Michigan news

The Joe Louis Greenway Partnership is organizing Pink 'o' ween, a free community event on October 18, 2025, that combines Halloween festivities with breast cancer awareness activities. The celebration includes a 2-mile awareness walk led by Pattidukes of The Detroit Fitness, along with family-friendly activities such as food trucks, a petting zoo, trick-or-treating, and special support for breast cancer survivors. Taking place at the Warren Trailhead of the Joe Louis Greenway, the event aims to unite the community around breast cancer awareness while providing resources and support, with organizers highlighting that one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield has received an endorsement from District 6 incumbent Gabriela Santiago-Romero in her campaign for mayor. The endorsement was announced at a Joe Louis Greenway Partnership event, where both officials emphasized their shared values of inclusion and equity. Sheffield, who faces Rev. Solomon Kinloch in the November 4 general election, praised Santiago-Romero as "a fighter for Detroit" while Santiago-Romero expressed confidence that Sheffield would implement her ideas and hold police accountable regarding immigration policies. The two have been allies on council legislation, though they have occasionally disagreed, most recently on expanding the city's curfew enforcement powers.

In April 2024, Cody Balmer was sentenced to 25-50 years in state prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder, aggravated arson, and other charges for setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence. Though the official residence was severely damaged, Governor Shapiro, his family, staff, and guests escaped unharmed from the attack, which occurred on the second day of Passover. Balmer, who admitted to harboring hatred toward the Jewish governor and making Molotov cocktails from lawnmower fuel, turned himself in 13 hours after the break-in and confessed he would have assaulted Shapiro with a hammer had they encountered each other. The incident is part of a broader pattern of political violence in the United States, with Governor Shapiro acknowledging that while time will heal, his family has been forever changed by the attack.

East side Detroit residents, activists, and political leaders gathered at Gaylord and Moran to protest a concrete crushing plant they claim is causing air pollution, noise, and blight in their neighborhood. Local activist Jahdante Smith and residents like Diana Morris described deteriorating living conditions and health concerns, citing dust contamination and respiratory issues. Despite community outcry, city officials maintain the facility, which operates in a heavy industrial zone, is legally permitted to continue operations and has worked to maintain air quality standards. Senator Stephanie Chang and U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed joined residents in calling for the plant's closure, with El-Sayed explaining how small silica dust particles can cause serious respiratory conditions by lodging in the lungs.

Detroit Salon, a new contemporary art platform created by Detroit-based Salonnière and supported by various Michigan organizations, will debut internationally in Paris in fall 2025 before staging a citywide edition in Detroit in 2028. The initiative aims to connect Detroit artists to global audiences while establishing a headquarters in Paradise Valley for year-round exhibitions and artist development. With partnerships including Art Basel and 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Detroit Salon represents a significant effort to elevate Detroit's visual arts scene on the world stage. The project emphasizes Detroit-led curation and storytelling, seeking to drive new audiences to the city's cultural institutions while providing career-sustaining opportunities for local artists.

Judson Center, under the leadership of President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster for nearly a decade, has evolved from a small foster care and adoption organization into a comprehensive social services provider throughout Michigan as it celebrates its 101st anniversary. The organization now offers integrated care spanning autism services, behavioral health, primary healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, and disability support, with multiple locations across the state. Hardy-Foster has transformed the organization by implementing an integrated care model that addresses clients' interconnected challenges and securing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic status. Judson Center will celebrate its achievements at a black-tie gala on November 7 at The Henry in Dearborn, which will include presenting the Care of Art Award to recognize outstanding support for the organization's mission.

Detroit officials celebrated the opening of a new two-mile stretch of the Joe Louis Greenway, a pedestrian and bike-friendly path that now totals nearly six miles of completed trail. The event included the unveiling of a bronze statue titled "Outside the Ring," created by Detroit artist Austen Brantley, honoring Joe Louis' pioneering role in breaking racial barriers in professional golf. This expansion, funded primarily through $35 million in State ARPA dollars, features new sidewalks, bike paths, safety features, landscaping, and a trailhead with community amenities at Grand River Avenue. When completed, the full greenway will stretch 29 miles through Detroit and neighboring communities, connecting 23 Detroit neighborhoods, with another six miles expected to be finished by the end of 2026.

