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Adam Hollier, writing about Michigan's state legislature, emphasizes that effective policy-making requires lived experience rather than merely academic understanding of communities. He highlights a concerning milestone: for the first time since 1941, no Black men currently serve in the Michigan Senate, creating a significant representation gap. Throughout his legislative career, Hollier drew on his personal experiences as a Detroit resident, veteran, and firefighter to advocate for issues like pension tax repeal, unemployment benefits, LGBTQ+ protections, and workforce development programs. He argues that authentic representation ensures policies genuinely address community needs, from public transit to union protections, and stresses that leaders must actively reinvest in their communities through both symbolic and substantive actions.

Ponce Clay, a military veteran and accomplished attorney, was formally installed as a judge for Detroit's 36th District Court during an investiture ceremony at Oak Grove African Methodist Church. Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Clay along with two other judges late last year to fill vacancies on the bench. A Detroit native whose parents migrated from Mississippi, Clay's journey included Navy service, a degree from Morehouse College, and law school at University of Detroit Mercy before founding his own law practice. The ceremony drew approximately 300 attendees who heard speakers praise Clay's qualifications and community involvement, while Clay emphasized his commitment to fair justice that understands the realities of Detroit residents.

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

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

A deadly shooting outside Buford's bar in Austin, Texas early Sunday morning left two people dead and over a dozen injured when a gunman opened fire from an SUV before exiting with a rifle. Police officers on patrol responded within 57 seconds and fatally shot the suspect, identified in media reports as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal. The FBI indicated potential terrorism connections based on items found in the suspect's vehicle and home, including reported Iranian imagery and religious references, though investigators emphasized the probe remains in early stages. The attack occurred the same weekend U.S. and Israeli forces conducted strikes in Iran that killed the Supreme Leader, adding context to the potential terrorism angle.

Detroit City Council Member Scott Benson is using Banglatown, an eastside neighborhood near Hamtramck, as a model for neighborhood stabilization after it experienced a 341% increase in home values between 2014 and 2022. Benson attributes the neighborhood's success to improved public safety, increased population density, and strong community engagement, including connecting law enforcement with the Bangladeshi community through cultural education. For the coming year, Benson is prioritizing expanding housing density through zoning reform, securing funding for a child savings account program for high school graduates, and addressing the city's childcare shortage. He also plans to work toward placing a millage on the ballot to fund the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is restructuring city services by creating a new Department of Human, Homeless and Family Services (DHHFS), which will receive $41.4 million from the current Housing and Revitalization Department budget of $90.6 million. The reorganization moves people-focused programs like homeless services, housing assistance, and ID programs into the new department under director Benita Miller, while allowing HRD to concentrate on housing development initiatives. The Health Department will also shift its focus away from basic needs toward addressing chronic diseases and maternal health issues. City officials presented this budget-neutral reorganization to City Council, emphasizing that stabilizing residents' basic needs first will improve their participation in health and other city programs.

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

Iranian-Americans across the United States displayed deeply divided reactions following a US-Israel military strike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the weekend. While many Iranian exiles celebrated in cities like Los Angeles, where streets were closed for demonstrations and a plane flew a banner thanking President Trump, others protested what they feared could become another protracted Middle Eastern conflict. Supporters, including families who had fled religious persecution in Iran, expressed hope for regime change and the possibility of returning to their homeland, though some acknowledged the tragic loss of life required to reach this point. The Iranian-American community's split was reflected even in Congress, where members of Iranian heritage took opposing stances on whether the military action represented liberation or the beginning of an endless war.

