Michigan news

Dance Theatre of Harlem is bringing back its celebrated Firebird ballet to the Detroit Opera House on November 15-16, marking the first revival of the production in over twenty years. The ballet, originally choreographed in 1982 with a distinctive Caribbean aesthetic by Geoffrey Holder, will be presented alongside three other contemporary works as part of a diverse program. The company has deep historical ties to Detroit, including its executive director Anna Glass and several dancers who hail from the city, and the organization was founded in 1969 following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Beyond the stage performances, the residency includes extensive community engagement with hospital visits, masterclasses, and performances for thousands of Detroit Public Schools students. The production represents both a celebration of the company's legacy and its continuing mission to blend classical ballet with Black cultural expression.

Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield has established Rise Higher Detroit, a transition initiative led by attorney Melvin Butch Hollowell, to prepare for her incoming administration. The effort aims to center community input through an extensive engagement process including citywide surveys, neighborhood events, and transition committees comprising policy experts and community advocates. Rather than using public or campaign money, the transition is funded through a collaborative fund housed at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan with support from various philanthropic organizations. The initiative will collect community priorities and translate them into actionable recommendations, including a 100-day priority list that Sheffield plans to implement immediately upon taking office. # Key Takeaways

This article shares firsthand accounts from eight Black Americans who received organ transplants, highlighting both their struggles and gratitude. Black patients face disproportionately high rates of organ failure and longer wait times, though they represented nearly a quarter of the 48,000 transplant recipients last year. The patients describe their journeys from diagnosis through transplantation, including experiences with heart failure, kidney disease, and cancer, with wait times ranging from days to years. Their stories reveal the physical and emotional toll of waiting for organs, the challenges of post-transplant life including taking dozens of daily medications, and their newfound appreciation for life and advocacy for organ donation.

Mary Sheffield made history by winning Detroit's mayoral race with an overwhelming 77% of the vote against Rev. Solomon Kinloch, marking one of the largest victory margins in the city's mayoral election history. The celebration at MGM Detroit drew numerous high-profile Michigan Democrats, including state party leaders, gubernatorial candidates, and judicial officials, who viewed the event as a significant milestone for the party. Sheffield becomes Detroit's first female mayor and is being recognized by party insiders as an emerging political power broker and next-generation Democratic leader. The gathering highlighted Sheffield's growing influence within Michigan politics, with several statewide candidates attending despite their own competitive races, while questions remain about whether she will endorse outgoing independent Mayor Mike Duggan's gubernatorial campaign.

Mary Sheffield made history on November 4th by becoming Detroit's first elected female mayor and first Black woman to lead the city, while also becoming the youngest Black woman ever elected mayor of any U.S. city with over 250,000 residents. In her victory statement, Sheffield emphasized that her win represents a collective movement built over 330 days of campaigning that united Detroit residents across neighborhoods and generations. She acknowledged standing on the shoulders of women who came before her and expressed commitment to ensuring she won't be the last woman to lead the city. Sheffield outlined her administration's priorities, including neighborhood investment, public safety, affordable housing, small business support, and educational opportunities, while pledging to work collaboratively with city council, community partners, and residents. # Key Takeaways

Mary Sheffield has made history by becoming Detroit's first female mayor and the youngest Black woman ever elected to lead a major U.S. city with over 250,000 residents. She defeated her opponent, Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., decisively after he was unable to overcome a 30-point deficit from the primary election. Sheffield comes from a multigenerational family of Detroit activists and community servants, with her grandfather fighting for Black workers' rights in labor unions and her father serving as a reverend focused on social organizing. Drawing on this legacy and combining advocacy with empathy learned from her nurse mother, Sheffield aims to use her historic position not merely as a symbolic first but as an opportunity to create lasting structural change and open doors for future women leaders in Detroit.

The Wayne County Airport Authority's proposal to open a cigar lounge at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport has sparked significant opposition nearly a year after its introduction. The Wayne County Commission recently passed a resolution against the plan, joined by Michigan House representatives who argue it would reverse 15 years of smoke-free protections that have been in place since 2010. Public health organizations and airport employees have overwhelmingly opposed the lounge, citing worker safety concerns and health risks from secondhand smoke, with polling showing 77% of Michigan voters against the idea. While the airport authority defends the proposal as responding to business interest and international travel culture, promising state-of-the-art ventilation systems, critics note that most major U.S. airports already ban indoor smoking entirely and warn against this backward step in public health policy.

