the DOJ's apparent misunderstanding of the state's election administration structure.

Detroit's east side residents are organizing to address the rapid spread of data center proposals throughout Michigan, particularly in areas already heavily impacted by industrial development. The nonprofit Eastside Community Network held a town hall meeting with over two dozen residents to discuss potential harms and mitigation strategies, including launching a biweekly study group starting in May to develop policy recommendations by summer's end. This grassroots mobilization follows Detroit City Council's call for a two-year moratorium on data center permits until proper regulations and health assessments are established, though Mayor Mary Sheffield hasn't decided on implementing it. Community concerns center on environmental contamination, water usage, air and noise pollution, with particular worry about a proposed site on contaminated brownfield land that previously housed lead foundries and coal yards. # Key Takeaways

A BridgeDetroit series explores how Black churches in Michigan are actively working to combat the state's affordable housing crisis through development and renovation projects. Church of the Messiah, led by Pastor Barry Randolph, has spent nearly five decades creating affordable housing in Detroit's Islandview neighborhood while providing comprehensive community services to residents. Plymouth United Church of Christ, under Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III, continues the legacy started by his father in 1960, when the church established a nonprofit housing corporation that built 230 affordable housing units for low-to-moderate income families. Both religious leaders discuss not only their housing initiatives but also supplementary programs like food assistance and technology access, while addressing broader issues of rental affordability and the city's role in encouraging development.

DTE Energy has filed a request for a $474.3 million electric rate increase that would raise residential rates by 9.7%, claiming the funds are needed to improve grid reliability and transition to cleaner energy sources. The utility has offered to pause rate hike requests for at least two years if a large Oracle data center in Saline Township becomes operational by 2027 and secures regulatory approvals, arguing that major customers like data centers help distribute costs more broadly. However, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and consumer advocacy groups are strongly opposing both the rate hike and the data center agreements, questioning whether ratepayers will actually benefit or end up subsidizing data center costs and infrastructure. Critics note that DTE customers already pay the highest energy costs in the Midwest while experiencing poor service reliability, and they argue the proposed 9.7% increase far exceeds the 4.1% increase approved just months earlier. The controversy centers on whether data centers will genuinely reduce costs for regular customers or instead require expensive infrastructure that ratepayers will ultimately fund.

In January, Detroit resident Jamie White rescued his neighbor Lucille Williams and her roommate from a burning house in the middle of the night after hearing Williams' cries for help. White entered the smoke-filled home twice without protective equipment to pull both women to safety before firefighters arrived on scene. Williams and her roommate were treated for smoke inhalation at a hospital, while the house was declared a total loss with the fire's cause still undetermined. White was recently recognized for his heroic actions with both a Spirit of Detroit award from the Detroit City Council and a Civilian Commendation from the Detroit Fire Department. The rescue has strengthened the bond between White's family and Williams, who now considers them family and calls White her guardian angel. # Key Takeaways

Detroit City Council voted 4-3 to delay approval of approximately $5 million in three-year contracts with three private ambulance companies, sending them back to committee for further review amid opposition from the firefighters' union and some council members. The Detroit Fire Fighters Association, representing 1,200 members, argues the city should handle all emergency medical calls in-house rather than relying on supplemental private services that currently handle 25% of call volume and about 50,000 medical calls annually. Fire department officials warn that rejecting the contracts, which expire May 1st, could significantly increase emergency response times since the city would need to hire approximately 120 additional firefighters and purchase 18 more ambulances to maintain current service levels. Union representatives counter that the city has relied on these temporary contracts for too long without developing a plan to build internal capacity, while fire department leadership acknowledges the goal of bringing services in-house but says a multi-year transition plan is necessary. The debate centers on whether to approve three-year contracts, opt for a shorter one-year extension like last year, or reject outside services entirely despite lacking the infrastructure and staffing to replace them immediately.

