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The Detroit Tenants Union has requested that the city use eminent domain to seize Leland House, a 22-story residential building that was evacuated in November following a power failure, and transform it into affordable housing for the displaced residents who cannot return. Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett expressed caution about this approach, noting that city council must determine whether there's adequate public purpose and questioning whether spending tens of millions on repairs is fiscally responsible. Separately, council members are addressing another housing crisis involving a 26-unit westside building owned by cryptocurrency company ReaIT, where residents lost water and heat after a pipe break, with four households receiving city assistance while others left before help arrived. Council members have raised concerns about tracking all displaced residents and expressed frustration that evacuated tenants are being placed in hotels outside Detroit, creating transportation challenges.

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television news anchor Savannah Guthrie, was kidnapped from her Arizona home over a week ago by an armed, masked individual who tampered with her doorbell camera. Authorities recently recovered surveillance footage showing the suspect covering the camera lens with vegetation, and the FBI has released these images while offering a $50,000 reward for information. Police detained and searched the home of a man named Carlos in Rio Rico, but released him after several hours, with the suspect denying any knowledge of the case. The victim's family has made desperate public appeals for her safe return, emphasizing that she requires medication for her fragile health and heart condition, while ransom notes with specific deadlines have reportedly been received by investigators.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed to the BBC that a sequel to the Formula 1 racing film starring Brad Pitt is now officially under development. The original movie, which Lewis Hamilton co-produced and earned four Oscar nominations including best picture, became Apple's highest-grossing theatrical release after making $630 million globally. While Bruckheimer declined to share specific details about timing or whether Pitt would return to his role, he confirmed his involvement in casting decisions for the follow-up. The announcement comes amid Bruckheimer's busy slate of other sequel projects, including Heat 2, Days of Thunder, Top Gun, and Pirates of the Caribbean films. # Key Takeaways

The Washington Informer highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans to building the nation's capital, including the White House, Capitol, and other landmarks, which were constructed with enslaved labor. As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History commemorates the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week's founding by D.C. resident Carter G. Woodson, the publication emphasizes local Black narratives in the DMV area. The newspaper spotlights the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 50th anniversary and profiles community leaders who have shaped the District. Founded over 60 years ago by Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, The Washington Informer continues its mission to serve and empower the community through journalism that preserves and celebrates African American history.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted during congressional testimony that he visited Jeffrey Epstein's private island in 2012 with his family, contradicting his earlier statements that he had severed contact with the convicted sex offender in 2005. The visit, which occurred four years after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, was documented in recently released Department of Justice files containing millions of Epstein-related documents. Lawmakers from both parties have demanded Lutnick's resignation for misrepresenting his relationship with Epstein, though the White House maintains President Trump's full support for the Commerce Secretary. While Lutnick has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein, critics argue he deliberately misled Congress and the public about the extent of his connections to the disgraced financier.

Britney Spears has reportedly completed the sale of her complete music catalogue to Primary Wave, an independent music publishing company, for approximately $200 million on December 30th. The transaction encompasses the pop icon's extensive body of work spanning nine studio albums and numerous chart-topping hits since her 1999 debut, making her one of the world's top-selling female artists with over 150 million records sold globally. This deal follows several challenging years for Spears, including the termination of her controversial 13-year conservatorship in 2021 and her subsequent declaration that she would not return to the music industry. The sale aligns with a broader industry trend where prominent artists like Bruce Springsteen and Justin Bieber have similarly sold their musical catalogues to publishing companies for substantial sums. # Key Takeaways

A group of 19 Buddhist monks from Theravada monasteries worldwide completed a 2,000-mile journey on foot from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington D.C. after 108 days of walking. The Walk of Peace, which began in October 2025, aimed to promote mindfulness and compassion during a period of political division in America, gaining viral attention from millions. The monks endured harsh conditions including snow and freezing temperatures, and two monks were injured in November when their escort vehicle was struck by a truck. Upon arrival in the nation's capital, they participated in interfaith services and plan to visit national monuments while advocating for Buddha's birthday to become a federal holiday.

