Michigan news

The Detroit Tigers and Comerica Bank are hosting Black in Baseball Weekend from June 13-15 at Comerica Park, featuring a comprehensive celebration of Black culture and contributions to baseball. The three-day event includes concerts, ceremonies, youth clinics, a step show, and food from Black-owned vendors during the Tigers' series against the Cincinnati Reds. Activities range from the exclusive Black Diamond Dinner honoring community changemakers to public events like the Black in Baseball Block Party and a Ludacris concert. The weekend will also pay tribute to Negro Leagues players with special ceremonies and provide career development opportunities through the Black in Baseball Career Mixer, all while supporting organizations like Wayne State University's National Panhellenic Council and the Black Sports Business Academy.

Highland Park, Michigan hosted an Economic Strategy and Branding Open House on June 10, 2025, to gather community feedback for updating the city's Economic Development Strategy, Master Plan, and Zoning Ordinance. Led by Principal Planner Donavan Smith, this event marked the third public engagement effort in a series designed to revitalize the former industrial hub. The initiative comes at a critical time as Highland Park works to establish a new identity focused on innovation, culture, and sustainability, with key developments including the Joe Louis Greenway project supported by $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds and a $10.5 million federal grant. Mayor Glenda McDonald's "The City in Motion" plan aims to rebuild the tax base and address infrastructure concerns frequently raised by residents like Ken Chambers.

Detroit City Council president and mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield has received an endorsement from EMILY's List, a national PAC supporting pro-choice women candidates. The organization emphasized the importance of electing Democratic, pro-choice mayors during the current Trump administration, with Sheffield specifically recognized for her advocacy work in Detroit. EMILY's List president Jessica Mackler praised Sheffield's efforts against workplace discrimination, support for affordable housing, and her stance on reproductive rights. Sheffield's campaign reports that additional national and local labor endorsements are anticipated in the coming week, adding to her growing list of supporters that already includes attorney Ben Crump, Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison, and several major local unions.

The Michigan Chronicle has hired Sam Robinson as a senior reporter to strengthen their political coverage during a pivotal time in Detroit's governance. Robinson, who brings over five years of experience covering politics and culture from outlets including Axios, MLive, and the Detroit Free Press, joins the publication as Mayor Mike Duggan's 12-year tenure ends and multiple City Council seats become available. His focus will be on the 2025 Detroit mayoral race, city council elections, and civic trends, with an emphasis on making political journalism accessible and relevant to Detroit residents. Robinson values the Chronicle's legacy of documenting Detroit's political history from Black perspectives and appreciates that the publication doesn't use a paywall, allowing his reporting to reach a wider audience.

Detroit City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero has expressed concerns about a proposed resolution opposing President Trump's immigration enforcement policies, stating it could be ineffective and potentially endanger vulnerable communities. Activists urged the council to declare Detroit a sanctuary city and reject cooperation with federal law enforcement following Trump's deployment of military forces to Los Angeles to counter protests. Santiago-Romero, who represents immigrant communities in Southwest Detroit, emphasized that the city already has policies preventing police from enforcing immigration laws and questioned the efficacy of fighting fascism through resolutions. Assistant Police Chief Franklin Hayes confirmed that despite Trump's April executive order aimed at "unleashing" law enforcement with federal support, Detroit's policies regarding immigration enforcement remain unchanged.

Michigan's 340B Drug Pricing Program is at a critical juncture with Senate Bills 94 and 95 awaiting House approval, which would prevent manufacturers from obstructing access to discounted medications and link hospital debt collection to transparency requirements. Healthcare organizations like Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Michigan Medicine, Trinity Health Michigan, and Henry Ford Health strongly support the program, emphasizing how 340B savings fund vital community services including mobile clinics, mental health programs, and medication access for underserved populations. However, pharmaceutical manufacturers and business groups like PhRMA and Michigan Health Purchasers Coalition oppose aspects of the legislation, arguing that savings don't always reach patients directly and may increase costs for employers. The debate centers on transparency and accountability in how 340B savings are utilized to benefit vulnerable communities.

Dream Studio Detroit is hosting its second annual Father's Day Brunch on June 14, 2024, at Wayne County Community College District Northwest Campus to honor Black fathers and father figures in the community. This free public event is part of their Black Male Achievement Initiative (BMAI), designed to provide a space where Black men can be celebrated for their presence and contributions to families and the community. Led by CEO Danielle North and her husband Eugene North Sr., Dream Studio Detroit aims to support Black families in achieving economic mobility through various programs, with the Father's Day Brunch serving as a cultural celebration that affirms the value and importance of Black fatherhood.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) is mobilizing its members to support Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr.'s campaign for Detroit mayor, with members and leaders rallying outside the UAW Solidarity House. The union, representing 120,000 members in Detroit, has pledged its full resources to help Kinloch's campaign through door-knocking and phone calls. Both UAW President Fain and Kinloch emphasized their shared commitment to supporting the working class, with Fain noting that their missions align in "lifting people up." Kinloch, a former UAW Local 235 member who worked at the Chevrolet Gear and Axle Plant, has positioned himself as a representative for working-class interests in Detroit.

The Farmington/Farmington Hills Democratic Club (FFHDC) is organizing a local "No Kings" rally on June 14 at the Farmington Hills Public Library to protest authoritarianism and political dynasties. The event, part of a worldwide movement, will feature speeches from local officials including Mayor Theresa Rich and State Representatives Samantha Steckloff and Jason Hoskins, followed by a march along 12 Mile Road. FFHDC Chair Lloyd L. Banks III emphasized that the demonstration serves as a reminder that democracy belongs to the people, occurring amid growing national concerns about democratic decline. The rally coincides with Flag Day and Trump's planned military birthday celebration in Washington DC, and will provide voter registration information and opportunities for future civic engagement.

Kronk Gym, the legendary boxing training facility that produced over 40 world champions under Emanuel Steward's leadership, is set to reopen this summer within the historic Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center in Detroit. The new 3,500-square-foot facility will be led by Steward's family members and a dedicated team focused on training both amateur and professional athletes while providing youth mentorship and community resources. After experiencing multiple relocations since its original basement location closed in 2006, this homecoming represents a meaningful return to Detroit boxing's roots, as Steward himself began his career at Brewster before founding Kronk. The gym's revival in collaboration with MHT Housing Inc. aims to restore not just a training facility but a cultural institution that provides discipline, mentorship, and opportunity for Detroit's youth.

Former Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell is launching a free five-week academic and athletic enrichment program for Detroit middle school students this summer through his nonprofit organization. Running from June 23 through July 29 at Wayne State University, the program will offer STEAM learning, sports activities, mentorship, and career exposure for rising 6th through 9th-grade students. The Joique Bell Charity Summer Enrichment Program, developed in partnership with Inspirational Learning, Curry Motorsports, and I Am My City, aims to address the critical middle school years when students often disengage from science and math. The initiative includes daily math and literacy lessons, exploration of fields like artificial intelligence and motorsports, physical activities, leadership panels with local role models, and field trips.