Michigan news

Michigan contributing columnist Adam Hollier argues that recent federal immigration enforcement actions demonstrate the critical importance of accessible identification systems and progressive state leadership. He advocates for modernizing Michigan's ID infrastructure through the Secretary of State's office by implementing features like custom photos, blockchain-secured digital IDs accessible via smartphones, and optional embedded medical information for emergencies. Hollier envisions IDs that could facilitate secure online document signing, prevent identity theft, and streamline healthcare and business transactions while maintaining user control over personal information. He emphasizes that Michigan has an opportunity through upcoming elections to lead national innovation in identification technology while protecting residents from both cybercriminals and federal overreach. # Key Takeaways

Michigan's Republican-led House Appropriations Committee, headed by Matt Hall, has blocked $644 million in previously committed funding for various state programs and organizations. The cuts affect numerous initiatives including food infrastructure, Flint water emergency support, voting equipment, firearm violence prevention, and institutions like the Museum of African American History and Detroit Zoo. Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony criticizes these funding cuts as cruel and lacking compassion, arguing they harm vulnerable Michigan residents under the false pretense of addressing fraud and waste. He calls on Michigan residents to protest these decisions and urges Republican legislators to reconsider their actions, comparing the situation to the Grinch stealing Christmas and suggesting the cuts align with President Trump's policies rather than serving Michigan residents' needs.

Detroit's west side has become home to a growing Senegalese immigrant community, with many arrivals coming through challenging routes from Brazil via Central America or more recently through Nicaragua starting in 2020. The Khadimu Rassul Foundation, a Mouride Muslim community center, serves as a vital hub providing both spiritual guidance and practical assistance including temporary housing, food distribution, and community networking for newcomers. Religious communities offer immigrants crucial support systems that help them navigate difficulties like ICE surveillance, employment challenges, and cultural adjustment while maintaining their spiritual grounding. Despite being recent arrivals, many Senegalese immigrants are already contributing economically to Detroit through various jobs and are working to transfer their professional credentials from Senegal, while also bringing cultural values of hard work, respect for elders, and mutual aid to their new home.

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen has opened its second location in Southfield, Michigan, expanding the restaurant brand named after Detroit boxing legend Joe Louis. The 5,300-square-foot breakfast and brunch establishment employs 35 people and serves traditional comfort food seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Co-CEO Joe Louis Barrow II, son of the heavyweight champion, aims to connect diners with his father's enduring Detroit legacy through food and planned branded merchandise. The expansion follows the success of the original 2021 Detroit location, leveraging Joe Louis' historical significance as a cultural icon who represented both athletic excellence and American pride during challenging social and political times. # Key Takeaways

Detroit-based nonprofit CALM has launched "Therapy Within Reach," a program providing free mental-health counseling exclusively for Black women who cannot afford traditional care. The initiative addresses a significant treatment gap, as CDC data reveals only 15.3 percent of Black adults received mental health treatment in 2023 compared to 25.6 percent of white adults, while just four percent of psychologists nationwide are Black. Founded by Takyra Fulton and initially funded by Black women business owners, the program partners with local shelters and community organizations to deliver culturally competent care directly to women facing housing insecurity, caregiving burdens, and systemic barriers. The program emerges during a cultural shift where Black women increasingly seek mental health support, though financial barriers and lack of culturally informed providers remain significant obstacles. # Key Takeaways

Detroit native Irene Hamilton-Sparkman has transformed a long-vacant building in the city's Pulaski neighborhood into Lil Love Bugs Daycare Center, addressing a critical shortage of licensed childcare facilities in Wayne County. The early childhood education center, which opened in July 2025 and held its grand opening in December, serves infants through five-year-olds with a structured learning program that includes meals and developmental activities. Hamilton-Sparkman received a $50,000 Motor City Match grant to renovate the property she purchased in late 2022, converting it into a licensed facility that can serve over 40 children compared to the 10 she previously cared for in her home daycare. With more than two decades of childcare experience, she plans to expand further by developing adjacent properties for after-school tutoring and additional programming. # Key Takeaways

Pharrell Williams expressed strong anti-political views during the fifth annual Black Ambition Demo Day, stating that he despises politics and views it as a divisive illusion rather than reality. He emphasized that businesses should receive support based on merit and excellence rather than racial identity, asking whether entrepreneurs want backing because they are the best or simply because of their skin color. Williams has consistently maintained a neutral political stance, previously stating that celebrity political endorsements annoy him and that he prefers focusing on concrete action over political rhetoric. While he acknowledges he will vote and cares about his community and country, he distances himself from both political sides and believes significant work needs to be done outside the political sphere.