President Trump has threatened to block the scheduled 2026 opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, demanding unspecified concessions from Canada related to trade disputes involving dairy tariffs, liquor boycotts, and China trade talks. The White House claims Trump can amend the bridge's presidential permit and objects to Canada's control over crossings and land ownership on both sides, despite the project being a joint 50-50 ownership between Canada and Michigan. Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and several Democrats have challenged Trump's characterization of the deal as unfair, noting that Canada financed the entire bridge while Michigan received half-ownership without investment. The dispute represents another escalation in deteriorating U.S.-Canada relations, though Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed confidence following a conversation with Trump that the issue would be resolved.

The FBI has released surveillance images showing a masked, armed individual tampering with the doorbell camera at the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of news anchor Savannah Guthrie, who vanished from her Tucson residence on January 31st. Authorities recovered the previously inaccessible footage from the home security system more than a week after her disappearance, which they believe was an abduction. The images represent the first significant development in the case, showing the suspect covering the camera lens with vegetation around the time Nancy Guthrie went missing. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information while the family continues making public appeals, expressing their belief that she remains alive despite her need for daily medication and limited mobility.

Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles, a beloved Black-owned soul food restaurant on Detroit's Avenue of Fashion, is permanently closing after 11 years of serving the community. The establishment became much more than an eatery, functioning as a vital community gathering space where Black Detroit families celebrated milestones, shared post-church meals, and created lasting memories over comfort food. While the owners promise the brand will continue in some form and hint at future ventures, they have not provided specific details about their next steps or closure timeline. The closing represents a significant loss for the Livernois corridor, a historic area for Black-owned businesses that continues facing challenges related to rising costs and economic pressures. The restaurant's departure has resonated emotionally throughout Detroit, where it earned a permanent place in the city's cultural memory.

Detroit has launched Rx Kids, a cash assistance program that provides pregnant mothers with $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for their baby's first six months, with no income requirements. The program, which began in Flint and has already served over 5,700 families across 29 Michigan communities, aims to address maternal and infant health disparities by reducing financial stress during critical early months. Early data from Flint shows promising results, including significant reductions in evictions, postpartum depression, and NICU admissions among participating mothers. The Detroit expansion is particularly significant given that nearly half of the city's children under five live in poverty and Black mothers face disproportionately higher maternal mortality rates, making financial stability a crucial health intervention.

A newly released FBI document from a 2019 interview reveals that former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter claims Donald Trump called him in 2006 during an Epstein investigation, stating that "everyone" knew about Epstein's criminal behavior with underage girls. This contradicts Trump's 2019 statement that he had "no idea" about Epstein's crimes and had no suspicions about him. According to Reiter's account, Trump indicated he had banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago, identified Ghislaine Maxwell as Epstein's accomplice, and was among the first to contact police about the investigation. The Justice Department says it has no corroborating evidence for the alleged 2006 call, while the White House has given mixed responses about whether it occurred.

A federal judge dismissed the Department of Justice's lawsuit against Michigan over the state's refusal to provide an unredacted voter registration list. The DOJ had requested complete voter data from Michigan and nearly every other state as part of efforts to identify noncitizen voters, but Michigan only provided a redacted version to protect personally identifiable information under state and federal privacy laws. Judge Hala Y. Jarbou ruled that none of the three federal laws cited by the DOJ—the Civil Rights Act of 1960, the National Voter Registration Act, and the Help America Vote Act—actually require states to disclose this information. This marks the third federal court dismissal of similar DOJ lawsuits, following comparable rulings in California and Oregon cases.

Filipino American activists in Los Angeles are drawing on lessons from the 1986 People Power Revolution that overthrew Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to organize resistance against what they view as authoritarian trends in the current U.S. administration. Led by figures like Myrla Baldonado, a survivor of torture under the Marcos regime who now advocates for domestic workers, and nurse Joe Arciaga, who founded the Filipino American Lakas Collective, they have organized "No Kings" rallies in Historic Filipinotown. These activists, many of whom are nurses, labor organizers, and feminist advocates, are mobilizing the large Filipino American community in Los Angeles—home to the largest Filipino population outside the Philippines—through community organizing, immigrant rights trainings, and nonviolent protests. Their work connects historical struggles against authoritarianism in the Philippines with contemporary fights for democracy, workers' rights, and immigrant protections in America.