The American Lung Association's annual State of the Air report has given Detroit's air quality a failing grade, revealing that both ozone and fine particulate matter pollution have deteriorated in the region. The Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor area now ranks 11th nationally for short-term particle pollution and 9th for year-round PM2.5, with Wayne County experiencing increased unhealthy air days between 2022 and 2024. The report indicates that climate change is undermining Clean Air Act successes by contributing to ozone formation and wildfire-related pollution, while the EPA has recently weakened enforcement and rolled back protective regulations. Children and communities of color are disproportionately affected, with nearly half of U.S. children living in areas receiving failing grades, and the report warns that energy-intensive data centers could worsen air quality through their reliance on fossil fuel power generation.

Detroit's Lifeline H2O water affordability program has temporarily halted new applications after reaching its maximum capacity of 4,709 enrolled households. The program, which provides fixed monthly water bills of $34 for eligible low-income residents, represents a significantly reduced version of the original initiative that once served nearly 30,000 households before funding ran out. The water department expects to reopen enrollment in summer 2026 once additional funding becomes available, including anticipated WRAP funds from the Great Lakes Water Authority. Meanwhile, officials are directing residents who need assistance to EasyPay, an alternative payment program without income restrictions that allows customers to pay off past-due balances over 36 months.

The U.S. Department of Justice has demanded that Wayne County, Michigan—home to Detroit and the state's most populous county—surrender all ballots, receipts, and envelopes from the 2024 presidential election that Donald Trump won. The DOJ's request, citing fraud cases and allegations from 2020 that were dismissed or debunked, asks for materials that are actually held by 43 local clerks rather than the county itself. Michigan's Democratic leadership, including the governor, attorney general, and secretary of state, have condemned the demand as an interference attempt and questioned its timing and justification. This action represents part of a broader federal effort to assert control over election administration in swing states, with similar moves already underway in Georgia and Arizona. # Key Takeaways

Following severe air quality issues caused by Canadian wildfires in 2023 and 2025, Michigan is revising its air quality alert system to better protect residents. The state will now issue alerts whenever pollution levels reach the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category, simplifying the previous two-tier system that distinguished between alerts and advisories. Meanwhile, experts predict varying wildfire risks across North America, with Canada expecting fewer fires than last year unless an El Niño pattern develops, while the western United States faces a potentially severe fire season due to widespread drought conditions. Health officials emphasize that wildfire smoke poses serious risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, and recommend protective measures such as air purifiers, proper air conditioning filters, and N95 respirators.

Bill Kubota, a senior producer at One Detroit, has been selected for induction into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame's 2026 class. In anticipation of the upcoming April 19th ceremony, Kubota participated in a conversation with One Detroit's Zosette Guir, who oversees content operations and production. During their discussion, he reflected on his journalistic career trajectory and professional philosophy. The interview covered his methodology for news reporting, his preference for comprehensive investigative pieces, and his views on how collaborative efforts with fellow journalists and contributors strengthen the quality of storytelling.

During National Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), a discussion focused on the disparities affecting Black mothers in Detroit and beyond. The conversation featured two advocates who work to improve maternal health outcomes through different approaches: expanding access to community birth centers and midwifery services, and implementing systemic policy reforms. The discussion highlighted how inequitable healthcare outcomes for Black mothers are connected to multiple systems including housing and criminal justice. Both guests emphasized the need for comprehensive changes to address the root causes of maternal health disparities in Black communities. # Key Takeaways

Detroit city officials have unveiled a six-point safety initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and dangerous activities anticipated during the warmer summer months. The comprehensive strategy, announced by Mayor Mary Sheffield and Police Chief Todd Bettison, emphasizes prevention, intervention, and enforcement through measures including free gun lock distribution, neighborhood safety teams, and crackdowns on illegal street racing. The plan specifically targets accidental gun deaths involving children, after-hours establishment violations, unauthorized gatherings, and community conflicts before they intensify. Some components have already begun implementation while others will launch as the season progresses.