The Gilbert Family Foundation's Motor City Contractor Fund (MCCF) is partnering with Barton Malow and Invest Detroit to host a networking event during National Construction Inclusion Week on October 14, 2025, at Barton Malow's Southfield headquarters. This initiative aims to connect Detroit-based contractors, particularly minority- and woman-owned businesses, with major industry players to help them access opportunities within Detroit's booming construction sector, which currently has over $5 billion in construction and rehabilitation projects underway. The event will feature representatives from numerous organizations including the City of Detroit Land Bank and Detroit Development Fund, providing contractors with direct access to decision-makers and information about available resources to help them compete in the growing market.

David Hogg, founder of Leaders We Deserve PAC and former DNC vice chair, has announced support for state Rep. Donavan McKinney's challenge against incumbent U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan's 13th Congressional District. Hogg criticized Thanedar as "out-of-touch" and "ineffective," specifically mentioning concerns about constituent services and campaign finance practices. Several Black leaders from Wayne County, including former U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, have also backed McKinney's bid, expressing desire for Black representation in a district that includes parts of Detroit. Thanedar has defended his record by highlighting his work on healthcare and immigration issues while pointing to his previous electoral success in Detroit.

The 2025 Annual Rainbow PUSH/CEF Global Automotive Summit will return to Detroit on October 15, marking its 26th anniversary as a crucial platform for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the automotive industry. The event, held at the Motor City Casino Hotel & Conference Center, will feature sessions covering industry challenges, minority dealerships, ethnic consumer trends, and supplier partnerships from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Industry leaders including NAMAD President Perry Watson IV, S&P Global Mobility's Marc Bland, and executives from Toyota and Stellantis will discuss strategies for inclusive growth and strengthening diverse supply chains. A highlight will be the unveiling of the 2025 Brand Equity Index, replacing the previous Automotive Diversity Scorecard to track progress in building a more equitable automotive ecosystem.

On World Homeless Day (October 10), Dr. Chad Audi, President and CEO of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, highlights America's escalating homelessness crisis, with over 771,000 Americans experiencing homelessness—an 18% increase in one year. The crisis stems from stagnating wages, soaring rents, and insufficient federal housing assistance, resulting in one in every 400 Americans lacking stable housing and over 1.3 million homeless students in U.S. public schools. Detroit exemplifies both the crisis and potential solutions with its seven-point plan to address homelessness, while nationally there's tension between punitive approaches to encampments and the need for compassionate, housing-focused solutions.

Detroit Public Schools Community District has inaugurated the Southeastern High School Career Technical Education Annex, an 11,000-square-foot facility equipped with professional-grade welding and CNC labs. This $16 million project represents the first completed new construction under the district's $700 million Facilities Master Plan, strategically located at a historic East Side high school built in 1917. Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti emphasized that this intentional investment in a neighborhood school is crucial for rebuilding Detroit communities, not just downtown development. The project, supported by a $4 million contribution from Stellantis, aims to provide local students with advanced manufacturing skills without leaving their community, helping to address historical disinvestment in the area.

The Michigan Democratic Party has launched billboards across Detroit criticizing Mayor Mike Duggan for accepting donations from Republican supporters during his independent gubernatorial campaign. Duggan, who left the Democratic Party in December after serving as mayor for 12 years, has received contributions from prominent Republican donors while also securing endorsements from traditionally Democratic labor unions. The party claims the billboard campaign aims to show Michiganders that Duggan "can't be trusted," coinciding with a fundraiser Duggan attended with a Trump donor. Despite Democratic criticism, Duggan's campaign spokesperson dismissed the attacks, noting his strong support from traditionally Democratic unions.

Detroit is experiencing a significant decrease in violent crime, with double-digit declines in homicides, nonfatal shootings, and carjackings through the third quarter of 2025, marking the sharpest drop since 1965. The city has recorded 132 homicides through September 30, down from 155 during the same period in 2024, while also seeing improved clearance rates for nonfatal shooting cases due to stronger coordination between police and prosecutors. This progress stems from a combination of enforcement strategies and prevention efforts, particularly through Community Violence Intervention (CVI) groups led by neighborhood organizations. The Michigan Legislature has recently approved the Public Safety Trust Fund, providing unprecedented long-term funding for CVI programs statewide, which will help sustain Detroit's crime reduction momentum.

