Michigan news

The Detroit City Council voted 7-2 to criminalize the use of chewing tobacco and nicotine pouches, making them misdemeanor offenses with $100 fines, while giving offenders an opportunity to stop before being penalized. The ordinance faced opposition from two council members who questioned enforcement feasibility and governmental overreach in regulating adult behavior. This effort is part of the national "Knock Tobacco Out of the Park" campaign, which reportedly has support from the Detroit Tigers. Detroit joins 18 other cities that have implemented full smokeless-tobacco bans in sports arenas, with proponents arguing the measure helps protect youth from tobacco marketing and exposure.

Recent data from the Michigan League for Public Policy reveals nearly three-quarters of Michigan high school students are unprepared for college based on standardized test benchmarks, despite increased education spending. Michigan students are performing below the national average and learning less than children in other Midwest states, with particularly poor results in fourth-grade math. While high school graduation rates have improved, college readiness continues to decline, prompting Governor Gretchen Whitmer to acknowledge the state's unacceptable situation of higher-than-average per-pupil investment yielding bottom-tier educational outcomes. Michigan has implemented financial aid programs including Michigan Reconnect and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to address these challenges, while also expanding enrollment in the Great Start Readiness Program.

Detroit voters can now participate in the November 4 General Election through multiple voting options, including mail-in ballots and early in-person voting which begins October 25 and runs through November 2. The Department of Elections is hosting a block party to promote early voting, continuing an initiative they began during the August primary. Over 30,000 absentee ballots have already been returned according to election officials, and residents can request absentee ballots until specific deadlines before Election Day. This expanded access to voting stems from a 2022 ballot initiative that requires local clerks to provide at least nine days of early voting for statewide elections.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is opening its new Reimagine African American Art galleries on Saturday, featuring four rooms that showcase fifty works chronicling Black artistry from 1840 to 1986. Positioned adjacent to the museum's famous Rivera Court, the galleries trace artistic movements from Reconstruction through the Black Arts era, with Robert S. Duncanson's 1853 "Uncle Tom and Little Eva" painting serving as the spiritual entryway. The DIA, which began collecting African American art in 1943 and established the Center for African American Art in 2000, aims to raise a $16 million endowment to support these galleries, with $4 million already secured. This installation represents a milestone in recognizing Black artists' contributions to American visual culture and provides Detroit's majority African American community with cultural representation within the museum.

During the WXYZ mayoral debate in Detroit, candidates Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. presented child-focused financial proposals to combat poverty. Sheffield proposed implementing the existing Rx Kids program, which provides $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for babies, while Kinloch unveiled his "Kinloch Promise," a trust fund granting Detroit newborns $1,000 annually until age 18. The Rx Kids program, already operating successfully in several Michigan communities with $270 million in state funding, has shown positive health outcomes in Flint, including improved birth weights and reduced NICU admissions. While both candidates presented compelling visions for investing in Detroit's youngest residents, neither fully addressed implementation details such as funding sources, eligibility requirements, or administrative oversight.

Michigan officials have announced plans for a $40 million multimodal transit hub at Michigan Central Station that would reconnect Detroit to Windsor, Toronto, and Chicago by rail by 2029. The Michigan Department of Transportation, the City of Detroit, and Michigan Central have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop this hub, which would restore rail service to the historic station for the first time since 1988. The project will leverage existing tracks and tunnels to bridge the nine-mile gap between Detroit and Windsor, with projections suggesting it could serve more than 66,000 passengers annually. The hub will also relocate regional bus lines from the aging Howard Street Station, centralizing transit access in Detroit's west downtown area while complementing the existing Amtrak station in New Center.

Detroit mayoral candidates Rev. Solomon Kinloch and Mary Sheffield debated public safety approaches ahead of the November 4 municipal election, with federal law enforcement assistance emerging as a key point of contention. While both opposed military deployment in Detroit, Kinloch expressed openness to federal collaboration on law enforcement, whereas Sheffield firmly rejected militarizing neighborhoods and advocated for addressing root causes of crime. The debate occurred amid claims about Detroit's crime statistics, with Kinloch questioning their legitimacy while city officials maintain crime rates are declining. Current Mayor Mike Duggan, who is not seeking reelection, has credited partnerships between Detroit Police and federal agencies along with community violence intervention groups for the city's reduced crime rates.