The Democratic National Committee has released statistics claiming that Trump administration policies are financially harming Michigan families through tariffs, budget bills, and inflation that collectively cost households over $1,700 annually. Democrats are particularly focused on Republican resistance to extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, which could cause over 470,000 Michigan residents to face dramatically higher healthcare premiums. The party views Michigan as strategically important for the 2026 midterm elections when voters will elect a new U.S. Senator, and they're pointing to Trump's declining approval ratings as evidence voters are rejecting his economic agenda. While the White House counters with data showing private sector job growth of 121,000 since September, Democrats argue proposed SNAP benefit cuts could affect nearly 800,000 Michigan residents who rely on the program for food security. # Key Takeaways

An economic impact study commissioned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority found that the agency has generated approximately $2 billion in property value increases since 2014 through its rehabilitation and demolition activities. The research revealed that rehabilitating blighted properties into occupied homes produces roughly three times greater impact on surrounding property values compared to demolitions, with each rehabilitation increasing nearby home values by an average of $90,890 versus $30,092 for demolitions. As Detroit's largest property owner managing about 66,000 parcels, the land bank's operations are estimated to account for up to 40 percent of the city's total home value growth over the past decade. Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield plans to reform rather than dismantle the agency, seeking improved processes and customer service while utilizing its unique legal powers to clear titles and eliminate liens. # Key Takeaways

Detroit has issued only 71 citations for snow and ice removal violations since 2019, despite city ordinances requiring property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall. The majority of these violations involve absentee landlords, with 62% of ticketed properties owned by people living outside Detroit, who account for 68% of unpaid fines totaling over $4,000. Meanwhile, the city has introduced an AI chatbot called "Emily" to help residents in Districts 3 and 4 report issues like icy sidewalks, though early testing revealed significant limitations in the system's ability to provide accurate information or connect callers to human representatives. As incoming Mayor Mary Sheffield prepares to take office in January, questions remain about enforcement priorities and how the new administration will address infrastructure safety concerns.

Detroit's Reparations Task Force is dissolving at the end of the month after releasing nearly 100 policy recommendations in October, including cash payments for descendants of enslaved people and investments in housing and economic development. Task force leaders are pushing Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield and the newly elected City Council to establish a permanent Reparations Administrative Office to study and implement these proposals, though Sheffield has not committed beyond continuing discussions. The recommendations lack clear funding mechanisms and prioritization, leaving questions about implementation, with some task force members expressing disappointment that the report doesn't adequately measure the wealth extracted from Black Detroiters. The effort, which began with an overwhelmingly supported 2021 ballot initiative, now depends on public pressure and political will to move forward, as task force leaders plan community organizing to hold the new administration accountable.

The Michigan Municipal League has proposed the MI Home Program, which would allocate $160 million per year over five years to develop and renovate 10,000 affordable homes across Michigan. The program emphasizes "Partnership Over Preemption," giving local governments funding and flexibility to address housing shortages in ways that reflect their communities' specific needs rather than imposing top-down state mandates. The Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials has endorsed this approach, viewing it as a means to promote equity and empower historically overlooked communities. The organization's president argues that collaborative partnership, rather than preemptive state control, will better serve diverse communities and create pathways to housing equity for all Michigan residents. # Key Takeaways

Dr. Anthony O. Kellum argues that property ownership serves as a fundamental cornerstone for Black American advancement through three interconnected elements: power, protection, and progress. He contends that owning property transforms families from vulnerable renters into stakeholders with control over their environment, shielding them from displacement and economic instability that has historically plagued Black communities. The article emphasizes that homeownership represents the primary vehicle for building generational wealth and closing the racial wealth gap, while also strengthening political influence through increased civic engagement. Kellum frames property ownership not as a luxury but as an essential tool for economic liberation, arguing it enables Black families to shift from survival mode to building lasting legacies that benefit future generations.

Detroit's Health Department launched the Rides to Care program one year ago to address transportation barriers preventing pregnant women and new mothers from accessing essential healthcare appointments. The initiative has now provided over 20,000 free round-trip rides to prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric appointments for pregnant residents, new mothers, caregivers, and infants under one year old. Operating Monday through Saturday, the service eliminates transportation costs and scheduling difficulties that historically caused families to miss critical medical visits in a city with significant maternal and infant health disparities. The program's success is exemplified by residents like Margarie Isbell, who previously experienced a miscarriage due to delayed transportation but successfully carried her daughter to term using Rides to Care for consistent appointment access. # Key Takeaways

Darius Acuff Jr., a highly-ranked freshman basketball player for the Arkansas Razorbacks who grew up in Detroit, is returning to his hometown on December 23rd to host a complimentary basketball camp for local youth. The event will take place at the ACC Youth Center on Seven Mile Road and will focus on teaching fundamental basketball skills through various training stations. Acuff, who previously attended Cass Technical High School before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida, has been performing exceptionally well in his college debut, averaging impressive statistics and earning recognition as one of only seven freshmen on the Naismith National Player of the Year Watch List. His homecoming camp represents an opportunity for young Detroit athletes to learn from a successful player who shares their background and demonstrates that professional-level talent can emerge from their own community. # Key Takeaways