The Michigan Chronicle has announced their endorsements for the Detroit City Council elections taking place on November 4, coinciding with the mayoral election where all nine council seats are contested. Through an interview process, the editorial board evaluated candidates for two at-large positions and seven district seats based on their experience, vision, and community commitment. The Chronicle endorsed Mary Waters and Coleman A. Young II for the at-large seats, citing their proven advocacy for Detroit neighborhoods, transparency, and ability to provide stability during the mayoral transition. For the district seats, the endorsed candidates include current Council President Pro Tem James Tate (District 1), Angela Whitfield-Calloway (District 2), Scott Benson (District 3), Latisha Johnson (District 4), Renata Miller (District 5), and Gabriela Santiago-Romero (District 6).

Bruce Simpson has completed a 10-year term as Detroit's ombudsman, during which he doubled his office size and processed over 74,000 complaints. His tenure included issuing 50 policy recommendations and conducting 1,440 community meetings to raise awareness about the office's role in helping residents and businesses. Simpson's final report highlights issues with the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED), which generated 62% of complaints, and includes recommendations like making the Office of Immigration Affairs permanent and improving code enforcement. Former state Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo has been selected as Simpson's successor for the next 10-year term.

Detroit's mayoral race between City Council President Mary Sheffield and Triumph Church pastor Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. will feature two scheduled debates following their top finishes in the August 5 primary election. The first debate will be held October 15 at WXYZ-TV's studios, moderated by Chuck Stokes and Carolyn Clifford, while a second debate is scheduled for October 27 on Fox 2's The Pulse. Sheffield leads significantly with 51% of primary votes compared to Kinloch's 17%, garnering support from unions and billionaires, while Kinloch has secured endorsements from organizations like the UAW and has recently criticized Sheffield over an ethics concern regarding concert tickets.

LM Manufacturing in Southwest Detroit hosted its fourth annual Manufacturing Day, where over 200 students from six Detroit schools toured the facility and learned about career opportunities in manufacturing. During the event, students like 15-year-old Isaiah Clay were introduced to automotive manufacturing processes and expressed interest in future internships. Representatives from major companies including GM, Comerica Bank, and Henry Ford Health were present to connect with students and discuss career paths. LM Manufacturing, a joint venture between Magna and Lan Manufacturing that produces automotive seating for Ford, emphasizes its "C Power" values and operates an Expose 2 Inspire program partnering with 18 Detroit schools to provide job shadowing and internship opportunities.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education has adopted a streamlined process to fill the upcoming vacancy created by Board Member Sherry Gay-Dagnogo's appointment as Detroit's Ombudsman. Rather than conducting a new public search, the board voted to offer the position to the runner-up from their July 2025 vacancy selection process, who was later identified as Bessie Harris, a retired special education teacher. The decision passed despite objections from some board members who preferred following the district's standard vacancy policy requiring public applications and interviews. If the runner-up accepts, they will serve through December 2026 and will need to run in the next scheduled board election to continue serving.

The new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, an $80 million development spanning 22 acres along Detroit's Southwest riverfront, is set to open on October 25th. The park features numerous attractions including a four-acre playground, water garden, sports pavilion, and distinctive animal-shaped structures like a 20-foot bear slide. Matt Cullen, CEO of the Riverfront Conservancy, described it as potentially "the most iconic park in the United States," comparing it to Chicago's popular Millennium Park. The development includes several sponsored zones such as the Delta Dental Play Garden, Clinton-Huron MetroParks Water Garden, William Davidson Sports House, and DTE Foundation Summit, with grand opening celebrations featuring The Jacksons performing during Detroit Harvest Fest.

The US government has entered a shutdown after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, marking the first federal closure in nearly seven years. Senate Democrats blocked a Republican spending bill that would have kept the government operating until November, though three Democrat-aligned senators broke ranks to support it. As the shutdown continues, political pressure will mount on both parties, with Democrats potentially facing increasing strain as government employees and the general public begin to feel the effects of curtailed services. While Republicans currently feel they have the upper hand, there are several potential resolution scenarios, including Democratic capitulation, Republican compromise, or a protracted standoff that damages both parties politically.

The Michigan Chronicle editorial board has officially endorsed Mary Sheffield for Mayor of Detroit in the upcoming November election. The board cites Sheffield's detailed policy plans, decade of experience in Detroit politics, and proven track record as City Council President as key factors in their decision. While acknowledging both candidates' similar aspirations for neighborhood investment and tax relief, the board emphasized Sheffield's superior grasp of funding mechanisms and budgetary constraints. Sheffield's platform focuses on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, police accountability, and improved city services, with specific initiatives like a new Department of Human, Homeless and Family Services and district-based Neighborhood Opportunity and Empowerment Hubs.

