politics

Michigan transportation officials have paused the I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project, a $500+ million plan to replace a Detroit freeway with a surface boulevard that was intended to reconnect neighborhoods divided by the original 1964 construction. The Michigan Department of Transportation cited rising costs, durability concerns, and public opposition as reasons for delaying the project that had been scheduled to begin construction this year. The original freeway destroyed the historically Black neighborhoods of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley, displacing over 100,000 residents and erasing hundreds of Black-owned businesses and cultural landmarks. Critics, including Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, argue the current plan lacks genuine commitments to affordable housing, opportunities for descendants of displaced families, and protections for Black-owned businesses that would make the project truly reparative.

Detroit's mayoral primary election has narrowed the field to Council President Mary Sheffield, who led with 51% of the vote (43,572 ballots), and Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., who secured second place with 17% (14,893 votes). Sheffield's campaign successfully combined digital communication with grassroots organizing and substantial labor support, raising approximately $1.3 million—more than double any other candidate. Kinloch leveraged his leadership at Triumph Church and crucial endorsement from the United Auto Workers (UAW), focusing on movement-building and values-based messaging rather than large-scale media campaigns. The two candidates will now advance to the general election, representing contrasting leadership approaches—Sheffield's legislative experience versus Kinloch's community and faith-based organizing.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield led the mayoral primary with 51.2% of the vote, while Senior Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr. secured second place with 17.6%, advancing both candidates to the November 4 general election. Sheffield holds a significant fundraising advantage, having raised $1.3 million compared to Kinloch's $408,000. The election represents a choice between Sheffield's legislative experience and policy background versus Kinloch's faith-based community leadership approach. This election is particularly significant as it will determine who succeeds Mayor Mike Duggan and could potentially result in Detroit's first Black woman mayor.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield has emerged as the leading candidate in the mayoral primary election, securing 52% of votes with 72% of precincts reporting. She will advance to the November 4 general election alongside senior pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., who received 17.3% of votes. The winner will become Detroit's first new mayor since Mike Duggan took office in 2014, with Sheffield potentially becoming the city's first Black woman mayor in its 324-year history. The election comes during a major transition for Detroit government, with every City Council seat also up for grabs following redistricting.

Detroit faces a significant political transition in 2025 with its first mayoral election in over a decade, alongside every City Council seat, city clerk, and Board of Police Commissioners position being contested. The election comes at a critical time as remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds—less than $100 million of Detroit's original $826 million allocation—must be allocated before they expire next year. Despite the importance of these races, voter turnout has been concerningly low in recent elections, with just 24% participation in 2021's mayoral race and only 18% in 2023's citywide races. Detroiters have multiple voting options available, including early voting from July 26 to August 4 for the primary and October 25 to November 3 for the general election, with the primary scheduled for August 5 and the general election for November 4.

Detroit faces a pivotal election year in 2025 with every major city leadership position on the ballot, including a new mayor for the first time in over a decade, all City Council seats, city clerk, and seven Board of Police Commissioners positions. The election coincides with the final allocation of Detroit's remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with less than $100 million left of the original $826 million received. Despite the significance of these elections that directly impact housing, public safety, education, and infrastructure, Detroit has struggled with low voter turnout—just 24% in the 2021 mayoral election and 18% in 2023 citywide races. Multiple voting options are available to residents including early voting from July 26 to August 4 for the primary and October 25 to November 3 for the general election, along with absentee voting and same-day registration.

The race for Michigan's governorship in 2026 is shaping up to be highly competitive as term-limited Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer cannot seek reelection. The Democratic primary features Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and others, while the Republican field includes Representative John James and several former state officials. Adding complexity to the race, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent candidate in what is expected to be one of the closest gubernatorial contests in 2026. Michigan remains a crucial swing state with a history of alternating between Democratic and Republican governors, having supported different parties in recent elections with very narrow margins.

