Michigan news

President Trump signed a short-term funding measure that ended a government shutdown lasting over 42 days, allowing federal operations to restart and employees to return to work. The extended closure created substantial backlogs across multiple agencies, including unprocessed tax documents at the IRS, depleted air traffic controller staffing at the FAA, and suspended food safety inspections at the FDA. Although furloughed and unpaid workers are guaranteed back pay, processing delays may extend their financial hardship for additional days or weeks. The funding bill only extends through January, creating uncertainty about another potential shutdown and causing some federal employees to consider leaving government service permanently.

Communities First, Inc. is hosting a "Community Candor Live" event on November 21 at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center, focusing on women's authentic leadership in Detroit. The morning panel discussion will feature four prominent female leaders from various sectors including philanthropy, energy, sports, and corporate development, moderated by Essence Wilson, the organization's Chief Strategy Officer. The event aims to provide an honest dialogue about women's leadership while offering networking opportunities and a live Q&A session for attendees. Communities First, Inc., which serves over 35,000 people across Michigan and Indiana through various community programs, has secured support from major corporate partners for this gathering. Registration is available for $25, with the event running from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. and including breakfast.

General Motors and Dan Gilbert's Bedrock are advancing their $1.6 billion plan to transform Detroit's Renaissance Center after receiving approval for $75 million in public funding from the Detroit Downtown Development Authority. The ambitious redevelopment involves demolishing two of the complex's towers and its connecting podium structure to improve riverfront access and create an entertainment destination comparable to Chicago's Navy Pier. The remaining structures would be converted into mixed-use spaces, including hotel rooms, apartments, and office space, with an observation deck added to the iconic central tower. The project requires additional state legislative approval to expand the Transformational Brownfield Program funding cap, and GM will relocate its headquarters to Bedrock's Hudson's Detroit building in January.

Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield has launched "Rise Higher Detroit," an expansive transition initiative featuring 18 policy committees led by prominent local figures from various sectors including finance, healthcare, education, and public safety. The transition team, headquartered at Marygrove Conservancy in a Detroit neighborhood rather than downtown, represents the first time a mayoral transition has operated from within the city's residential areas. More than 795 residents submitted resumes for administrative positions, demonstrating significant community interest in Sheffield's incoming administration, which begins January 1st. The committees, chaired by leaders ranging from banking executives to community activists, will meet weekly through year's end to develop recommendations for Sheffield's first 100-day plan, with a focus on creating policies that benefit all Detroit neighborhoods, not just the downtown core.

The federal government reopened after a historic 43-day shutdown when President Trump signed legislation extending funding temporarily through January for most agencies and through September for programs like SNAP. The shutdown caused approximately 900,000 federal workers to be furloughed and 700,000 to work without pay, while threatening food assistance for over 40 million Americans who depend on SNAP benefits. Black communities faced disproportionate harm due to higher reliance on federal safety-net programs and greater vulnerability to economic disruptions. Michigan took emergency action to maintain SNAP payments after the Supreme Court paused federal funding, while state lawmakers addressed related issues including airport staffing reductions and medical debt relief. Although immediate funding is restored, the underlying policy conflicts remain unresolved, particularly regarding Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire, leaving many households facing potential premium increases and coverage loss.

The sixth-ranked Michigan Wolverines defeated Wake Forest 85-84 in overtime during the first-ever Wolverine-Deacon Basketball Challenge held at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena. Michigan built a 13-point halftime advantage behind strong shooting, but Wake Forest mounted a second-half comeback to take a seven-point lead before the Wolverines rallied to force overtime with a late tying layup. In the extra period, Michigan's Elliot Cadeau sank a decisive free throw with 14 seconds remaining, and Wake Forest's final shot attempt fell short. UCLA transfer Aday Mara dominated with 18 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks to earn Most Outstanding Player recognition, though Michigan's poor three-point shooting and 17 turnovers revealed concerns moving forward. # Key Takeaways

Detroit made a significant impression at Art Basel Paris 2025 through the Detroit Salon initiative, which showcased over 20 local artists across three exhibitions at venues including the Palais de Tokyo. The presentations, curated by leaders from Cranbrook Art Museum and the Detroit Institute of Arts, highlighted Detroit's deep artistic heritage rooted in the 1960s Black Arts Movement while demonstrating its contemporary creative vitality. The programming extended beyond visual art to include musical performances featuring Detroit DJs and the Detroit Public Schools All-City Marching Band, offering international audiences a comprehensive experience of the city's cultural output. For the author, a leader with the DIA's Founders Junior Council, seeing artists whose work her organization had acquired for the museum's permanent collection displayed on this global stage validated years of intentional investment in Detroit's Black artistic community. # Key Takeaways