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo has been appointed as Detroit's new ombudswoman following a 6-3 City Council vote, granting her a 10-year term through 2035. The longtime educator, former state legislator, and current school board member will resign from the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board to take the position beginning October 5. Gay-Dagnogo received strong public endorsements from various community leaders including Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and Rev. Wendell Anthony of the Detroit NAACP. She describes the appointment as a homecoming, having started her political career in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, and views the role as continuing her decades-long commitment to advocating for Detroit residents by addressing complaints and ensuring equitable city services.

Detroit is considering significant zoning amendments that would expand residential districts to allow multi-unit buildings, modify dimensional requirements for vacant lots, permit more accessory units, and reduce parking requirements. The Detroit Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote this Thursday on whether to recommend these changes to the City Council, which would need to authorize them by November 25. These amendments primarily focus on the R2 zoning district, which comprises 25% of Detroit's lots, half of which are vacant. City officials and organizations like Strong Towns Detroit argue these changes would increase housing supply, reduce pricing pressure, and eliminate barriers to development in underdeveloped areas.

Michigan's Legislature is racing against a government shutdown deadline with a critical focus on preserving free breakfast and lunch programs for low-income students. Senator Sarah Anthony, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, has made this program a priority in budget negotiations, emphasizing that the state has sufficient financial resources to maintain it. School districts are already warning parents about possible meal service disruptions, creating fear and confusion for families who depend on these meals as their children's primary source of nutrition. The outcome of these negotiations will reveal Michigan's commitment to addressing childhood hunger, particularly in communities with high populations of Black and Brown students where the program helps counter systemic inequities.

Justin Onwenu, Detroit's entrepreneurship and economic opportunity director, has launched a campaign for Michigan's redrawn 1st Senate District, potentially facing a competitive Democratic primary. In his announcement, Onwenu criticized Michigan politics for failing to pass key legislation during last year's lame duck session when Democrats controlled all branches of government. With experience as an attorney, environmental justice organizer, and small business advocate, Onwenu aims to strengthen labor rights, address wage inequality, and implement statewide entrepreneurship programs similar to Detroit's Motor City Match. If elected, the 29-year-old would become the youngest and only Black male in the Michigan state Senate.

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist publicly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza at an Arab American conference, calling it genocide and pledging not to accept money from pro-Israel lobby AIPAC in his gubernatorial campaign. His stance marks a significant break from other Democratic candidates in Michigan, where a large Arab American community and Jewish population coexist. Gilchrist criticized using American taxpayer dollars to fund weapons while Palestinian civilians suffer, positioning himself differently from fellow gubernatorial candidates Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. His comments come as Michigan Democrats face internal division over the Israel-Gaza conflict following Hamas' October 2023 attack and Israel's subsequent military campaign.

A deadly attack occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former Marine, crashed his vehicle into the building, opened fire on congregants, and set the church ablaze during a Sunday service. The incident killed four people and injured eight others before police killed the suspect in a shootout less than 10 minutes after the attack began. Officials described the shooting as a "targeted act of violence" but are still investigating the motive, with the White House press secretary suggesting Sanford "hated people of the Mormon faith." Investigators have interviewed over 100 victims and witnesses and discovered makeshift explosive devices at the scene.

Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter has partnered with Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC Detroit) to launch the Apparel Creation STU/DEO by adidas, unveiled during the National Black Footwear Forum. Carter, the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards for her costume design work on films like "Black Panther," aims to provide mentorship and creative opportunities for aspiring designers. The studio, designed with contributions from PLC Detroit students Angel Buckens and Rodney Banks and featuring a mural by Detroit artist Sydney G. James, represents a collaboration between an iconic designer, the only design-focused HBCU in the country, and adidas to nurture the next generation of design talent.

Michigan has expanded its reentry ID program to Wayne County, ensuring people leaving the county jail can obtain driver's licenses or state identification cards upon release. The program, operating since 2020, has already provided identification to approximately 20,000 individuals exiting Michigan prisons and jails. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson emphasized that having an ID is critical for accessing employment, housing, and educational opportunities after incarceration. This expansion addresses a significant barrier to reentry in Wayne County, where about 60 percent of jail inmates lacked valid identification, and is particularly impactful for Detroit's Black community, which is disproportionately affected by incarceration.