A bipartisan group of Michigan legislators is introducing bills to repeal tax exemptions for data center developers that were approved by the state Senate last year, which allow facilities to avoid sales and use taxes on equipment through 2050. While Governor Gretchen Whitmer has championed data center projects as major economic investments creating thousands of jobs, including a massive facility planned for Saline Township, critics argue these developments threaten Michigan's clean energy goals, will increase utility rates, and provide minimal community benefits. Environmental advocates and rural residents are particularly concerned about the facilities' energy consumption, strain on fossil fuel reliance, and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities. The controversy reflects a growing national debate as communities across the country grapple with billion-dollar tech companies seeking to build approximately 1,000 new data centers beyond the 3,000 already operating nationwide.

Detroit's incoming Mayor Mary Sheffield has announced that Todd Bettison will remain as the city's police chief, continuing in the role he assumed earlier in the year. Sheffield praised Bettison's nearly three-decade career with the Detroit Police Department and credited his community-focused approach for contributing to significant reductions in violent crime, including historic lows in homicides and a 50% decrease in nonfatal shootings between 2022 and 2024. Both leaders have committed to establishing a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention that will partner with community organizations to involve residents in shaping safety policies. Bettison, who previously served as deputy mayor and first assistant chief before becoming chief when James White departed, has been actively advocating for state funding to support community violence intervention programs. # Key Takeaways

GenesisHOPE, a Detroit nonprofit focused on equity and affordable housing, is establishing the Common Ground Community Land Trust to address gentrification and displacement in neighborhoods like Islandview and the Villages of Detroit. The organization plans to acquire ten vacant lots from the Detroit Land Bank to potentially build permanently affordable single-family homes, where residents purchase houses but lease the land at minimal cost. A seven-member advisory board of community residents, called "the fellows," is currently developing governance documents and learning CLT procedures through consulting support from Burlington Associates and the Detroit Justice Center. This community-driven model allows residents to own homes affordably while maintaining democratic control over development decisions, with the nonprofit retaining land ownership indefinitely to preserve housing accessibility for future generations. # Key Takeaways

The Michigan Good Food Fund has launched its 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, featuring locally produced food items from small businesses throughout Michigan that have received financial support and technical assistance from the organization. This statewide initiative focuses on investing in food entrepreneurs who work to improve access to nutritious, affordable food while promoting economic equity, particularly for underrepresented business owners and communities of color. The guide showcases diverse products ranging from farm-raised meats to artisanal goods, organized by category to help shoppers find locally sourced holiday gifts. By connecting consumers directly with these mission-driven entrepreneurs, the guide aims to boost sales during the crucial holiday period while supporting Michigan's broader food economy and community development goals.

Detroit's incoming Mayor Mary Sheffield has appointed Brian White, who has served as her chief of staff for over ten years, to the position of Deputy Mayor and senior advisor. In this role, White will manage state and federal policy matters, labor relations, and city government operations for an administration emphasizing community engagement and transparency. White brings extensive experience from his decade-long partnership with Sheffield on city council, where they worked on affordable housing, tax reform, and worker advocacy, as well as his background in voting rights and civil rights policy work. The appointment continues a longtime professional partnership built on advocating for Detroit's underserved communities and promoting equitable governance.

LaeTania Richardson, a California lifestyle entrepreneur and opera lover, was questioned by a white woman sitting next to her at a Los Angeles opera performance about whether she was famous and if this was her first opera. Richardson calmly responded by explaining her extensive opera experience, including traveling internationally twice yearly to Italy for performances. The exchange was recorded and went viral on TikTok, with viewers praising Richardson's composed handling of what many identified as a racial microaggression. Richardson shared the video to bring attention to the subtle racism she regularly faces in various upscale settings, emphasizing that such experiences reflect privilege and unawareness among those who don't encounter discrimination.

The Republican-controlled Michigan House Appropriations Committee blocked $645 million in previously approved state budget carryforward funds using an uncommon legal provision that requires no Senate or gubernatorial approval. This unprecedented action eliminated funding for over 160 community programs, including maternal health initiatives, school infrastructure improvements, cancer support services for children, food pantries, and affordable housing projects that were already in planning or implementation stages. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony condemned the move as deliberately cruel and a breach of bipartisan agreements, noting she had never witnessed such a large-scale funding reversal without transparency or collaboration. The decision has left nonprofits, local officials, and service providers scrambling to address funding gaps, while raising broader concerns about the reliability of budget agreements and government stability in Michigan.