Dr. Bryanne Standifer-Barrett, a Detroit-based board-certified internist and menopause specialist, is challenging the cultural silence surrounding menopause in Black women's health through education and community building. She is organizing "The Glow Through It" dinner event in Southfield to create space for open dialogue about perimenopause and menopause, addressing the documented reality that Black women experience earlier onset and more severe symptoms than white women while receiving inadequate treatment. The physician, who teaches internal medicine and advises health companies, advocates for reframing menopause as an empowering life transition rather than something to endure quietly. Her work emphasizes health equity and the need to normalize conversations about midlife changes affecting women. Through this event and her broader platform, she aims to provide Black women with knowledge, community support, and validation of their health experiences.

Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans has announced a $7.5 million commitment to bring the Rx Kids program to six cities across the county, providing direct cash payments to pregnant women and families with newborns. Eligible mothers will receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for their baby's first six months, with no conditions or work requirements attached. The program, which originated in Flint and demonstrated success in reducing preterm births and improving maternal health, has already expanded to multiple Michigan communities with $270 million in state support. This evidence-based initiative aims to address economic instability during critical early development periods in communities that have historically faced disinvestment and systemic inequity.

Lionsgate has released the trailer and set an April 24, 2026 theatrical release date for "Michael," a comprehensive biographical film about pop icon Michael Jackson directed by Antoine Fuqua. The movie stars Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, supported by an ensemble cast including Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller portraying key figures from the singer's life. Though production concluded in 2024, the film experienced significant delays due to legal complications requiring extensive reshoots and editing adjustments. The biopic aims to chronicle Jackson's evolution from child performer in Gary, Indiana to global entertainment phenomenon, emphasizing his artistic legacy and creative achievements rather than tabloid controversies.

Detroit's November 4th mayoral election between Mary Sheffield and Solomon Kinloch achieved a 22% voter turnout, representing the highest participation in a municipal election since 2013, yet still meaning that over three-quarters of registered voters did not cast ballots. While Michigan has implemented reforms making voting more accessible, including automatic absentee ballot mailings and permanent absentee voter lists, Detroit's municipal election participation remains significantly lower than in state and federal contests. Officials and poll workers attribute the low turnout to voter apathy, with some suggesting that consolidating local elections with presidential elections could boost participation. The winning candidate, Mary Sheffield, interpreted her victory as a mandate despite the relatively low overall voter engagement.

Dr. Theodore T. Turman has completed his first year as the seventh president of Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, focusing on connecting theological education with urban community needs. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration and listening while strengthening partnerships between the seminary and local organizations throughout the city. Drawing on his Detroit roots and extensive background as a pastor, chaplain, and educator, Dr. Turman has worked to position ETS as both a spiritual anchor and practical resource for urban ministry. The seminary is experiencing growth in enrollment and community engagement as it redefines its role under his people-centered approach. # Key Takeaways

Real Times Media has opened nominations for its Who's Who in Black Detroit yearbook, which recognizes outstanding Black leaders and professionals who are shaping the city's culture and community. The publication is part of a nationwide series that has been documenting Black achievement across major American cities for over thirty years, serving as both a celebration and historical archive. Nominations are being accepted until November 17th from anyone, including self-nominations, requiring a professional headshot and 150-word biography highlighting professional and community contributions. The honorees will be celebrated at an exclusive event on December 5, 2025, where the yearbook will be officially revealed and distributed. # Key Takeaways

Detroit's Reparations Task Force has delivered a comprehensive 558-page report to City Council proposing various programs to address historic injustices against African American residents caused by municipal policies. The 13-member body, established through a 2021 ballot initiative and formed in 2023, spent two years documenting historical harms and developing recommendations that range from direct cash payments and housing grants to police reform and water shutoff moratoriums. Proposed funding mechanisms include new taxes on downtown entertainment and casinos, along with clawing back developer tax breaks, though total costs remain undetermined. The task force's work has concluded, and implementation decisions now rest with City Council, while Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield's team reviews the proposals.

The Detroit Youth Choir is partnering with Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church to present a Christmas concert called "Soul Holidays: A Celebration of the King!!" on December 13, 2025. Now in its 29th year, the choir will blend traditional holiday music with gospel and contemporary elements in a performance designed to celebrate both the spiritual meaning of Christmas and community togetherness. General admission tickets are available for $25, with proceeds supporting youth arts programming in Detroit. Following the concert, the organization will hold open auditions on January 3, 2026, for students aged 8-18 who wish to join the nationally recognized ensemble that has evolved from its church-based origins while maintaining strong community ties. # Key Takeaways

Bedrock has launched a holiday celebration at Nick Gilbert Way, a new public plaza connecting the redeveloped Hudson's Block in downtown Detroit. The seasonal programming, running through early January, aims to recreate the nostalgic experience of the original J.L. Hudson Department Store that served as Detroit's holiday destination for generations. The festivities include a massive historical American flag display, vintage holiday window exhibits curated with the Detroit Historical Society, local vendor markets, food service, and family activities like meeting Mrs. Claus and mailing letters to Santa. The initiative seeks to revive Detroit's downtown holiday traditions while supporting local businesses and honoring the memory of Nick Gilbert, after whom the plaza is named.

