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The Detroit Pistons are preparing for the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (July 11-17) with a roster featuring recent draft picks, returning two-way players, and various prospects. Top prospects include 2024 fifth overall pick Ron Holland, known for his defensive skills and slashing ability; 2024 second-rounder Bobi Klintman, a versatile stretch-forward; and 2025 second-round selection Chaz Lanier, valued for his scoring prowess. The Summer League team will be coached by Pistons assistant Vitaly Potapenko, with the organization using this opportunity to evaluate talent for limited open roster spots, two-way contracts, and G League assignments as part of their ongoing rebuild.

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 new business licensing ordinances designed to reduce bureaucratic barriers for small businesses. The reforms extend license renewal periods from one to two years, introduce a provisional license option, and establish a dedicated "business concierge" team to provide personalized assistance to entrepreneurs. These changes follow a year-long review of licensing practices and community feedback from business owners who struggled with the previously complex, costly, and time-consuming compliance processes. City officials believe these reforms will support business growth while creating a more equitable landscape for entrepreneurs, particularly in historically underserved communities.

AfroFuture Detroit will make its U.S. debut on August 16-17, 2025 at Bedrock's historic Douglass Site, once home to the Frederick Douglass Homes where Motown legends like Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson lived. The festival extends beyond a two-day event with a comprehensive series of community-focused activities from August 11-28, including a bar crawl, restaurant week featuring Black-owned establishments, pitch competitions for Black entrepreneurs, spoken word performances, and Afrocentric movie nights. With headliners Asake and Davido leading an international lineup, AfroFuture aims to honor Detroit's cultural significance while celebrating Black innovation, culture, and legacy on grounds that hold deep historical importance to the city's Black community.

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.

Joi Harris will make history on September 8 when she becomes the first woman president and CEO of DTE Energy following a unanimous board vote as part of a planned leadership transition. Her remarkable 34-year journey with the company began as a high school engineering co-op, culminating in her current role as president and chief operating officer where she oversees electric and gas operations, customer service, IT, and safety departments. Under Harris's leadership, DTE launched the $1 billion Blue Water Energy Center and achieved a 70% improvement in electric reliability in 2024. Beyond her corporate achievements, Harris maintains deep community connections through her board service with organizations like the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) and the Skillman Foundation, while advocating for mentorship and career pathways for Black youth.

Angelique Peterson-Mayberry has resigned from Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) board after eight years to become Wayne County Commissioner for District 5, filling the vacancy left by the late Irma Clark-Coleman. Peterson-Mayberry played a crucial role in reestablishing local control of Detroit's public schools since 2017, working alongside Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti to rebuild community trust and stabilize district finances. DPSCD has now opened applications for her board seat replacement, with a special meeting scheduled for July 7 to begin the appointment process. The district seeks a candidate who will continue Peterson-Mayberry's legacy of service and collaborative leadership to address ongoing educational challenges in Detroit.

The Apple Developer Academy in Detroit recently celebrated the graduation of 125 local residents who completed a 10-month program focused on app development, coding, design, marketing, and project management. This fourth cohort of graduates, ranging in age from 18 to 72, represents the academy's commitment to inclusivity and Detroit's growing reputation as a technology hub. The academy is a partnership between Michigan State University, Apple, and the Gilbert Family Foundation, designed to prepare Detroiters for careers in the tech industry without any prerequisites for entry. Graduates can further their education through the Renaissance program, which offers advanced training and collaboration opportunities with local institutions and businesses.

The 2025 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix showcased not only high-speed racing but also community inclusion and diversity initiatives in motorsports. Young artists from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) created murals for the event space, while Black-owned Curry Motorsports announced a summer boot camp program supported by a $25,000 investment. The Grand Prix emphasized making racing more inclusive, with BGCSM teens participating in global mobility coding programs and free access to portions of the racetrack for spectators. Beyond the excitement of race weekend, the event demonstrated Detroit's commitment to evolving its automotive legacy through education, innovation, and increased representation in motorsports.

The U.S. Senate has narrowly advanced President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" by a 51-50 vote, which local Detroit leaders like Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell are calling the "Big Ugly Bill" due to its proposed cuts to vital social programs. The legislation threatens significant reductions to Medicaid and SNAP benefits that currently support millions of Michigan residents, including nearly half of Detroit's population and over 434,000 people in Wayne County who rely on food assistance. If passed by the House, the bill would potentially eliminate healthcare coverage for 11.8 million Americans over the next decade while creating a $467 million shortfall in Michigan's food assistance budget, all while providing $4.5 trillion in tax cuts primarily benefiting wealthy individuals and corporations.

Light Up Livernois, returning on July 5 from noon to 8 p.m., will transform Detroit's Avenue of Fashion between 6 Mile and 8 Mile into a vibrant cultural celebration showcasing Black music, fashion, food, and entrepreneurship. Produced by the Independent Business Association (IBA), this free event serves as both a cultural celebration and economic engine for one of the oldest and most significant Black commercial districts in the country. The festival features local performers across various music genres, fashion showcases highlighting Detroit designers, pop-up shops with handmade goods, food vendors offering local cuisine, and art installations illuminating storefronts. Beyond entertainment, Light Up Livernois represents a community-led initiative to support and amplify Black-owned businesses by creating visibility and generating revenue for the small enterprises that sustain Detroit's economic future.