The privately owned Ambassador Bridge connecting Michigan and Canada has announced a nearly 50% toll reduction for its Premier Card members, lowering the rate from $10 to $5.50 for passenger vehicles, in anticipation of competition from the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. This price cut comes just months after the Ambassador Bridge raised its tolls at the start of the year. The publicly owned Gordie Howe Bridge is expected to open this spring with slightly lower pre-paid tolls of $4.35 for passenger vehicles and will be unique in offering a toll-free pedestrian and bicycle path between Michigan and Canada. The new bridge's opening may face delays due to trade tensions, though officials have not confirmed specific dates. # Key Takeaways

Former residents of Detroit's Leland House will finally be able to retrieve their possessions after being displaced for months following a December evacuation. A federal judge approved a retrieval plan on April 3 that allows tenants supervised access to the building from May 4-24, though the delay is due to the need to restore electricity and elevator service that has been non-functional since the evacuation. The city expects to spend approximately $850,000 on these repairs and hopes to recover costs from the property owners, who have filed for bankruptcy and are attempting to sell the building. For belongings not collected during the access period, a packing company will either deliver items to tenants' new addresses or place them in temporary storage for those still without permanent housing.

Michigan has automatically expunged nearly 1.6 million criminal convictions since implementing its Clean Slate Act program in 2023, following bipartisan legislation signed in 2020. The law allows misdemeanors to be automatically cleared after seven years and eligible felonies after ten years, with limits of four misdemeanors and two felonies per person, though serious crimes like murder and sexual assault remain ineligible. This initiative aims to remove barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities for individuals burdened by past convictions, as research shows those with criminal records earn approximately 30 percent less than those without. While the program has garnered widespread support, some lawmakers initially sought broader coverage, leading to subsequent legislation in 2021 that expanded automatic expungement to include certain first-time drunk driving offenses.

Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson organized a multi-stakeholder workgroup to develop comprehensive zoning regulations for data center developments, setting an ambitious December 31 deadline for policy completion. The initiative follows a March City Council resolution requesting a two-year moratorium on new data center permits to allow proper assessment of infrastructure, environmental, and community impacts. The Friday meeting brought together city departments, utilities, unions, tech representatives, and environmental advocates to address competing concerns about economic development opportunities versus potential risks to energy costs, water resources, and neighborhoods. While some participants emphasized the need for swift action to remain competitive with other Michigan cities pursuing data center projects, others stressed the importance of thorough evaluation and community engagement before approving developments. Detroit joins approximately 20 Michigan communities that have proposed or passed moratoriums as the state experiences surging interest in data center construction following late 2024 tax incentive legislation.

Ron Thomas, representing Detroit's Police and Fire Retirement System, contests a news article suggesting the city faces rising, unaffordable pension costs. He argues that growing city revenues, including property and income taxes, adequately support pension obligations, and that Detroit has proactively managed its retirement system through measures like the $455 million Retiree Protection Fund established after bankruptcy. The pension system maintains roughly $3 billion in assets despite paying $300 million annually in benefits during a 10-year payment hiatus, with the legacy plan now 73.86% funded and requiring $80.57 million in employer contributions for fiscal year 2027. Thomas emphasizes that Detroit's pension obligations are lower than many American cities and objects to characterizations that portray first responders' pensions as unreasonable burdens, particularly given that retirees lost healthcare benefits, haven't received cost-of-living adjustments for over a decade, and generally lack Social Security eligibility. # Key Takeaways

Detroit city officials have identified 61 apartment buildings with persistent maintenance and code violations that require immediate attention to protect residents from unsafe living conditions. Mayor Mary Sheffield announced a new coordinated enforcement strategy involving joint inspections by multiple city departments, court-enforced agreements, and property liens for unpaid violations. This initiative represents a proactive approach to prevent tenant displacement and hold negligent landlords accountable before buildings reach crisis levels. The effort builds on a 2024 rental ordinance overhaul that increased fines and enforcement tools, with the city aiming to boost rental property compliance rates from the current 14% to between 25-35% within a year. Detroit has also set a separate goal to bring 65 senior housing buildings into compliance by August 2026. # Key Takeaways

Detroit's Municipal Parking Department is introducing several improvements to make parking more accessible and affordable for city residents and visitors. The department plans to launch a text-to-pay meter service as an alternative to the ParkDetroit app, which some users find difficult to use. Additionally, the ParkDetroit app will be enhanced with multi-modal trip planning features that help users compare transportation options including personal vehicles, ride-sharing, and public transit routes. The city is also working to increase awareness of an existing discount program that reduces parking fines by 50% for Detroit residents, though enrollment has been limited due to vehicle registration requirements and lack of public knowledge about the program. # Key Takeaways