Michigan's Department of Corrections will begin photocopying all legal mail sent to incarcerated individuals starting January 5, eliminating the long-standing exception that allowed attorney-client documents to be delivered in original form. Officials justify this policy change by pointing to synthetic drugs entering prisons through paper soaked in chemical substances, which are increasingly being disguised as privileged legal correspondence. The new procedure requires staff to photocopy legal documents in the recipient's presence before immediately shredding originals to maintain confidentiality while preventing contraband circulation. This shift mirrors actions taken by several other states facing similar synthetic drug challenges and reflects broader national trends in prison contraband involving lab-made substances that can be absorbed through touch. The policy expansion raises questions about balancing institutional security with constitutional protections for Michigan's nearly 32,000 incarcerated people.

Sherrone Moore, the University of Michigan's head football coach, was terminated from his position and subsequently arrested on criminal charges including home invasion, stalking in a domestic relationship, and assault. The university fired the 39-year-old coach after discovering what they described as credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, which violated university policy. Following his dismissal, Moore was detained by police in a nearby suburb and formally charged, with a magistrate setting his bail at $25,000 and requiring GPS monitoring and a no-contact order with his former girlfriend. Associate head coach Biff Poggi will take over Moore's duties, including leading the Michigan Wolverines in their upcoming bowl game against the University of Texas. # Key Takeaways

On December 8 in Detroit, Joshua Threatt encountered a six-year-old girl walking alone to school in freezing weather without proper winter clothing and intervened when a gray van approached her. After ensuring her safety and walking her to school while livestreaming the encounter, the video went viral and touched thousands of viewers across the country. The incident resulted from the child missing her bus and leaving home alone without her parents' knowledge to avoid getting in trouble, prompting her biological father to take custody and seek proper childcare arrangements. Rather than casting judgment on the family, Threatt emphasized compassion and expressed hope that his actions would inspire others to help vulnerable people in their communities. # Key Takeaways

Highland Park's school district has successfully eliminated its operating deficit after more than ten years of financial struggle, now holding nearly half a million dollars in fund balance and $6.3 million in cash reserves. This turnaround comes years ahead of projected timelines and marks a significant recovery since the district regained local control in 2018 following state-appointed emergency management under former Governor Rick Snyder. District leaders, including School Board President Cheryl Sanford who has served since 2014, credit persistent efforts and sacrifices for achieving this financial stability. With only one charter school currently operating and the old high school abandoned since 2009, officials now plan to use their improved fiscal position to expand educational offerings and better serve community needs.

Detroit's Health Department launched the Rides to Care program one year ago to address critical transportation barriers preventing pregnant women and new mothers from accessing medical care. The initiative has now delivered over 20,000 free round-trip rides to prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric appointments for Detroit residents, their infants, and primary caregivers. Operating six days weekly, the service transports families to healthcare providers within Detroit and up to five miles beyond city limits, eliminating a major obstacle that historically caused missed appointments in a community facing significant maternal and infant health disparities. The program particularly impacts vulnerable mothers like Margarie Isbell, who experienced pregnancy loss due to delayed transportation previously but successfully carried her daughter Heaven to term with reliable access to frequent medical monitoring through Rides to Care. # Key Takeaways

The Detroit Transportation Corporation has named Cliff Powell as its new Chief of Transit Police to enhance safety and community relations across the city's expanding transit network. Powell brings more than three decades of law enforcement expertise, with twenty years served in Detroit's police force, arriving as the People Mover system handles over one million riders annually in 2025. In his new position, Powell will lead a 13-member police team responsible for passenger security, emergency response, and building community trust throughout the transit system. His appointment represents Detroit's broader commitment to promoting diverse leadership in public service while strengthening the People Mover's role as a vital transportation resource for the city's growing and increasingly diverse population.

Detroit's Campus Martius Park ice skating rink has earned the title of best skating destination in the United States for the second year running, according to USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The outdoor rink, operated by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and sponsored by Lexus, draws over 100,000 skaters annually and has become a centerpiece of Detroit's winter culture over its 22-year history. The 7,200-square-foot venue hosts everyone from casual skaters to Olympic champions, while also serving as a popular proposal location and charity event space. The recognition reflects public voting that elevated Detroit above 19 other notable skating rinks across the country. This achievement highlights how the rink has transformed into more than just a recreational facility—it's become a beloved community gathering space that defines Detroit's winter identity.

The Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit, Michigan's oldest Episcopal church dating back to 1824, has appointed Rev. Joseph C. Alsay as its first Black dean. Alsay, who officially began his role on November 30th, becomes the eleventh dean of the historic Midtown Detroit cathedral, taking over from Dean Scott Hunter who retired after serving 17 years. The new dean brings experience from his previous work at St. Augustine of Canterbury in Oklahoma City, where he successfully grew membership, developed new programs, and elevated the church from mission to parish status while fostering unity among congregants with diverse political backgrounds. Alsay, who holds degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University and Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, will relocate to Michigan with his three children to lead the congregation known for its vibrant music, community outreach, and diverse membership.