michigan news

Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Saturday in Salt Lake City. As a revered prophet and the oldest serving head of the church, Nelson implemented significant policy changes during his leadership, including rolling back anti-LGBT policies, severing ties with the Boy Scouts, and campaigning against nicknames like "Mormon" for the faith. Before his religious leadership, Nelson had a distinguished career as a surgeon who pioneered open-heart surgery techniques in Utah. His presidency, which began in 2018, was marked by global ministry and increased temple construction, with Nelson visiting 32 countries and announcing 200 new temples.

A violent attack occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford drove a vehicle into the building during Sunday services, opened fire with an assault-style rifle, and started a fire, resulting in at least four deaths and eight injuries. The assailant, a Marine Corps veteran, was killed by police within eight minutes of beginning his rampage, which authorities are investigating as an "act of targeted violence" though the motive remains unclear. The attack caused extensive fire damage to the church building, which was attended by hundreds of people at the time. FBI and local authorities have responded with 100 FBI agents deployed to assist with the investigation, while also addressing and clearing additional bomb threats at multiple other locations.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), in collaboration with MDOT and the City of Detroit, will launch the I-75 Cap Feasibility Study with a virtual public meeting on October 2, 2025. The study will advance engineering and design work for a project that aims to reconnect neighborhoods to Downtown Detroit by creating a series of three park caps over I-75. Funded by a $2 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant, the feasibility study follows community visioning sessions that gathered input from hundreds of residents. Engineering firm AECOM will lead the 12-month feasibility phase, which will develop schematic plans, evaluate traffic impacts, and prepare engineering documentation while continuing community engagement.

Esther Haugabook has announced the end of her write-in campaign for Detroit's District 5 City Council seat, choosing instead to focus on advocating for housing affordability, homeowner protections, and transparency issues. The November 4 general election will now proceed between UAW retiree Renata Miller and Board of Police Commissioner Willie Burton, who finished ahead of Haugabook in the primary. Haugabook emphasized that her withdrawal is not a concession but a redirection of her efforts, while keeping open the possibility of running again in 2029. District 5 is considered one of Detroit's most active council districts, encompassing downtown, Midtown, and numerous important landmarks across both east and west sides of the city.

Michigan voters can now cast absentee ballots for the November general election, with options to submit by mail or in person at clerk's offices or official drop boxes by 8 p.m. on November 4. Registered voters have until November 3 at 4 p.m. to apply for absentee ballots, while same-day registration remains available through Election Day. Voting rights advocates recommend submitting mail-in ballots by October 22 to avoid postal delays that could affect timely delivery. The Detroit mayoral race between City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr. headlines a ballot that also includes contests for city clerk, city council, the board of police commissioners, and community advisory council positions.

The Henry Ford Museum has relocated the historic Jackson Home from Selma, Alabama to Dearborn, Michigan as part of a $30 million project. This significant Civil Rights landmark served as Martin Luther King Jr.'s strategic planning hub for the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches and was where King watched President Johnson's speech that preceded the Voting Rights Act. The home, previously operated as a museum by Joanna Jackson (daughter of the original owners), will open to the public in June 2026 following restoration supported by a $9 million bond from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The museum leadership believes relocating the house to Greenfield Village will allow more visitors to experience this crucial piece of Civil Rights history while ensuring its proper maintenance.

The Detroit City Council is in the final stages of selecting a new city ombudsman from ten finalists, with a vote expected as early as next week. The ombudsman position, which comes with a ten-year term and $195,000 salary, serves as a critical bridge between Detroit residents and government by investigating complaints when city services fail. Current ombudsman Bruce Simpson's appointment ends October 5, with candidates ranging from government insiders like Deputy Ombudsman Gail Barnard to community leaders like State Board of Education member Tiffany Tilley and former state lawmaker Sherry Gay-Dagnogo. This influential appointment will determine how resident complaints about city services are handled for the next decade, making it a crucial decision for government accountability and resident trust.

Round Here, a new platform launched in August by Detroit native Matthew Burnett, aims to consolidate entrepreneurial resources for Michigan's business community into a single accessible space. The platform addresses longstanding challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly Black business owners, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and professional services. Round Here offers live workshops, searchable networks of investors and accelerators, a job board, connections to vetted freelancers, and AI-powered personalized recommendations to help founders navigate their growth journey. With early partnerships with prominent innovation hubs like TechTown and Newlab, the platform hopes to democratize entrepreneurial support across Michigan before potentially expanding nationwide.

of Detroit's Industry Standards Board Recommendations for Arena Workers Detroit's first Industry Standards Board has released recommendations aimed at improving working conditions for arena employees in the city. The recommendations focus on enhancing access to childcare, subsidizing public transit, developing better job training pathways, and improving security measures for workers who face harassment. According to a commissioned report, while Detroit's stadiums financially benefit the city, nearly one-third of arena workers live below the poverty line and two-thirds are living paycheck to paycheck. The board notes that state law prevents Detroit from setting local wage standards, which limits the city's ability to ensure workers benefit from tax incentives given to arena owners.