JPMorganChase volunteers recently spent a day renovating and cleaning the Pope Francis Center in Detroit, a facility that serves over 200 homeless individuals daily. The Center, established in 1990, provides over 110,000 meals, 2,550 laundry loads, and 6,000 showers annually, along with medical, dental, and legal support to Detroit's most vulnerable citizens. This volunteer effort represents a decade-long partnership between JPMorganChase and the Pope Francis Center, with the bank providing both financial services and volunteer support. The Center has expanded its impact through the Bridge Housing Campus, which opened in September and offers transitional housing and comprehensive support services to help people transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

Detroit City Council has voted to increase fines for parents whose children violate the juvenile curfew law, raising penalties to $250 for first offenses and $500 for second offenses while eliminating jail time as a sentencing option. Police Chief Todd Bettison supports the updated ordinance as an accountability measure aimed at changing behavior and addressing recent youth gun violence incidents in the city. The police department plans to use curfew violations as intervention opportunities to connect families with support services rather than processing minors through the juvenile court system. Critics question the effectiveness of curfews in reducing youth crime, citing studies showing little impact on violence rates, and express concerns that fines may create financial hardship for already struggling families without achieving the intended behavioral changes.

The article discusses campaign finance disclosures for Detroit's mayoral race, revealing that candidates have collectively raised $3 million, with only 28% coming from Detroit residents while 72% comes from outside the city. Council President Mary Sheffield leads in fundraising with nearly $800,000 raised this year, giving her a significant financial advantage over rivals Solomon Kinloch Jr. and Saunteel Jenkins. The article also covers the City Council's vote to update a parental responsibility ordinance with increased fines in response to youth violence, and residents' complaints about a problematic hotel in the Ravendale neighborhood allegedly attracting crime and prostitution.

of "Rep. Debbie Dingell's Fight Against Domestic Violence" Representative Debbie Dingell shares her harrowing childhood experiences with domestic violence, including a traumatic incident where her father, who struggled with prescription drug addiction and mental illness, threatened the family with a gun. Despite her reluctance to discuss these painful memories, Dingell uses her platform in Congress to advocate for domestic violence survivors through legislative action and awareness campaigns. Since first publicly speaking about her experiences during a 2016 House sit-in on gun safety legislation, she has established the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence and authored key provisions in the Violence Against Women Act. Dingell emphasizes that domestic violence affects families across all socioeconomic backgrounds and advocates for community resources to help survivors escape dangerous situations.

A 42-year-old man, Bradford James Gille, has been charged with terrorism and assault with intent to murder after randomly stabbing 11 shoppers at a Walmart supermarket in Traverse City, Michigan. The victims, aged between 21 and 84, were attacked with a folding knife but are all expected to survive their injuries. Law enforcement arrived quickly at the scene, where armed citizens had already confronted and contained the suspect in the parking lot before deputies took him into custody without incident. Investigators, with FBI assistance, are still working to determine the suspect's motive for the attack, which has been classified as terrorism due to its intent to instill fear in the community.

At least 11 people were injured in a random stabbing attack at a Walmart supermarket in Traverse City, Michigan, with the victims being treated at Munson Medical Centre. A 42-year-old Michigan resident armed with a folding knife was apprehended, partly with the assistance of store customers who also helped treat the wounded. As of Saturday night, six victims were in critical condition and five in serious condition, with law enforcement including the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office and FBI personnel responding to the incident. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her concern for the victims and community affected by what Sheriff Michael Shea described as an apparently "random act" of violence.

The 3rd Annual Detroit Is Different Collard Green Cook-Off is moving to the Samaritan Center's Wellness Center Gym on July 26, 2025, with the theme "Bridging Detroit Through Culture and Cuisine." This free community event celebrates Detroit's urban farming heritage and Black culinary traditions, featuring eight local chefs competing for the Collard Green Cook-Off Champion title. Attendees receive one free tasting ticket upon entry and can purchase additional tickets for $2 each, allowing them to sample dishes and participate in voting alongside a panel of judges to determine the winner. The cook-off aims to connect generations, preserve cultural food traditions, and strengthen community bonds through the shared appreciation of collard greens.

Detroit Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero is working with Mayor Mike Duggan's administration to create an ordinance that would redirect commercial truck traffic away from residential neighborhoods in Southwest Detroit. The proposed measure follows recommendations from a 2024 report and aims to address serious health concerns, as Detroit has significantly higher asthma rates than the national average, with 16% of children affected. Medical experts and community organizations testified about the harmful effects of truck-related air pollution, noting that Southwest Detroit's position as an international commercial gateway has led to heavy truck traffic through residential areas. The proposed ordinance would ban trucks from specific streets near homes, schools, and parks, directing them to alternative routes instead.