Darryl Young, who served seven years in prison, has opened Moma G's restaurant in Detroit's Barton-McFarland neighborhood after receiving $100,000 through Motor City Match's Community Violence Intervention grant program when traditional banks rejected his loan applications due to his criminal record. The restaurant, named after his late mother who had dreamed of feeding the community, serves affordable comfort food including viral smash burgers and operates as both a business and community gathering space. During incarceration, Young earned his GED and culinary certifications, and upon release in 2018, he volunteered with violence prevention organizations before applying for the funding that enabled him to transform an abandoned building into a thriving eatery. The venture represents Detroit's broader strategy of reducing violence through entrepreneurship opportunities for individuals rebuilding their lives, with Young now employing family members and serving as a role model for his neighborhood.

Detroit's HOPE program provides income-based property tax relief to financially struggling homeowners, offering reductions ranging from 10% to 100% of their current year taxes to help prevent foreclosure. The application deadline has been moved earlier to November 7th, giving city officials more time to assist applicants with incomplete submissions and ensure qualifying residents receive support. This initiative addresses Detroit's historically high property tax foreclosure rates, which disproportionately affected Black homeowners, with over 10,000 residents receiving assistance last year alone. Homeowners must own and occupy their primary residence and meet income requirements to qualify for the annual program, which also may provide access to additional assistance for delinquent taxes. # Key Takeaways

Detroit held competitive City Council elections across multiple districts, with particular attention on whether Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates would gain seats and potentially influence the next mayor's agenda. The races featured a mix of incumbent councilmembers defending their seats against challengers, including progressives advocating for community-led development and affordable housing versus candidates with union backing and establishment support. Early unofficial results showed several incumbents maintaining their positions, including Gabriela Santiago-Romero in District 6, while Democratic Socialist Denzel McCampbell won in District 7 against controversial state Representative Karen Whitsett. The election outcomes will shape the council's direction as Detroit faces increased financial scrutiny following the end of federal pandemic relief funding.

Detroit's City Council elections featured three competitive district races that could significantly shift the council's political composition, with Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates competing in Districts 5, 6, and 7. While DSA member Gabriela Santiago-Romero won reelection in District 6 and Denzel McCampbell secured victory in District 7, UAW-backed Renata Miller led in District 5 against DSA candidate Willie Burton. These results will influence how the council interacts with Detroit's incoming mayor, particularly regarding neighborhood investment priorities and the balance between progressive spending proposals and fiscal constraints following the end of federal pandemic relief funding. Other districts saw mostly incumbent victories, including James Tate's fourth term and Scott Benson's reelection.

Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill has won New Jersey's gubernatorial election, becoming the state's first Democratic woman governor after defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli. A former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, Sherrill first entered Congress in 2018 by flipping a Republican district during Trump's initial presidency. The race focused heavily on economic concerns and Trump's influence, with polls indicating a tight contest despite New Jersey's traditional Democratic leanings at the state level. Her victory comes as New Jersey experienced a notable rightward shift in the 2024 presidential election, making this race an important indicator of voter sentiment during Trump's second term. # Key Takeaways

Michigan voters are participating in municipal elections on Tuesday, with particularly significant races in Detroit for mayor and city council positions that may indicate trends for upcoming state and congressional elections. Detroit's mayoral race features City Council President Mary Sheffield as the favorite against Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., while several competitive council district races pit candidates with different progressive Democratic visions against each other. Beyond Detroit, suburban school districts are seeking voter approval for substantial bond proposals to fund facility improvements, and controversial races in Southfield and Dearborn are drawing attention due to candidates' political alignments and stances on national issues. The elections also include contests in Hamtramck to replace the outgoing mayor who received a federal appointment.

A grassroots organization called Lift Every Voice and Vote Detroit (LEVV) is working to increase voter turnout in Detroit by mobilizing faith communities and church congregations. The coalition, backed by the National Black Empowerment Council, organized concerts featuring gospel singer Shirley Murdock at seven churches over the weekend before Election Day to energize voters. Leaders emphasized that Detroit's historically low turnout rate of 17% in the August primary diminishes the city's political influence on issues critical to Black communities, including public safety, education, and programs like SNAP benefits. The organization aims for 100% voting participation among church members, viewing faith institutions as essential vehicles for civic engagement and community development.

Two Michigan men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, along with an unnamed juvenile, have been arrested and charged with plotting a terrorist mass shooting targeting Detroit's Ferndale suburb during Halloween weekend. Federal prosecutors allege the suspects, who expressed support for ISIS online, purchased multiple AR-15 rifles and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition while conducting surveillance of areas frequented by the LGBTQ+ community. Authorities discovered the plot through monitoring encrypted communications and using an FBI informant who participated in the group's calls. The investigation, which began last year, culminated in raids that recovered weapons, ammunition, and tactical equipment from addresses linked to the defendants. # Key Takeaways

Ryan Coogler's vampire film "Sinners" represents a groundbreaking achievement in Black Southern Gothic cinema, blending horror elements with themes of religion, blues music, and racial history set in the American South. The film, which reopened in theaters through Thursday, showcases Coogler's meticulous directorial vision through intentional use of color symbolism, musical scoring, and visual storytelling that gives voice to marginalized communities. Beyond its artistic merits, Coogler negotiated an unprecedented deal with Warner Bros. that grants him full ownership rights after 25 years, allowing him to profit from his work long-term—a rare arrangement for Black filmmakers in Hollywood. The production also broke technical ground as the first film shot simultaneously on Ultra Panavision 70 and IMAX formats, demonstrating innovation in both storytelling and cinematography.