Wayne County, Michigan has received a significant credit rating upgrade from Moody's Ratings, moving from A1 to Aa3 for both its issuer rating and general obligation bonds. This improvement reflects the county's strong financial recovery over the past decade, transforming from near-bankruptcy to substantial financial stability. Key factors contributing to the upgrade include increased reserve funds (growing from 42% to 72% since 2021), reduced long-term liabilities, disciplined budgeting practices, and regional economic growth. County Executive Warren C. Evans highlighted this achievement as evidence of responsible fiscal management and the county's positioning for long-term success.

The Motor City Cruise, the Detroit Pistons' G League affiliate, recently held its annual open tryouts at the Henry Ford Health System Performance Center where hopeful basketball players paid $250 to showcase their skills before team staff. Former Pistons player Lindsey Hunter made an appearance to share his NBA journey and inspire participants with advice about character and discipline. The tryouts highlight success stories like John Ukomadu, who went from being a tryout participant last year to earning a roster spot, performing well in the G League, and eventually signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Pistons. Under third-year head coach Jamelle McMillian, the Cruise demonstrated strong development during NBA Summer League, suggesting positive momentum as they prepare for their 2025 campaign.

Michigan is on the brink of a partial government shutdown as Republican-led House and Democratic-controlled Senate lawmakers remain deadlocked over the state budget with an October 1 deadline approaching. Governor Gretchen Whitmer remains confident a bipartisan agreement is possible despite the current stalemate, though her administration has not outlined shutdown management plans. Essential functions like public safety would continue during a shutdown, but many state services could stall, affecting school districts, state employees, and organizations reliant on state funding. The standoff centers on competing spending priorities, with Republicans criticizing Democrats for rejecting a stripped-down plan while Democrats argue the GOP proposal would cut too deeply into core priorities like education and infrastructure projects.

A controversy has erupted in the Detroit mayoral race between Pastor Solomon Kinloch and city council president Mary Sheffield over alleged ethics violations. Kinloch accused Sheffield of breaking city ethics rules by accepting Jeezy concert tickets from Comerica Bank, despite Detroit's charter prohibiting elected officials from accepting gifts. Sheffield defended her actions, stating she obtained the tickets for community members and that Comerica Bank isn't currently doing business with the city, while Detroit Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallet declared no ethics violation occurred. The dispute has intensified the campaign dynamics, with Kinloch's team adopting a more aggressive approach despite previously promising not to run a negative campaign.

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, is actively campaigning for Detroit's support in the 2026 Democratic primary election for U.S. Senate, recently holding an event with members of Michigan's Legislative Black Caucus. During the event, Stevens addressed her controversial vote to approve a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, while her colleague Rep. Thanedar noted he voted against it due to Kirk's racist views. Stevens emphasized her experience representing Southeast Michigan residents and highlighted her focus on addressing healthcare costs and economic issues affecting everyday Americans. Former House Speaker Joe Tate endorsed Stevens as the candidate who best represents the interests of Black voters, particularly amid concerns about rights being diminished and historical revisionism.

Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III has endorsed City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor of Detroit, becoming the second former mayoral opponent to back her candidacy. Durhal made the announcement at In Harmony Cafe on Detroit's west side, emphasizing Sheffield's 12 years of experience and leadership in city government. He stressed that Detroit needs experienced leadership rather than a "rookie" in the city's top position, highlighting Sheffield's work on ordinances and neighborhood development. Sheffield, who will face Rev. Solomon Kinloch in the November 4 general election, expressed honor at receiving Durhal's endorsement and their shared commitment to neighborhood improvement.

Wayne State University has partnered with Detroit Public Schools Community District to launch "Warriors on the Rise," a guaranteed admission program that promises university entry to DPSCD juniors and seniors who maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete core English and math credits. The comprehensive initiative goes beyond admission by offering year-round support including mentoring, college prep workshops, academic advising, financial aid navigation, and transportation assistance. Beginning in February 2026, qualified students will receive invitations to join the program, followed by campus visits, summer social events, dual-enrollment opportunities, and ongoing family involvement. The program aims to transform Detroit students' access to higher education by removing barriers, building confidence, and creating clear pathways for success.

Michigan's Department of Education has proposed the first update to its K-12 health education guidelines since 2007, addressing contemporary challenges like the opioid crisis, smartphone use, and mental health concerns. The draft updates shift from grade-specific standards to more flexible grade ranges and emphasize ongoing "practices" rather than fixed "standards," borrowing from national health education updates and Massachusetts' model. While providing a framework that covers personal wellness, substance use, mental health, and sexual health, the guidelines ultimately allow local school districts to determine implementation, particularly regarding contentious areas like sexual health education. The update acknowledges that today's health challenges differ significantly from those in 2007, requiring schools to equip students with tools to navigate increasingly complex physical, mental, and social landscapes.