The Detroit Police Department is regaining control of the Detroit Detention Center after a decade of state operation by the Michigan Department of Corrections, which will end its oversight in August 2023. This transition marks a significant milestone for Detroit, as the state originally took over the facility in 2013 when the police department was under federal oversight for civil rights violations in its precinct lockups. The city will purchase the 49-acre state-owned property for $1, including two buildings at the Mound Road location, and will save the $11-14 million it had been paying annually for state operation. DPD officers are being trained to ensure past issues that led to the state takeover do not recur, though the facility will likely need upgrades, particularly to its air conditioning system.

Detroit Fire Department is receiving all-new mattresses across its stations as part of a $92,000 city initiative to improve firefighter wellness and workplace conditions. The project, championed by City Council Member At-Large Mary Waters, replaces all 200 aging bedding units that had been causing discomfort and potentially hindering firefighter effectiveness. This investment follows an earlier donation of recliners to battalion headquarters from Gardner White furniture retailer in March. The mattress replacement addresses critical rest needs for firefighters who work 24-hour shifts, with officials noting that adequate sleep is essential for operational readiness and long-term wellness of first responders.

Triumph Church pastor Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., who is running for mayor, is strategizing how to leverage a recent IRS rule change that now allows pastors to campaign for candidates from the pulpit. The IRS officially ended the "Johnson Amendment" restriction that previously prohibited churches from engaging in political campaigns while maintaining their tax-exempt status. According to Kinloch's campaign spokesperson, they immediately began brainstorming ideas after the ruling, suggesting a massive church-based get-out-the-vote effort is forthcoming. Political strategists note this change could significantly impact elections by allowing pastors to directly endorse candidates and distribute campaign literature in churches, though they caution excessive politicking might alienate congregations.

Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., pastor of Triumph Church and Detroit mayoral candidate, is exploring how to leverage the recent IRS rule change that now allows churches to engage in political activities while maintaining their tax-exempt status. This change effectively strikes down the "Johnson Amendment," which previously prohibited churches from endorsing or opposing political candidates from the pulpit. According to Kinloch's campaign spokesperson Dan Lijana, they began strategizing immediately after the ruling, with plans for a major church-based get-out-the-vote effort while still respecting his congregation's spiritual needs. Political strategists note this ruling could significantly impact campaigns through direct pulpit endorsements and church-based political mobilization, though they caution pastors to balance political messaging with their primary religious duties.

Detroit City Council has unanimously approved ordinances to streamline business licensing processes, reducing burdens on small businesses by extending license renewals from annual to biennial periods, creating provisional licenses, and eliminating redundant health licenses for restaurants. The reforms, developed after a year-long review and consultations with business owners, aim to dismantle complex regulations that disproportionately hindered small local entrepreneurs compared to large corporate chains. While these changes will reduce city revenue from licensing fees by approximately $530,000 annually, officials believe the economic growth from supporting small businesses will ultimately benefit Detroit's neighborhood corridors and change the culture for entrepreneurs.

Detroit police came under scrutiny after assisting federal agents during an immigration raid that led to the arrest of undocumented Honduran Marcos Fabian Arita Bautista. Although Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison maintains that DPD doesn't engage in immigration enforcement, residents and council members questioned this distinction after officers pepper-sprayed protesters and helped apprehend individuals who tried to prevent the federal operation. The incident triggered a debate about police policies limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with residents arguing that by providing security for federal agents, DPD was effectively participating in immigration enforcement despite claims to the contrary. Several council members, including mayoral candidates, requested body camera footage to determine the exact nature of police involvement.

The NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner in Detroit featured journalist Roland Martin accepting the William Monroe Trotter Freedom and Justice Award, where he emphasized that challenging power and advocating for people should be central to such events. Martin stressed that these gatherings are only meaningful when followed by concrete action, not just symbolic appearances. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist attended the event at Huntington Place, with Gilchrist celebrating the Detroit NAACP's 70 years of impact while warning that new tactics are needed to address current threats to rights and identity. The dinner, described as the largest sit-down dinner in the country, brought together various leaders, clergy, activists, and organizations.

