Staff change, our commitment to Detroit

March 16, 2026

Malachi Barrett, a reporter who covered Detroit city government for BridgeDetroit over the past four years, has left journalism to pursue his dream of becoming a Detroit firefighter. During his tenure since 2022, Barrett made complex municipal policy accessible to residents by focusing on how City Hall decisions impacted neighborhoods, particularly during the significant 2025 transition when Detroit elected new leadership across multiple governmental bodies. BridgeDetroit plans to maintain its robust city government coverage through Managing Editor Christine Ferretti's leadership, partnerships with other news organizations including the Detroit Free Press, and additional contributors as needed.

Who is affected

Malachi Barrett (leaving journalism for firefighting career)
BridgeDetroit newsroom staff and organization
Detroit residents who relied on Barrett's city government reporting
Christine Ferretti (Managing Editor taking on expanded role)
Nushrat Rahman (shared reporter with Detroit Free Press)
BridgeDetroit readers and members
Detroit's newly elected mayor, City Council, and Board of Police Commissioners

What action is being taken

BridgeDetroit is continuing to send the Detroit City Notebook newsletter twice per week
Christine Ferretti is providing editorial leadership for city government coverage
The organization is utilizing its partnership with the Detroit Free Press and shared reporter Nushrat Rahman
BridgeDetroit is seeking feedback from readers and members about their coverage needs

Why it matters

This matters because city government coverage is essential for helping Detroit residents understand how municipal decisions affect their daily lives and neighborhoods. The timing is particularly significant as Detroit undergoes a generational leadership shift with a new mayor and entirely new City Council and Board of Police Commissioners elected in 2025. Quality local journalism that makes complex policy understandable ensures government accountability and helps residents stay informed about decisions shaping their city during this critical transition period.

What's next

BridgeDetroit will continue leading deep coverage of City Hall, including the new mayor's administration and City Council
The organization will bring in additional writers and voices when appropriate to maintain coverage quality
BridgeDetroit will remain transparent with audiences during the transition period

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com