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with 185 mph winds on Tuesday, making it the most powerful hurricane to ever impact the island and causing extensive flooding and destruction across the region. The storm subsequently moved to eastern Cuba with reduced wind speeds and was projected to affect the Bahamas, while indirect effects caused fatal flooding in Haiti that killed at least 25 people. Howard University's Chapel organized a prayer vigil Tuesday evening to support affected community members, particularly students with family connections to the impacted Caribbean nations. Students from Jamaica expressed deep concern for their families and communities while appreciating the university's response, though many felt helpless being unable to provide direct assistance from campus. # Key Takeaways

Dr. Lloyd C. Crews, a resident of Southfield, Michigan, passed away on October 23, 2025, while in the presence of his family members. Throughout his lifetime, he maintained strong connections to his faith community at Greater Christ Baptist Church in Detroit and pursued extensive education in political science and educational leadership from multiple institutions. His academic journey included degrees from Clark Atlanta University, Wayne State University, and Harvard Kennedy School. Dr. Crews also held a lifelong commitment to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, which he joined through the Detroit Alumni Chapter in 1996. # Key Takeaways

Kermit Williams, a lifelong Pontiac resident and mayoral candidate, argues that the city stands at a critical crossroads where growth must prioritize equity over displacement. While Pontiac is experiencing economic revival with an improved bond rating, a new recreation center, and a major downtown revitalization project, Williams warns this renaissance could become gentrification without intentional protections for long-time residents. He proposes mandatory Community Benefits Agreements for development projects, expanded home repair programs and inclusionary zoning to prevent housing displacement, and community-led planning for public spaces. Williams frames the election as a choice between growth that serves existing Black families and residents versus development that pushes them out, positioning himself as the candidate who will ensure prosperity is shared equitably. # Key Takeaways

The Black homeownership rate has declined to 43.9% as of Q2 2025, marking its lowest level since 2021 and maintaining a nearly 30-point gap below the white homeownership rate of 72%. This disparity stems from historical policies like redlining and discriminatory GI Bill implementation, which created lasting barriers including neighborhood undervaluation, higher mortgage denial rates, and reduced access to financial resources. The gap perpetuates wealth inequality, as homeownership represents roughly 68% of average household net worth, with white families' median net worth reaching $285,000 compared to just $45,000 for Black families. Contemporary challenges including rising home prices, student loan debt, appraisal bias, and limited generational wealth compound these historical disadvantages, making homeownership increasingly difficult for Black first-time buyers. # Key Takeaways

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement will maintain heightened operations in Chicago during Halloween, claiming the efforts target dangerous criminals to protect children and residents. Local Chicago officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, have strongly criticized these federal immigration enforcement activities, characterizing them as racist and dehumanizing tactics that disproportionately harm Black and Latino communities. Recent enforcement actions have included nighttime apartment raids where U.S. citizens, including children, were detained and restrained with zip ties. Federal agents have also used tear gas against protesters despite a court order prohibiting such tactics, with one incident occurring near an elementary school. # Key Takeaways

As the government shutdown enters its second month with no resolution in sight, federal SNAP benefits that help millions of low-income Americans buy food are set to expire on November 1st. The impending loss will disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including single mothers, LGBTQ+ individuals, elderly residents, and disabled Americans who depend on this assistance for basic nutrition. Community organizations like churches and food pantries across cities including Detroit, Dallas, and Chicago are scrambling to expand their services to meet the anticipated surge in demand, though leaders warn these emergency measures cannot fully replace federal support. The crisis comes at a particularly challenging time as families already struggle with high food costs and housing expenses, forcing many who never previously needed assistance to seek help from local food distribution programs. # Key Takeaways

Following the federal government's November 1st pause of SNAP benefits, approximately 430,000 Wayne County residents—predominantly single mothers and families living below the poverty line—face severe food insecurity. Local food banks like Forgotten Harvest have already exhausted most of their protein reserves purchased in anticipation of this crisis, while acknowledging they cannot replace the scope of federal assistance. Michigan Democratic legislators have introduced emergency bills totaling $900 million to temporarily maintain food support using state reserves, while organizations like Fair Food Network have expanded benefit-matching programs to help bridge the gap. Governor Whitmer has joined a multistate coalition and lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision, while coordinating state resources to support school meal programs and connect residents with regional food assistance, as the shutdown threatens not only vulnerable families but also local grocers, farmers, and the broader food economy.