The General Manager of SMART transit argues that public transportation in Southeast Michigan should be viewed as a fundamental right and foundation of the community rather than merely a last-resort option. Through personal stories of individuals whose lives were transformed by transit access—including a business leader, photographer, and former county official—the article demonstrates how reliable transportation provides security, independence, and opportunity during life's unpredictable moments. The piece emphasizes that respecting riders means providing quality infrastructure, professional service, accessible features, and responsive planning that acknowledges people's dignity and daily needs. SMART is working to build community trust by developing a transit system that serves as the connective tissue linking residents to employment, education, healthcare, and each other throughout the region.

The article examines how homes in predominantly Black neighborhoods are systematically undervalued compared to similar properties in white neighborhoods, with an average disparity of $48,000 per home resulting in over $156 billion in cumulative losses nationwide. This devaluation stems from historical redlining policies during the New Deal era that designated Black neighborhoods as "hazardous," creating biased valuation frameworks that persist today through comparable sales methods that embed racial prejudice. The undervaluation perpetuates the racial wealth gap by limiting Black homeowners' ability to refinance, invest in improvements, or build intergenerational wealth, while also causing psychological harm by signaling that Black communities are worth less. The author proposes solutions including reforming appraisal processes through oversight and audits, increasing Black representation among appraisers, implementing community reinvestment policies, and educating homeowners about their rights to challenge unfair appraisals. # Key Takeaways

The Michigan House of Representatives honored David L. Holmes, Wayne State University's groundbreaking athletic director and coach from 1917 to 1958, by presenting a legislative tribute recognizing a newly published biography about his career. Holmes built an exceptionally inclusive athletic program that welcomed Black, Jewish, and Eastern European athletes during an era of widespread discrimination, producing three Olympians, nine All-Americans, and multiple record holders despite limited facilities and resources. His pioneering work included appointing Wayne's first Black team captain in 1929 and mentoring Leroy Dues, who became Michigan's first Black athletic director. The biography, "Coach of Champions," co-authored by Holmes's grandson Keith D. Wunderlich and David L. Holmes Jr., preserves this important legacy of athletic excellence combined with social progress and has received formal recognition for its contribution to Detroit's sports heritage. # Key Takeaways

Although Mary Sheffield won Detroit's mayoral election decisively, Reverend Solomon Kinloch Jr.'s unsuccessful campaign represented a meaningful affirmation of community-centered leadership rather than a defeat. Over his 27 years leading Triumph Church, Kinloch grew the congregation from under 100 members to tens of thousands while establishing extensive community programs including food pantries, technology drives, job training, and housing assistance. His campaign platform focused on addressing neighborhood needs through affordable housing development, grocery stores in food deserts, and workforce training partnerships rooted in his direct community experience. The author argues that Kinloch's candidacy elevated crucial issues and demonstrated that meaningful civic service extends far beyond electoral politics into daily community work. # Key Takeaways

Sisters Siana and SuVon Treece are bringing their CHAMPAINT creative event back to Detroit's Beacon Park on November 21 for a special holiday-themed session. The two-hour guided painting experience, hosted by their business Artistic Expressions Gallery, will take place in a heated tent during the park's annual light display celebration. Participants will enjoy instruction from the artists, complimentary champagne, and a festive atmosphere decorated with holiday lights. Tickets cost $45 and can be purchased through Eventbrite, continuing the gallery's tradition of combining art with community engagement that began in 2008. # Key Takeaways

Word In Black and the Michigan Chronicle have launched a survey initiative to collect experiences from Black women about breast cancer, addressing a critical health disparity. Black women face disproportionately poor outcomes with breast cancer, including younger diagnoses, more aggressive disease forms, and higher mortality rates compared to white women, even with equivalent treatment. The survey aims to capture stories and data that have historically been excluded from healthcare research and policy decisions. By gathering these experiences, the initiative seeks to influence how healthcare systems, media outlets, and policymakers understand and address the specific barriers Black women encounter in breast cancer screening, treatment, and care.