Abraham Aiyash, who previously served as Michigan House majority floor leader representing Hamtramck and Detroit from 2020 to 2024, has announced his candidacy for the state's newly redrawn first Senate district currently held by Senator Erika Geiss. The district boundaries were reconfigured by the Michigan Citizens Redistricting Commission after legal challenges regarding racial bias, now encompassing parts of Detroit and several Downriver communities. Aiyash is facing a competitive Democratic primary against Justin Onwenu, a former economic development official under Mayor Mike Duggan, in a race characterized as contrasting progressive approaches. Central to Aiyash's campaign platform are utility rate reform—specifically proposing to freeze DTE rates by extending the window between rate cases to five years—along with universal childcare and eliminating Detroit's higher auto insurance costs.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025 with the theme "Roots. Ready. Rising." to honor its legacy of developing African American leaders and advancing equity-focused policies. Founded in 1976 by three visionaries when the Congressional Black Caucus had only 13 members, the organization has grown alongside the caucus, which now includes 62 representatives and stands as Congress's largest branch. The anniversary celebrations include commemorative events, expanded programming across multiple cities, and new initiatives like a scholarship partnership with Zelle and Community Development Investors that provides MBA funding to students at five historically Black colleges and universities. CBCF President Nicole Austin-Hillery emphasizes that this milestone represents not merely longevity but a renewed declaration of purpose to continue transforming political representation into tangible power and opportunity for Black communities nationwide.

Four Michigan gubernatorial candidates participated in an education forum hosted by the Michigan Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, to present their platforms before the November election to replace term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Democratic Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, Independent former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and Republican former Attorney General Mike Cox answered member-submitted questions about education policy. Cox drew criticism from the largely Democratic audience for suggesting experienced teachers earn six figures and opposing universal free school lunch programs, while other candidates supported increased teacher starting salaries and free meals for all students. The candidates also discussed equitable education funding models and protecting students from federal immigration enforcement, with varying approaches to working with ICE.

Washington D.C. justice leaders and community organizations are mobilizing to protect vulnerable populations from increased ICE and federal agent activities following violent enforcement operations in Minneapolis that resulted in two deaths. Local advocates are working to sever the connection between the Metropolitan Police Department and federal immigration enforcement agencies through upcoming public hearings, proposed legislation, and grassroots organizing. Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George has introduced legislation that would prohibit local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement without court orders and protect sensitive locations like schools and shelters. Multiple community organizations are coordinating teach-ins, protests, and solidarity efforts while emphasizing that ICE operations threaten all residents regardless of background. These groups view general strikes and nationwide shutdowns as powerful tools to challenge federal enforcement policies.

Justin Onwenu, a Detroit Democrat running for Michigan's District 1 State Senate seat, has secured endorsements from five of Detroit's nine City Council members, including Council President James Tate. The attorney, organizer, and adjunct law professor is positioning himself as someone who can effectively represent Detroit's interests in the state capital and deliver tangible results on issues like affordability and neighborhood investment. Onwenu has already accumulated over 50 endorsements from local officials, labor unions, and community leaders across the newly redistricted district, which includes parts of Detroit and several smaller Wayne County cities. He faces Abraham Aiyash in what will be a Democratic primary contest scheduled for August. # Key Takeaways

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer plans to propose a $625 million education budget investment specifically targeting the state's struggling literacy rates among elementary students. The initiative comes as Michigan's third-grade reading proficiency has dropped to a historic low of 38.9%, and fourth-graders continue performing below national averages on standardized assessments. Whitmer's "Every Child Reads" proposal emphasizes a comprehensive approach that includes expanding preschool access, improving teacher training, updating curriculum materials, and providing wraparound support services. The budget proposal, which will be presented to the state legislature, reflects growing urgency around Michigan's stagnant literacy performance while other states implementing early reading programs have shown improvement. # Key Takeaways

US lawmakers are criticizing the Department of Justice for improperly redacting approximately three million pages of files related to Jeffrey Epstein before their public release under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Congressional representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie claim that the FBI redacted names of potentially implicated individuals in March, violating the transparency law that passed nearly unanimously and was signed by President Trump in November. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has responded by unredacting some documents and defending certain redactions as legally required to protect victim identities and personal information, while denying any coverup. The controversy intensified after an earlier release mistakenly included identifiable victim information, which the DOJ attributed to technical and human errors and subsequently removed.