The Detroit Pistons selected Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier with the 37th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, their only selection due to a previous trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. This strategic second-round pick addresses the team's potential loss of perimeter shooting as five unrestricted free agents may depart during the offseason. At 23 years old, Lanier brings elite three-point shooting ability, having connected on 229 three-pointers at a 41.5% rate over his past two collegiate seasons across North Florida and Tennessee. The selection aligns with team president Trajan Langdon's "optionality" strategy, providing Detroit with an NBA-ready skill on a low-cost rookie contract without sacrificing future flexibility.

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 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 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 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.

At Detroit's 70th Annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner, Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivered a powerful keynote address emphasizing the urgency of policy-driven change to address systemic inequality. Moore highlighted his administration's achievements, including investing $1.3 billion in HBCUs, granting 175,000 clemencies for cannabis convictions, and launching the "Just Communities" initiative that directs $400 million to communities harmed by systemic neglect. The event also honored several individuals for their contributions to social justice, including Roland Martin, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright Jr., Alice G. Thompson, Courtney Smith, and Yousef Almadrahi. Throughout the dinner, speakers reinforced the theme "The Power Is Within The People" and stressed the importance of immediate action rather than delay in the ongoing fight for justice.

The Michigan Chronicle held its 2025 Men of Excellence ceremony on June 27 at the International Banquet and Conference Center, celebrating Southeast Michigan's Black male leaders across various sectors. The event honored numerous accomplished individuals including CEOs, educators, public servants, and community builders, with special Lifetime Achievement Awards presented to Bishop Edgar Vann, George P. Barnes Jr., and Conrad Mallett for their transformative leadership. Shawn Wilson received the Vanguard Award for his work in corporate social responsibility and community impact. The ceremony recognized these men not just for their career achievements but for their commitment to uplifting Detroit's Black communities through service, leadership, and excellence.

Daniel and Yasmine Jones recently celebrated the opening of Goodboy Multimedia's new headquarters in Midtown Detroit, marking the 189th business launched through the City of Detroit's Motor City Match program. What began as Daniel volunteering with church livestreams in 2019 has evolved into a full-scale multimedia production company serving high-profile clients including the State of Michigan and Detroit Branch NAACP. The business received a $30,000 grant from Motor City Match to establish their Detroit location, where they now employ five full-time staff and contract with over 30 creative professionals. Beyond commercial services, Goodboy Multimedia operates the Adamark mentoring program, which has trained more than 60 Detroit high school students in media production skills to create career pathways in the creative industry.

The Michigan Chronicle received five national awards at the 2025 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Messenger Awards, reinforcing its position as a leading Black news outlet. The Chronicle's achievements were part of a larger success for its parent company, Real Times Media (RTM), which won a total of 11 awards across its publications. Executive Editor Jeremy Allen attributed these recognitions to the team's dedication to serving Detroit's Black community through quality journalism. The awards highlight the Chronicle's commitment to digital innovation and impactful storytelling within the Black Press ecosystem, which continues to play a vital role in representing and advocating for Black communities nationwide.

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.

Global Citizen will host its inaugural Global Citizen NOW: Detroit summit on July 10, 2023, marking the first time this high-profile action summit will be held outside New York City in the U.S. The event at Hudson's Detroit, presented by Bedrock, will bring together cultural icons, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and activists including Wyclef Jean, Mark Cuban, and Marcus Samuelsson to discuss building equitable and future-forward cities. This summit is the centerpiece of a three-day series featuring community-focused activities beginning July 8 with a city-wide Volunteer Day at UNI Park and concluding with a live music event at Third Man Records. Detroit was selected as the host city to spotlight its transformation from industrial powerhouse to innovation epicenter and its potential as a model for urban revitalization.

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.

In a recent mayoral debate in Detroit, candidates Mary Sheffield, Saunteel Jenkins, Fred Durhal III, and Todd Perkins outlined strategies to attract and retain young residents and recent graduates. Key priorities included developing the region's tech industry, improving public transportation, and creating more economic opportunities. The debate comes as Detroit has experienced modest population growth in recent years, with Mayor Mike Duggan claiming young people are driving this increase. Candidates emphasized that creating high-demand jobs, affordable housing, quality education, and robust transit systems would help Detroit compete with other major cities for young talent.

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.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has outlined three key priorities for Michigan's future: attracting an advanced chip manufacturing plant, implementing long-term road infrastructure solutions, and improving literacy rates among children. Despite progress in education funding and graduation rates, the Governor expressed concern that only 24% of Michigan fourth graders can read proficiently. Whitmer emphasized that while her Rebuilding Michigan bond plan has improved state roads and bridges, a permanent solution for local roads is still needed. The Governor is advocating for a semiconductor fabrication facility ("fab") in Michigan that would create thousands of jobs and position the state at the forefront of technology development.