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The Detroit City Council unanimously voted 9-0 to uphold the Office of Inspector General's suspension of Gayanga, a major demolition contractor, and its owner Brian McKinney while investigating contaminated dirt spread across the city. Environmental testing revealed that 42 of 47 demolition sites filled by Gayanga exceeded state pollution standards, with 62% deemed unsafe for direct human contact out of roughly 2,400 residential sites the company had worked on. McKinney claims he purchased dirt from a city-approved vendor and the city shares responsibility, but Inspector General Kamau Marable says evidence points to multiple sources and inaccurate self-reporting by the company. The hearing was particularly significant because Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, who previously dated McKinney and had authorized millions in city contracts to Gayanga, presided over the proceedings and voted to uphold the suspension without offering commentary.

The Detroit City Council has unanimously approved brownfield tax incentives worth $34.5 million for a development project that will bring a WNBA franchise to the city on a contaminated former Uniroyal manufacturing site along the Detroit River. The project includes a $50 million WNBA practice facility and headquarters, plus a separate youth sports development academy to be run by a nonprofit organization. By structuring the WNBA facility as a standalone $50 million project, developers avoided triggering Detroit's Community Benefits Ordinance requirements that apply to developments valued at $75 million or more, meaning they won't need to negotiate formal benefits contracts with surrounding neighborhoods. The project has received support from community residents and former basketball stars who welcome both the return of women's professional basketball and new youth sports facilities to Detroit.

A Gustav Klimt portrait of Elisabeth Lederer achieved $236.4 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York, becoming the second-highest price ever paid for artwork at auction after Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi. The painting, created between 1914 and 1916, survived Nazi looting during World War Two and a devastating fire before being rescued in 1948. Six bidders competed for twenty minutes, far exceeding the pre-auction estimate of $150 million, with the buyer's identity remaining undisclosed. The artwork had been part of cosmetics heir Leonard A. Lauder's private collection since 1985, displayed in his New York residence alongside other Klimt works that were also auctioned. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, claiming the crown prince had no knowledge of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's 2018 murder, contradicting a 2021 US intelligence assessment that found bin Salman approved the killing operation. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed major economic deals including a substantial increase in Saudi investment to $1 trillion and potential sales of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This marked the crown prince's first US visit since the assassination, which had severely damaged US-Saudi relations during the Biden administration. Khashoggi's widow rejected Trump's statements, noting that bin Salman himself had previously acknowledged responsibility for the murder and calling for an apology and compensation.

President Trump reversed his long-standing opposition to releasing government documents related to Jeffrey Epstein after mounting pressure from his own Republican base and members of Congress threatened a revolt. The dramatic shift came when Trump realized he was politically vulnerable on the issue, with polling showing 67% of Republican voters supported full document release with redactions. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emerged as a prominent dissenter, publicly defying Trump's criticism and advocating for transparency alongside Epstein survivors. The 427-1 House vote demonstrated the growing power of grassroots Republican voters to force action from party leaders, even against Trump's initial wishes. This episode, along with Republican defiance on Indiana redistricting, suggests potential fractures in Trump's control over the GOP, though he remains the party's dominant figure.

The US House of Representatives passed legislation requiring the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents with overwhelming bipartisan support, passing 427-1, followed by unanimous Senate approval. Louisiana Republican Clay Higgins cast the sole dissenting vote, arguing the bill violates long-standing criminal justice procedures and could harm innocent people connected to the investigation, including victims, witnesses, and family members. Despite Higgins requesting amendments to protect personal information, Senate leadership indicated changes were unlikely given the overwhelming support and President Trump's commitment to sign the bill. Higgins, known as one of Congress's most conservative members, has a history of controversial stances and remarks that have previously led to censure and social media post removals. # Key Takeaways

Energy bills fluctuate during winter months due to several key factors that increase consumption. Homes require more natural gas and electricity to maintain comfortable temperatures in cold weather, with older homes experiencing even greater energy demands due to inadequate insulation and outdated windows. Holiday activities compound the problem through increased hosting, decorative lighting, and additional appliance usage. Additionally, billing cycles that vary between 26 and 35 days depending on when service started and weekend/holiday adjustments can create the appearance of inconsistent charges even when actual usage remains steady. # Key Takeaways

After retiring from a 21-year Navy career, DeShawn W. established a Detroit-based business connecting communities with essential services and discovered a significant shortage of certified contractors to help local families improve their homes' energy efficiency. He participated in the DTE Energy Efficiency Academy, a paid training program created in 2023 with Walker-Miller Energy Services that provides hands-on instruction and nationally recognized certifications in energy-related trades. Through the Academy, DeShawn obtained multiple Building Performance Institute certifications that now enable him to conduct energy assessments helping homeowners access free upgrades and rebates. His success demonstrates how the program transforms individual careers while simultaneously addressing Detroit's critical need for energy-efficient housing improvements that reduce families' utility expenses.