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance represented a powerful cultural moment for Puerto Rico, as the artist performed almost entirely in Spanish before 125 million viewers while incorporating imagery of sugarcane fields, rural homes, and colonial San Juan. The author, also from a small Puerto Rican town, connects with Bad Bunny's working-class background and shared experiences of growing up far from the capital, learning English as adults, and speaking Puerto Rican Spanish that some dismiss as unintelligible. His music addresses Puerto Rico's struggles including school closures, a failing electrical grid, crumbling infrastructure, and the island's limited political power as a US territory whose residents cannot vote in presidential elections. Through reggaeton—a genre once persecuted on the island—Bad Bunny has opened an unprecedented global door for Puerto Rican culture, recently making Grammy history with his entirely Spanish-language Album of the Year.

Detroit's extremely high property tax rates are discouraging residents and businesses from moving to or staying in the city, despite generating relatively little revenue. Jared Fleisher, CEO of major developer Bedrock, recently proposed three tax reforms at the Detroit Policy Conference: increasing taxes on vacant land to discourage speculation, implementing new taxes on visitors who use city services, and restructuring development incentives to be smaller but spread over longer periods. Tax policy expert Eric Lupher from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan analyzed these proposals, finding them complex and not without risks but potentially helpful for focusing reform discussions. The proposals aim to shift Detroit's tax burden away from residents while encouraging productive investment, though questions remain about their actual revenue generation and behavioral impacts.

School board elections in November 2024 saw a significant shift toward progressive candidates, with 71% of "common sense" candidates winning competitive races while 62% of "extremist" candidates lost, according to an analysis by Red Wine & Blue. This represents a reversal from previous cycles when conservative candidates focused on culture war issues like book bans and critical race theory swept these boards. Progressive challengers, many of them first-time female candidates and educators, campaigned on traditional education priorities like curriculum and teacher support rather than divisive social issues. Key victories occurred in swing states and conservative areas like Texas's Cypress-Fairbanks district and Colorado Springs, where voters rejected well-funded right-wing candidates backed by groups like Moms for Liberty and Patriot Mobile Action. The outcomes suggest voters have grown weary of political interference in schools and prefer candidates focused on educational fundamentals over culture war battles.

Savannah Guthrie, a prominent US news presenter, has made a public plea for help in locating her 84-year-old mother Nancy, who vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home during the night of January 31st. Authorities suspect Nancy was kidnapped against her will after she failed to appear at church services the following day. Despite the family's willingness to pay for her safe return and two alleged ransom deadlines passing (including one on Monday requiring Bitcoin payment), investigators have not identified any suspects or persons of interest. The FBI has deployed agents nationwide, established a round-the-clock command center, and is offering a $50,000 reward while taking ransom communications seriously, though they report no ongoing contact between the family and suspected kidnappers. # Key Takeaways

President Trump has threatened to prevent the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Ontario and Michigan unless the United States receives full compensation for its contributions to the project. The bridge, which has been under construction since 2018 at an estimated cost of $6.4 billion CAD, was entirely funded by Canada but will be jointly owned by Canada and Michigan. Trump claims the US should own at least half of the bridge and accuses Canada of taking advantage of America, though it remains unclear what legal authority he has to block the opening. Michigan officials, including Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have opposed Trump's threat, warning it could harm the state's economy, supply chains, and job market.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Classical Roots Celebration is marking its 25th anniversary at Orchestra Hall, honoring retired principal trombonist Kenneth Thompkins for his nearly three-decade career advancing equity and mentorship in classical music. The annual event, which originated in 1978 as a single church concert, has evolved into a major fundraiser supporting programs that develop African American musicians and composers while celebrating Black contributions to classical music. This year's celebration will feature Thompkins performing Carlos Simon's "Troubled Water," a composition he inspired after reflecting on Detroit's Gateway to Freedom monument during the pandemic. Despite progress through fellowship programs, Thompkins emphasizes that meaningful systemic change in orchestra hiring practices remains necessary, as he continues his advocacy work as a Michigan State University professor and recording artist championing contemporary Black composers.