The televised debate between Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and Triumph Church Rev. Solomon Kinloch revealed intense personal criticisms as both candidates vie for Detroit's mayoral position. Sheffield criticized Kinloch's absence from community forums, questioned his Detroit residency, and cited his lack of political experience. Kinloch countered that Sheffield represents privileged leadership that has failed to meaningfully improve residents' lives despite her years on the council. The contentious exchange covered public safety concerns, neighborhood investment versus downtown development, and both candidates defended their community contributions while accusing each other of misrepresenting their records.

Three Democrats—Barb Byrum (47), Adam Hollier (40), and Aghogho Edevbie (37)—are competing to be their party's nominee for Michigan Secretary of State in the 2026 election, as current Secretary Jocelyn Benson is term-limited and running for governor. Byrum, the Ingham County Clerk since 2013 and former state representative, positions herself as a fighter against voting restrictions, while Hollier, a former state senator, emphasizes his military background and legislative experience. Edevbie, a deputy clerk who helped develop voting reforms that became Proposal 2, distinguishes himself by pledging not to accept corporate PAC donations, though his competitors have higher name recognition. The Democratic nominee will be selected by delegates at the state party's nominating convention rather than through a primary election.

The ongoing government shutdown has forced federal workers like Michael Galletly to strategize for survival through unpaid leave, with many expecting to miss their first paychecks this week. As workers curtail spending, the economic impact is beginning to spread beyond government operations, with analysts projecting a hit of approximately 0.2 percentage points to quarterly growth per week, equivalent to about $15 billion. This shutdown poses unusual risks as it coincides with a slowing economy and includes unprecedented threats from the Trump administration to deny backpay and permanently fire some workers. While the administration has taken steps to mitigate some effects by ensuring military pay continues, economists warn that a prolonged shutdown could significantly increase unemployment rates and reduce consumer spending by up to $30 billion if it extends for a month.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education has appointed Bessie Harris, a veteran educator with extensive experience as a teacher and administrator, to fill the vacant seat left by Sherry Gay-Dagnogo's resignation. The appointment occurred on October 14, 2025, with Harris being immediately sworn in after being selected from a pool of 14 applicants from the July 2025 selection process. Harris, a Detroit native with decades of experience in education, will serve until the November 2026 election while contributing to the district's Blueprint 2027 strategic plan. The Board emphasized that Harris's appointment maintains leadership continuity during a period of significant transition, with the addition of multiple new members to the seven-person Board this year.

Detroit Council Member Scott Benson has requested a legal opinion on how the city could close the Kronos concrete mixing facility in District 3, following community protests. The facility, built in 2022 in the Cadillac Heights neighborhood by a Moroun family-owned real estate company, has operated despite initially lacking proper permits and has generated numerous environmental and quality-of-life complaints from local residents. Neighbors have specifically reported health issues from noise and dust pollution from the plant. Benson, who has faced criticism from residents who believe he enabled the plant's establishment, claims he previously helped temporarily shut down the facility and is now working to change zoning rules that permit industrial operations near residential areas.

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that Detroit's contracts for ShotSpotter police surveillance technology violated the city's Community Input Over Government Surveillance (CIOGS) ordinance, which requires public disclosure of surveillance technology details before hearings. The court found the city held multiple public meetings before publishing the required oversight report, though they stopped short of nullifying the $7 million contracts, leaving that decision to a lower court. The case centers on ensuring proper public information and transparency when surveillance technologies are considered, with attorney John Philo emphasizing that informed public debate about such technologies is essential to democratic governance. Despite the legal challenge, Detroit police officials continue to defend ShotSpotter's effectiveness, claiming it has helped make 131 arrests and recover 244 firearms.

Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, a trailblazing former U.S. congresswoman and lifelong educator, died on October 7, 2024, at age 80, leaving behind a legacy of public service spanning over 32 years. Beginning her career as a Detroit Public Schools teacher before serving nine consecutive terms in the Michigan House of Representatives starting in 1978, Kilpatrick later became only the second Black woman elected to Congress from Michigan in 1996. During her congressional tenure, she secured a powerful position on the House Appropriations Committee, where she obtained over $1 billion in federal funding for Michigan projects including job training, university research, public transportation, and hospital improvements. As chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2007 to 2009, she advocated for urban communities while maintaining deep connections to Detroit, where her influence is still visible in infrastructure projects like the Rosa Parks Transit Center, the Q-Line, and the People Mover.

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.