Michigan state lawmakers are developing emergency legislation to address a federal delay in SNAP benefits that threatens food assistance for approximately 1.4 million residents. The Senate Democrats passed a $71 million supplemental spending bill, while House Democrats proposed a separate $600 million plan to fund SNAP through December, following the USDA's announcement that the program will pause on November 1 during the federal shutdown. The emergency funding would support various food assistance programs, including direct SNAP benefits, food banks, and agricultural surplus systems. With nearly 13% of Michigan households relying on SNAP—many being families with children, seniors, or disabled individuals—state officials warn the pause will create widespread food insecurity, particularly as winter approaches and food prices remain elevated.

The article argues that the Trump administration is deliberately engineering economic harm through policies that benefit wealthy elites while devastating working families. Mass layoffs affecting hundreds of thousands of workers across major companies like UPS, Amazon, and Intel are attributed to Trump's tariffs and unstable trade policies, while simultaneously over 42 million Americans are losing food assistance and 25 million are losing healthcare access due to government actions. Meanwhile, Trump's personal wealth has allegedly surged to $864 million in early 2025, primarily through cryptocurrency ventures involving foreign investors with questionable backgrounds. The piece contends that officials Russell Vought and Stephen Miller are implementing a systematic plan to dismantle federal oversight and social safety nets while Wall Street profits from worker suffering. # Key Takeaways

Former Vice President Kamala Harris disclosed in a recent podcast interview that she experienced significant disappointment with former President Joe Biden during the 2024 campaign. Rather than providing encouragement before her debate with Donald Trump, Biden used their phone call to complain about Harris allegedly criticizing him to Pennsylvania voters, which she found self-centered and inappropriate timing. Harris suggested Biden lacked enthusiasm for his own June 2024 debate performance against Trump, which ultimately led to his campaign withdrawal. Despite these tensions, Harris maintains she still has affection for Biden and hasn't ruled out another presidential run if she believes she can positively impact the country's direction.

The long-vacant Arthur Murray building on Detroit's East Side is being transformed into 32 apartments and commercial space as part of the city's Strategic Neighborhood Fund initiative. This redevelopment project in the East Warren-Cadieux corridor represents a deliberate effort to extend reinvestment beyond downtown Detroit into neighborhoods that have experienced decades of disinvestment. The development will feature affordable housing at multiple income levels, with units designated for families earning between 60 and 100 percent of the Area Median Income, alongside 8,000 square feet of commercial space for community organization Activate Detroit. Backed by $2.2 million in state grants and support from multiple local economic development organizations, the project exemplifies a partnership model designed to create inclusive growth while honoring the building's historic significance as a former dance studio franchise.

The Rackham Choir is presenting "An Evening with Alvin Waddles & Friends VII: A Study in Blue," a genre-spanning concert returning after a six-year hiatus on November 21, 2025, in Beverly Hills, Michigan. The performance will showcase pianist Alvin Waddles performing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with orchestra and Will Todd's Mass in Blue, alongside various guest artists. Similar to the popular "Too Hot To Handel" production, the concert blends musical styles including classical, jazz, gospel, and soul across three centuries. The event will take place at Groves High School Auditorium with tickets ranging from $15 for students to $50 for VIP seating.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), a century-old organization that has collaborated with 21 mayoral administrations since 1922, has released a white paper called "Maintaining the Momentum" to guide Detroit's upcoming mayoral transition. After gathering input from various stakeholders, board members, and community leaders over several months, the DDP identified key priorities and qualifications needed to sustain the city's recent progress following its recovery from bankruptcy. The white paper outlines critical challenges including housing, education, poverty, and homelessness that require attention, while also highlighting strategies for success and desirable mayoral qualities. Although the DDP does not endorse specific candidates, the organization commits to supporting the incoming administration in managing a $1.4 billion budget and approximately 30,000 employees through partnership, communication, and accountability.

Nneka Ezeanya launched the 313 Spelling Bee in Detroit after being inspired by an adult spelling bee flyer she encountered in Chicago, despite initial skepticism from a friend. Her first two events this summer drew hundreds of participants, gaining massive attention after her sister Chinelo posted promotional videos on TikTok that went viral with tens of thousands of likes. The spelling bees have attracted language enthusiasts and community members seeking wholesome social activities, with competitors following traditional spelling bee formats at outdoor venues like Gordon Park. Ezeanya, a public health official who also volunteers helping Detroit students with college applications, credits her Nigerian parents' emphasis on academics and literature for her lifelong love of words.