A controversy erupted in Detroit's mayoral race when UAW members supporting City Council president Mary Sheffield created a flyer using the union's logo for a campaign event, despite the UAW officially endorsing her opponent, Reverend Solomon Kinloch Jr. The unauthorized flyer was briefly posted on Sheffield's Instagram before being removed after media inquiries. UAW leadership criticized Sheffield for the confusion, though her campaign denied responsibility, clarifying that union members created the flyer independently. Some UAW members are supporting Sheffield despite their leadership's endorsement, comparing their situation to UAW members who supported Trump despite the union's endorsement of Harris.

A controversy erupted within the UAW when some members created and distributed a flyer featuring the union's logo to promote a campaign event for Detroit mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield at a UAW hall, despite the union officially endorsing her opponent, Solomon Kinloch Jr. UAW leadership quickly intervened, instructing members to remove the logo and relocate the event to Sheffield's campaign headquarters instead of the union hall. The incident prompted criticism from both the UAW and Kinloch's campaign about Sheffield potentially causing confusion about the union's official endorsement. UAW member Lynda Jackson clarified that Sheffield's campaign was not responsible for creating the flyer, and defended the members' right to support their preferred candidate despite the union's official position.

A controversy erupted within the United Auto Workers (UAW) when some members created and distributed a flyer using the union's logo to promote Detroit mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield at a UAW Local 7 union hall. This caused tension because UAW leadership, including president Shawn Fain, had officially endorsed Sheffield's opponent, Reverend Solomon Kinloch Jr. The members who created the flyer, led by Lynda Jackson of UAW Local 7, were instructed by senior UAW leadership to remove the logo and relocate their event to Sheffield's campaign headquarters. Both the UAW and Kinloch's campaign criticized Sheffield for the unauthorized logo use, although her campaign maintains she had no involvement in creating the flyer.

The Michigan Chronicle and "A Small Group of Local Leaders" hosted a unique mayoral candidate forum at Detroit's Harmonie Club, where candidates Mary Sheffield, Saunteel Jenkins, James Craig, and Fred Durhal III each received 30 minutes to present their visions for Detroit's future. Unlike traditional debates, this format allowed for in-depth discussions on critical issues including neighborhood development, public safety, business growth, and housing policy. The forum emphasized accountability and substantive dialogue rather than soundbites, with candidates addressing how they would transform Detroit's potential into tangible progress for long-term residents. This intimate setting created an opportunity for candidates to speak directly to influential Black civic leaders who shape policy and community development in Detroit.

In a candidate forum for Detroit's District 6 city council race, incumbent Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero faced off against state Rep. Tyrone Carter and write-in candidate Anita Martin. While the candidates largely agree on issues like environmental racism and immigration enforcement, they differ significantly on campaign finance, with Santiago-Romero refusing corporate PAC money while Carter defends accepting corporate donations. Carter brings thirty years of legislative experience compared to Santiago-Romero, who is the lone Hispanic member of Detroit City Council. Their different approaches to fundraising highlight contrasting political philosophies in the race for this district that includes neighborhoods from Southwest Detroit to Midtown.

Detroit City Council members are addressing urgent air conditioning failures in multiple apartment buildings during a dangerous heat wave affecting the city. Council Member Mary Waters and Council President Mary Sheffield are working with building inspectors and management to resolve outages at Whitmore Apartments and The Jefferson Apartments, where temperatures have reached dangerous levels. The situation is particularly concerning for senior residents, with management at The Jefferson promising repairs by Thursday and potentially offering rent credits to affected tenants. This crisis highlights broader heat vulnerability issues in Detroit, where a 2021 study estimated 47% of residential structures have limited or no access to air conditioning, while Wayne County remains under an extreme heat warning with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.

Detroit is preparing for its mayoral primary election on August 5, where nine candidates are competing to advance to the November general election. Despite the importance of local government in addressing community-specific challenges and managing nearly $3 billion in tax dollars annually, Detroit historically sees low voter turnout for municipal elections compared to presidential races. City Councilman Scott Benson highlights a concerning correlation between income and voter participation, noting that residents with lower incomes often face barriers to political engagement while candidates typically focus on likely voters in middle and upper-middle-class neighborhoods. Benson argues that increasing wealth among Detroit's Black families is not just an economic goal but a democratic necessity to ensure all residents' voices are heard in local governance.