The Center for Michigan has published its 2025 annual report showcasing the performance and growth of its nonprofit news outlets, Bridge Michigan and BridgeDetroit. The organization successfully raised over $1 million from approximately 9,000 individual donors, continuing a multi-year upward trend in fundraising. Both newsrooms expanded their community engagement through hosting numerous in-person events that attracted thousands of attendees and distributing thousands of voter guides to the public. The organization is strategically investing in social media and digital storytelling formats to expand its audience reach in an increasingly fragmented media landscape, while continuing to deliver nonpartisan journalism across Michigan.

Detroit's Inspector General argues that the city is violating its legal obligations by underfunding oversight agencies established through a 2012 voter-approved charter amendment. Although the City Council finally passed the required proportional funding ordinance in 2024 after a 13-year delay and agreed to a three-year phased implementation in 2025, officials have already reduced funding below mandated levels after just one year. The author contends this reduction is not justified by genuine financial crisis, as evidenced by numerous new city initiatives being funded simultaneously, but rather represents a choice to deprioritize oversight despite its proven track record of recovering millions in taxpayer dollars and exposing fraud. He asserts that this funding reversal betrays both the legal mandate and public trust, undermining the independence and effectiveness of oversight that Detroit voters explicitly demanded.

A Wayne County jury ruled that Detroit Thermal utility company has legal access to public easements within condominium cooperatives in Detroit's historic Mies van der Rohe district to build an underground steam heating project. The decision potentially allows the company to proceed with reconnecting steam heat service to the 1300 Lafayette East Cooperative, which houses over 600 residents who have relied on failing boilers during winter months. Residents of the neighboring Mies cooperatives, comprising approximately 400 people in 186 households, oppose the project and argue the company should use alternative routes through public property rather than excavating their historic private landscape. Despite the jury's verdict, a previous court ruling from February prevented Detroit Thermal from proceeding, and another hearing is scheduled later this month to continue resolving the dispute.

Detroit's assessor publicly urged the city council to reinstate property sale inspections after his office found that most of the 6,100 properties they reviewed were sold through quit-claim deeds without guaranteeing condition quality. His assessments have downgraded approximately 90% of Detroit's housing stock to "fair or poor" condition, revealing hidden problems like hollowed furnaces and concealed foundation damage in the city's aging homes. Separately, council members debated Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax incentives, which reduce property tax rates to help Detroit compete with lower-taxing suburbs, though concerns were raised about equity between different neighborhoods. The council also approved a significantly expanded financing plan for the Music Hall project, increasing from $125 million to $174 million with bonds covering nearly all costs instead of the originally planned public-private funding mix.

Detroit's 36th District Court Chief Judge William McConico has requested an additional $1.8 million in funding from the city to address critical staffing shortages and operational needs. The civil division has experienced a surge of nearly 40,000 additional cases over three years, primarily involving credit card lawsuits and vehicle foreclosures, creating a system that McConico describes as "crashing" due to insufficient staff to process the paperwork. The funding request also includes raising wages for 73 employees currently earning below the city's proposed living wage standard and filling a federal funding gap for specialty courts that serve vulnerable populations dealing with drug treatment, mental health issues, and sex trafficking. While eviction cases have declined significantly and the court has implemented an amnesty program for outstanding fines, the increased caseload in other areas has overwhelmed existing resources and forced some programs to pause accepting new participants.

The Detroit City Council has passed a resolution urging Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree to request that the state Legislature impose a moratorium on property tax foreclosures for owner-occupied residences. Council Member Latisha Johnson led the initiative, citing hardships faced by Detroit residents struggling to pay overdue taxes and the risk of homelessness resulting from foreclosures. Sabree's office rejected the proposal as "political theatre," arguing that Detroit's high property tax rates are the actual problem and that the city council should address taxation levels rather than foreclosure enforcement. Meanwhile, the treasurer's office continues promoting payment assistance programs and urging residents to enroll before the March 31 deadline to avoid foreclosure proceedings.