Following joint US-Israeli military strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republic faces its greatest crisis since the 1979 revolution. The coordinated operation, dubbed "Epic Fury," eliminated Khamenei and several senior military commanders, triggering celebrations in Iranian cities and among diaspora communities while prompting both US and Israeli leaders to encourage Iranians to pursue regime change. Iranian authorities responded by formally confirming Khamenei's death and quickly establishing a temporary three-member governing council to project stability and continuity. Despite severe leadership losses, Iran has demonstrated continued military capability by launching retaliatory strikes against US bases and civilian targets in Dubai and Kuwait, significantly widening the conflict's scope and raising prospects for further regional escalation. # Key Takeaways

The United States and Israel conducted a coordinated morning attack in Tehran that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, acting on CIA intelligence about their meeting location. For months, both countries had been tracking Iranian leaders through sophisticated surveillance methods, possibly including telecommunications monitoring and bodyguard tracking techniques similar to those used in a previous conflict. The strike involved approximately 30 Israeli bombs targeting an underground bunker at a compound in central Tehran around 9:40 AM local time, requiring multiple munitions to penetrate the fortified structure. The attack represents a significant intelligence operation exploiting a rare opportunity when multiple high-value targets were gathered simultaneously, though Iran had reportedly prepared succession plans in anticipation of such scenarios.

Michael Brown, a 52-year-old Detroit restaurateur and nightlife entrepreneur known as "Mike B.," was fatally shot outside a west side bar early Saturday, with two others injured in the incident. Brown had built a decades-long career in Detroit's entertainment scene, starting as a party promoter and club owner before transitioning to successful restaurant ventures including Sloppy Chops and Sloppy Crab. His establishments became important gathering places for Detroit's Black community during a period of citywide revitalization, combining upscale dining with the nightclub atmosphere he perfected over years. The shooting remains unsolved as Detroit Police seek information from the public, while the community mourns a beloved figure known for mentoring young promoters, supporting local artists, and creating opportunities for others.

Artificial intelligence and algorithmic systems now dominate mortgage lending decisions, presenting new forms of discrimination that mirror historical redlining practices but without explicit intent. These automated systems learn from historical data that reflects decades of systematic exclusion of Black Americans from homeownership opportunities, causing algorithms to perpetuate racial disparities through seemingly neutral factors like zip codes and credit histories. Black borrowers, even those who are well-qualified professionals, often face higher interest rates, stricter requirements, and reduced access to prime mortgage products due to these opaque automated decisions. Dr. Kellum argues that without deliberate interventions including transparency requirements, alternative credit data, updated consumer education, and modernized fair-lending enforcement, another generation of Black families will be locked out of wealth-building through homeownership. # Key Takeaways

Employees of Hutch's Jewelry in Oak Park used social media to address concerns about the store's future following the recent death of their prominent jeweler, Darrel "D. Hasty" Hasty, who passed away unexpectedly in late February at age 33. The 33-year-old had become the public face of the business through his popular TikTok presence after the store's original owner, Dan Hutchinson, was murdered in a hire-for-hire scheme in 2022. Despite these consecutive tragedies, the jewelry store had experienced significant growth, including partnerships with the Detroit Pistons and attracting celebrity clients like Rick Ross and E-40. Employees AJ Williams and Jay Graves posted a video thanking supporters and confirming the store will continue operating, though specific plans for moving forward remain unclear.

Detroit has launched a new program to repair and replace deteriorating seawalls for low-income homeowners in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood, which experiences recurring flooding from the Detroit River and its connecting canals. The $1 million pilot initiative, funded by a Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant, aims to fix seawalls for 15-20 properties as a test case for broader flood mitigation efforts. This program supports a larger goal of removing the neighborhood from FEMA's flood hazard designation, which currently requires expensive flood insurance and limits federally funded home improvements. The seawall repairs are part of decades-long efforts to address water damage in the waterfront community, building on a 2022 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study that recommended strengthening shorelines to reduce flooding.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has died at age 86 after Israeli strikes targeted his residential compound, marking a pivotal moment for the Islamic Republic after 36 years of his hardline rule. While Iranian officials initially denied reports of his death, state television eventually confirmed he had been killed, announcing a 40-day mourning period as pro-government memorial events began. The regime had been preparing for succession possibilities since last year's conflict when Israel killed numerous Iranian officials and made clear the Ayatollah was a potential target. Videos show contrasting reactions across Iran, with some mourning while others celebrated in the streets, hoping his death signals the end of the Islamic regime. The focus now shifts to his successor and whether new leadership might alter the direction of the embattled republic amid ongoing war.