Kenneth Briggs, now Chief of Pretrial and Justice Services for Oakland County, Michigan, reunited with retired Judge Fred Mester on Veterans Day to celebrate a mentorship spanning nearly four decades. Their relationship began in 1988 when 13-year-old homeless Briggs bravely testified in a sexual assault case overseen by Mester, despite threats and violence aimed at silencing him. Mester recognized the young witness's courage and became a lifelong mentor and father figure, helping guide Briggs through trauma and into a career serving justice. Despite their different political views and racial backgrounds, the two have maintained a close bond that demonstrates how mentorship, forgiveness, and moral conviction can transform lives and bridge social divides. # Key Takeaways

Veteran White House correspondent April Ryan is hosting a panel discussion featuring prominent journalists to examine current events and topics from their recent books. Ryan, who has covered urban issues from the White House since the Clinton administration and serves as Washington Bureau Chief for TheGrio, will be joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of the 1619 Project and Knight Chair in Race and Journalism at Howard University. The third panelist is Don Lemon, former CNN anchor with three decades of broadcasting experience who now hosts The Don Lemon Show and recently authored books on race and religion. This event continues an ongoing series of conversations centered on the panelists' published works and contemporary issues.

Former President Barack Obama surprised 79 Korean and Vietnam War veterans traveling on an Honor Flight from Wisconsin by boarding their plane shortly after it arrived at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport ahead of Veterans Day. Obama personally thanked each veteran, shook their hands as they departed the aircraft, and gave them Presidential Challenge Coins as tokens of appreciation for their military service. The Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit organization that has operated for two decades, arranged the free trip to enable these veterans and their families to visit war memorials in the nation's capital. One veteran described feeling overwhelmed with emotion at the unexpected greeting and the public recognition of their service.

Detroit Councilmember Scott Benson received the Advocate Award from the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in recognition of his leadership efforts to establish sustainable funding for the institution. The award acknowledges his strategic work in advancing legislation that would create a millage to financially support both The Wright Museum and the Detroit Historical Museum, neither of which currently receives millage funding. Although the Michigan Legislature passed enabling legislation last year, it failed to reach the governor for final approval, and Benson is continuing efforts to get the measure signed and placed before voters. He emphasizes that The Wright Museum serves as Detroit's cultural compass and argues that such a vital institution deserves stable, long-term funding rather than struggling for financial survival. # Key Takeaways

Eastern Michigan University is significantly expanding its Loan Repayment Assistance Program beyond education majors to include 16 additional academic fields such as Communication, Economics, and Social Work. The program, which helps graduates earning under $50,000 annually repay federal and private student loans at no cost, grew from 39 participating students in fall 2024 to 121 in fall 2025. The original version, called EMU Educators Promise, was created to combat Michigan's severe teacher shortage, with nearly 500 school districts reporting vacancies during the 2022-2023 school year. Students across various programs have expressed that the financial safety net provides crucial peace of mind, allowing them to pursue careers in public service and education without overwhelming debt concerns.

U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed held a town hall event with Representative Rashida Tlaib to promote his healthcare reform platform, receiving endorsements from both Tlaib and Reverend Horace Sheffield. El-Sayed is running in Michigan's Democratic primary against Mallory McMorrow and Haley Stevens, positioning himself as a progressive candidate advocating for a single-payer healthcare system he calls "Medicare for All." The campaign focuses on addressing medical debt as a crisis, with supporters sharing stories of bankruptcy from medical bills and criticizing the Affordable Care Act as insufficient. El-Sayed promotes government-funded universal healthcare as a solution that would reduce administrative costs and allow the government to negotiate prices on behalf of all Americans.

President Donald Trump issued pardons to former personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, ex-Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and numerous other associates who faced accusations related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The clemency extended to lawyers who filed unsuccessful legal challenges and individuals identified as false electors who allegedly attempted to interfere with certifying Joe Biden's victory. These pardons hold primarily symbolic value since they apply exclusively to federal offenses, while all the recipients faced charges only at the state level. The White House characterized the pardons as promoting national reconciliation and ending what they termed politically motivated prosecutions, though critics view the 2020 election challenges as attempts to undermine democratic processes. # Key Takeaways

The Motor City Cruise suffered a 137-118 defeat against the Sioux Falls Skyforce in their second game of the G League season at Wayne State Fieldhouse, resulting in a series split after winning the previous night. The Skyforce dominated through exceptional three-point shooting, making 16 shots from beyond the arc with guard Trevor Keels contributing 10 of those while scoring 32 points overall. Although the Cruise received strong contributions from Jaden Akins (27 points), Isaac Jones (21 points, 12 rebounds), and others, they couldn't contain Sioux Falls' transition game and paint scoring. The Skyforce's explosive 40-point third quarter essentially sealed the victory, leaving Motor City with a 1-1 record to start their season. # Key Takeaways