DTE Energy has launched its Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan to assist Michigan households struggling with energy costs during winter months. The two-year program provides qualifying customers with predictable monthly payments calculated according to their income levels and energy consumption patterns. Participants can receive up to $3,000 in forgiveness for overdue balances they have accumulated. The initiative works alongside Michigan's expanded Energy Assistance Program, which now covers families earning as much as 60% of the state's median income, extending eligibility to households making around $70,000 annually for a family of four. # Key Takeaways

DTE Energy and Detroit have commenced construction on the Van Dyke/Lynch Solar Park, a 42-acre facility that represents one of five solar installations under the city's Neighborhood Solar Initiative. The project will produce 10 megawatts of renewable electricity starting in June 2026, sufficient to power over 2,000 residences and help operate municipal facilities including City Hall and emergency services buildings. Nearby residents will receive home energy efficiency improvements valued at up to $15,000 through DTE's program. This community-driven development supports Detroit's objective to transition all municipal buildings to clean power by 2034 and aligns with DTE's targets of achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is organizing a public hearing called Housing Forward on Wednesday, November 19 at 9 a.m. to discuss county housing matters. The event will take place at the County Administration Center and will cover housing and land use policies for unincorporated areas, along with findings from a Development Feasibility Analysis. County officials and staff will present information about current projects and future policy plans while allowing residents to provide input. Community members interested in attending or commenting can access participation details through the Clerk of the Board website or contact the Board Operations Unit directly.

A National Transportation Safety Board investigation has determined that the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, which killed six construction workers, was preventable and stemmed from multiple failures. The Dali cargo ship lost power due to a loose electrical wire and faulty fuel pump before striking a bridge pillar, but investigators found that police who were notified of the ship's course deviation failed to alert the construction crew. Workers would have had approximately 90 seconds to evacuate to a safer part of the bridge if they had received warning when police did. The disaster closed the Port of Baltimore temporarily and severed a major highway, with bridge reconstruction costs now estimated at $5 billion and completion pushed back to 2030, partly due to increased material costs from federal trade policies.

The Michigan Wolverines secured a narrow 24-22 victory against Northwestern at Chicago's Wrigley Field when sophomore kicker Dominic Zvada converted a 31-yard field goal as time expired. Michigan dominated possession and controlled much of the game but undermined their own performance with five turnovers and costly penalties that kept Northwestern competitive throughout. Despite losing running back Jordan Marshall to injury and playing without Justice Haynes, Michigan's offense managed crucial drives, with quarterback Bryce Underwood leading a game-winning march in the final two minutes. The Wolverines' defense proved critical by forcing key stops after Michigan turnovers, holding Northwestern to just 245 total yards and preventing the Wildcats from capitalizing on Michigan's mistakes. # Key Takeaways

The Trump administration's policies are systematically dismantling pathways to middle-class prosperity for Black Americans, despite campaign promises to support these communities. Federal workforce cuts, driven by DOGE and anti-DEI executive orders, disproportionately impact Black employees who comprise roughly 19% of federal workers and have historically relied on government jobs as a stable route to economic security. The administration is simultaneously attacking other mobility channels including education funding, HBCU support, the Minority Business Development Agency, small business programs, and fair housing initiatives. Black unemployment has risen to 7.2% by July 2025, with nearly 300,000 Black women exiting the workforce in the second quarter alone, while the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" threatens to further disadvantage Black families through tax policies and graduate school loan limits.