The United States and Israel conducted joint military strikes across Iran, which President Trump labeled "major combat operations," resulting in the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as confirmed by Iranian state television. The attacks, described as preemptive by Israel, targeted Iran's missile capabilities, naval assets, and nuclear infrastructure following weeks of tensions over Iran's nuclear program. Iran's Revolutionary Guard responded by launching retaliatory strikes against US bases and allied nations throughout the Middle East under "Operation Truthful Promise 4." The international community has reacted with a mixture of support, condemnation, and calls for de-escalation, with the UN Secretary General warning of grave consequences for regional stability and civilian populations.

President Trump has launched a major military operation against Iran, killing the country's supreme leader in an air campaign aimed at eliminating Iran's nuclear program and achieving regime change. This represents a significant gamble that could either become a historic victory or seriously damage Trump's presidency and his party's electoral prospects in the upcoming midterm elections. The strike has triggered Iranian retaliation against US allies across the region and sparked fierce political opposition from Democrats who accuse Trump of launching an unauthorized war without congressional approval or clear strategy. Trump's decision contradicts his campaign promises to end "forever wars" and has created uncertainty about whether the operation can succeed through air power alone or will require a prolonged ground commitment that analysts warn could become a regional quagmire.

The United States, in coordination with Israel, launched a large-scale military assault on Iran early Saturday morning that President Trump labeled "major combat operations," resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and hundreds of Iranian casualties across the country. Trump justified the strikes by citing Iran's refusal to abandon its nuclear program, historical grievances including the 1979 embassy takeover, and alleged threats from missile development, though this came just days after failed nuclear negotiations with Tehran. Iran retaliated by launching counterattacks against US military installations and Israel throughout the Middle East region. The military action has sparked intense partisan division in Washington, with Republicans largely supporting the operation while Democrats condemned it as an illegal war launched without proper congressional authorization.

Iran has launched a missile and drone attack on the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, exposing vulnerabilities in American air defenses throughout the Middle East region. While the US has deployed advanced air defense systems like THAAD and Patriot batteries, along with destroyers and over 100 fighter jets, experts warn these resources may be insufficient to counter Iran's estimated 2,000 ballistic missiles and numerous attack drones if Iran launches a full-scale assault. Former military officials suggest that Iran's dispersed weapons capabilities and large arsenal could eventually overwhelm US defenses, though some analysts believe Iran's measured response indicates reluctance to trigger wider escalation. The situation highlights ongoing challenges similar to those faced in Ukraine, where defending against coordinated drone and missile attacks remains extremely difficult even with substantial air defense resources.

President Trump announced military strikes against Iran in the early morning hours of Saturday, describing the action as a "massive and ongoing operation" aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and calling for regime change in Tehran. Trump justified the strikes by citing "imminent threats" to American interests, though his claims about Iran's weapons capabilities contradict US intelligence assessments, and the timing appears strategically motivated by Iran's perceived domestic weakness following regional conflicts and protest crackdowns. The operation, dubbed Epic Fury, was launched without congressional authorization and while mediated negotiations were ongoing, with Oman claiming a breakthrough was near. Trump directly appealed to Iranian citizens to overthrow their government while offering immunity to military and police forces who surrender, gambling that the outcome will resemble the recent Venezuelan regime change despite warnings that Iran has succession plans in place. # Key Takeaways

This article examines how historical exploitation of Black women in medicine, particularly the unconsented experimentation on enslaved women like Anarcha Westcott, continues to manifest in today's maternal health disparities. While Michigan has achieved record-low infant mortality rates, Black infants still die at nearly three times the rate of white infants, and Black mothers nationally face maternal mortality rates over three times higher than white women. The piece honors both the victims of medical abuse and pioneering Black midwives who built dignified care systems in their communities. The Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition (SEMPQIC) is working to address these inequities through hospital partnerships, doula access, and equity training programs.