Financial coach Damon Carr argues that being broke isn't simply about lacking money, but rather encompasses ten distinct financial situations that require different solutions. These range from overspending despite adequate income and earning too little to cover basic needs, to emotional spending patterns and generational cycles of poor money management. Each type of "broke" stems from losing control over different aspects of personal finance, whether that's controlling spending habits, income generation, or beliefs about money. The article emphasizes that breaking free from financial struggle requires awareness, discipline, and consistent action tailored to each person's specific situation, with the ultimate goal of building wealth rather than merely appearing wealthy. # Key Takeaways

Go-Go Appreciation Week in Washington, D.C. is highlighting the potential of go-go music to unite Black and Latino communities who face shared experiences of state-sanctioned violence and discrimination. Community leaders, including Ron Moten of the Don't Mute DC movement and musicians like Ivan Navas, are emphasizing the African roots that connect go-go to Latin American musical traditions like Colombian cumbia. The celebration includes the premiere of "Go-Go Cumbia," a collaborative music video between go-go and cumbia artists, while organizers work to preserve go-go culture through youth programs and the Go-Go Museum and Cafe. This year's events build toward the 2026 Go-Go Awards commemorating 50 years of the genre, even as concerns mount about federal immigration enforcement and policing practices affecting both Black and Latino D.C. residents.

James Pickens Jr., who portrays Dr. Richard Webber on Grey's Anatomy, publicly disclosed his prostate cancer diagnosis through a public service announcement that aired at the conclusion of a November episode. After experiencing elevated PSA levels in early 2024 and January 2025, medical tests revealed a tumor, which he had removed through robotic radical prostatectomy surgery. Given his family history of prostate cancer affecting his father and uncles, Pickens used his platform to advocate for early cancer screenings, especially among Black men who face higher risk. Days after his announcement, he shared on social media that he is now cancer-free and continues encouraging others to get screened.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating a new sexual battery allegation against imprisoned rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, stemming from an alleged 2020 incident at a warehouse photoshoot. A male music producer claims Combs exposed himself and made unwanted sexual advances during the shoot, allegations that Combs has categorically denied through his attorney. This investigation comes as Combs is already serving a 50-month prison sentence in New Jersey following his conviction earlier this year on prostitution-related transportation charges. While he was acquitted of more serious sex-trafficking charges that could have resulted in life imprisonment, Combs faces numerous additional civil lawsuits from dozens of accusers, including minors, who allege drugging, sexual assault, and coercion related to career advancement.

A federal court has ruled that Texas cannot use its recently redrawn electoral district maps for the 2026 midterm elections, determining that the redistricting constitutes racial gerrymandering. Texas Republicans had taken the uncommon step of redrawing voting boundaries mid-decade rather than waiting for the standard post-census redistricting cycle, aiming to secure additional congressional seats for their party. This maneuver triggered similar redistricting efforts in other states controlled by both political parties seeking electoral advantages. The court has mandated that Texas revert to the district maps originally established in 2021, though the ruling faces likely appeal to the Supreme Court. # Key Takeaways

A viral TikTok video showing a Black woman in active labor being forced to wait in a Dallas hospital's intake area has sparked widespread allegations of medical racism. The woman, Karrie Jones, was recorded screaming in pain while a nurse conducted routine intake questions, and her baby was born just 12 minutes after finally being admitted, following a wait of over 30 minutes. The video, posted by Jones' mother and viewed over 54 million times, prompted outrage from social media users who noted that pregnant women in active labor should be immediately taken to delivery suites. Dallas Regional Medical Center has announced it is investigating the incident, though the hospital has not confirmed reports that the nurse involved was terminated.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel plans to challenge DTE Energy's proposed natural gas rate increase of $237 million annually, which would raise residential customer bills by approximately 8 percent. Nessel has accused the utility company of inflating costs to boost corporate profits and claims her office has previously saved consumers over $4 billion by intervening in utility cases before the Michigan Public Service Commission. The commission itself has faced recent controversy after Governor Whitmer replaced a consumer-friendly commissioner with a former political advisor who previously worked for a House Speaker criticized for blocking utility reform legislation. DTE serves 1.3 million natural gas customers statewide, while utility companies remain powerful political donors in Michigan despite a citizen-led effort to ban their campaign contributions. # Key Takeaways

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein gathered at the U.S. Capitol to witness a historic House vote on legislation requiring the release of approximately 100,000 pages of Justice Department files related to the deceased financier and convicted sex offender. The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, 427-1, after Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna used a procedural maneuver to bypass House leadership opposition. The vote followed months of political tension, including a public dispute between President Trump and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene over the issue, with Trump initially calling the matter a "hoax" before reversing his position. Survivors, many holding childhood photos of themselves, emphasized they were fighting for justice for the children they were when abused, rebuking attempts to minimize Epstein's crimes because victims were teenagers rather than younger children. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it will need 60 votes to pass.