Michigan State University Trustee Dr. Rema Reynolds Vassar describes being publicly confronted by MSU's president at what she thought was a social event after she wrote an op-ed criticizing the university's dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. She argues that the university has significantly reduced funding for student organizations supporting underrepresented groups and eliminated key equity positions while racial incidents on campus have increased. Vassar contends that Black women in leadership face retaliation when they challenge institutional power, noting that she was previously censured in 2023 for demanding release of files related to the Larry Nassar scandal. She maintains that her constitutional duty as an elected trustee is to provide oversight and advocate for students rather than protect administrators, even if this casts her as a "villain" in the administration's narrative. # Key Takeaways

Detroit's poet laureate jessica Care moore is organizing a haiku-themed open mic event on March 13th (313 Day) to celebrate the city through poetry and creative expression. Participants will share Detroit-themed haikus that can be recorded in an audio booth as part of a larger "Detroit Love" project. Following the open mic night, moore will lead a free community poetry workshop on March 15th where the Moore Art House will travel throughout different Detroit neighborhoods collecting haikus from residents. This initiative represents the beginning of a year-long citywide project that will showcase Detroit voices through public art, recorded works, and live performances.

Iran has launched widespread retaliatory missile strikes across the Middle East following what it describes as a major attack by the United States and Israel that began Saturday morning. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted American military installations in multiple countries, including a US naval base in Bahrain where black smoke was observed, and the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military facility in the region. Several Gulf nations with US military presence, including the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, reported intercepting Iranian missiles, though debris from the attack killed one civilian in Abu Dhabi. Israel also detected incoming Iranian missiles and sounded sirens nationwide as the conflict escalated regionally.

The United States and Israel have jointly launched major military strikes against Iran, targeting multiple cities including Tehran, with the stated objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. President Trump described the operations as "massive and ongoing" and called on Iranian forces to surrender while encouraging Iranian citizens to overthrow their government. Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward Israel and US military facilities in Bahrain and Qatar, prompting regional airspace closures and flight suspensions. The attacks have drawn international concern, with the UN calling for de-escalation while Russia condemned the strikes as reckless, though some Western allies like Australia expressed support for preventing Iranian nuclear capabilities.

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

David Stern, a German businessman fluent in Mandarin, served as a largely hidden intermediary between Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew for nearly a decade, facilitating connections and business opportunities in China. Recently released U.S. Department of Justice documents containing over 7,000 references to Stern reveal how he was introduced to the Yorks by Epstein around 2010, subsequently helping with Sarah Ferguson's debts while making derogatory comments about women in his correspondence. Stern leveraged his Chinese connections to gain access to royal circles, becoming a director of Prince Andrew's Pitch@Palace competition in 2016 and joining the board of a royal charity, all while maintaining contact with the convicted sex offender Epstein. The emails show Stern proposing various business schemes involving China, accompanying Prince Andrew on official trips, and acting as a go-between even after the prince publicly distanced himself from Epstein following the 2008 conviction.

A 56-year-old nearly-blind refugee from Myanmar who spoke no English died in upstate New York after US Customs and Border Protection released him at a coffee shop in freezing temperatures. Nurul Amin Shah Alam was dropped off at the location without his family being notified, after spending nearly a year in custody on charges stemming from a misunderstanding with police involving a curtain rod he used as a walking stick. Federal authorities released him because, having entered the US legally as a refugee, he could not be deported, but his body was found days later approximately six miles from the drop-off point. Buffalo's mayor has sharply criticized federal immigration agencies for lacking proper protocols for handling vulnerable individuals, while local and state officials are calling for investigations into the death.

Former President Bill Clinton testified before the House Oversight Committee in New York regarding his connection to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, stating he was unaware of any crimes and would have reported Epstein had he known. Clinton and his wife Hillary, who testified the day before, initially resisted congressional subpoenas but ultimately cooperated to avoid contempt proceedings. During questioning, Clinton denied knowing a woman photographed with him in a hot tub and claimed no sexual contact, while also discussing President Trump's relationship with Epstein without providing incriminating information. The Republican committee chairman called the deposition productive and historic, marking Clinton as the seventh sitting or former president to testify before Congress, while Democrats used the hearing to call for Trump to also testify. # Key Takeaways