Kenneth Kelly, CEO of Detroit-based First Independence Bank and chair-elect of the American Bankers Association, recently testified before the U.S. Senate Banking Committee on modernizing deposit insurance. Representing the ABA, Kelly presented ten recommendations from a task force he chaired that aims to update the system created in 1933 and tested by recent bank failures like Silicon Valley Bank in 2023. The proposals focus on making deposit insurance more transparent, flexible during crises, and equitable across different-sized institutions, while maintaining its role as a stabilizing force in the U.S. financial system. Kelly emphasized that the current system, which guarantees deposits up to $250,000 and is funded through bank assessments rather than taxpayer money, needs improvements to reflect modern banking realities and prevent panic from spreading rapidly in today's digital environment.

of News Article President Trump recently suggested that TV networks giving him "bad publicity" should lose their broadcasting licenses, following the suspension of ABC host Jimmy Kimmel after he made comments about the Charlie Kirk murder suspect. This incident has raised questions about the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) authority to regulate broadcast content and revoke licenses. The controversy intensified when FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, suggested there could be "remedies" against Kimmel, prompting major station owners Nexstar and Sinclair to stop airing Kimmel's program. The situation has sparked debate about government censorship and political pressure on broadcasters, with critics arguing that corporate decisions were influenced by the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump announced a potential deal on TikTok's future in the US after a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, though Beijing's confirmation was less definitive. The arrangement would reportedly allow US investors to acquire TikTok's American operations while licensing algorithm technology from ByteDance, avoiding a complete ban. Trump has repeatedly extended the deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok's US business, with the latest extension pushing it to December. The proposed deal aims to address national security concerns while preserving the platform's availability to its 170 million American users, though questions remain about algorithm ownership and Chinese government influence.

The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed a bill requiring photos and signatures on Bridge Cards used for food and cash assistance programs, with Republicans supporting the measure as an anti-fraud initiative and Democrats opposing it. The legislation's sponsor, Representative Jason Woolford, argued it would protect taxpayer funds in Michigan's multi-billion-dollar assistance programs, citing the state's 8% SNAP benefits overpayment rate reported by the USDA. However, Democrats countered that implementing these requirements would cost millions while producing negligible savings according to a House Fiscal Agency analysis, pointing to West Virginia's $10 million expenditure for a similar program with little evidence of fraud reduction. The bill now moves to the Democrat-controlled Michigan Senate, where it faces significant opposition.

Jeezy concluded his 20th anniversary tour for "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101" with an 80-minute performance at Detroit's Fox Theatre, featuring a full band and the 25-piece Color of Noize Orchestra. The sold-out event had a formal atmosphere with fans dressed in tuxedos and gowns as Jeezy performed 12 songs from his landmark album before moving to other crowd favorites. At 48, Jeezy used this special Detroit performance, which was streamed live worldwide, to bridge his past and present while announcing upcoming projects including a DJ Drama mixtape and plans for a Las Vegas residency.

Detroit City Council president and mayoral frontrunner Mary Sheffield stated she would actively oppose any Trump administration attempts to deploy National Guard troops in Detroit, emphasizing this would not address public safety concerns. Her comments came after Vice President J.D. Vance suggested sending National Guard to Detroit to combat crime, despite the city reporting significant crime reductions in recent years. Sheffield highlighted the traumatic history of National Guard deployment during the 1967 Detroit Riots and advocated instead for community violence intervention programs, youth programming, education, mental health, and housing investments. The article notes that Detroit reported 252 homicides in 2023—the lowest number since 1966—though the per capita rate remains higher than in the past.

The Michigan gubernatorial race has intensified with competing Teamsters endorsements for two Detroit candidates. Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43 endorsed independent Mayor Mike Duggan, while Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson secured endorsements from five local Teamsters unions representing a majority of the state's members. The endorsement announcements created controversy when Duggan's campaign initially claimed incorrectly that all ten local affiliate unions had endorsed him. Both candidates, along with other Democratic and Republican contenders, continue to seek labor support in the increasingly competitive race for governor.

NBA player Tobias Harris has launched a $4 million homeownership initiative in Detroit to address the city's affordable housing crisis. The program will provide up to 40% down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in nine working-class neighborhoods, using a shared appreciation model designed to make homeownership more accessible than renting. Targeting individuals earning up to 140% of the area median income, the initiative aims to help 100-130 Detroiters become homeowners while addressing historical inequities in mortgage lending that have disproportionately affected Black communities. Harris hopes to eventually expand the program to $10 million in commitments to create greater impact in a city where housing costs are rising while incomes remain stagnant.

Detroit City Council Pro Tem James Tate has announced his intention to seek the Council presidency starting in 2026, running unopposed for reelection this November. As the longest-serving council member with 15 years of experience, Tate aims to build consensus and strengthen teamwork among the nine-member body, emphasizing the need for the council to work collectively rather than individually. The next council will have at least two new members as President Mary Sheffield and Council Member Fred Durhal III vacated their seats to run for mayor, potentially bringing significant changes to the body's composition. Tate plans to improve public understanding of the council's decision-making process and enhance resident participation in civic matters.

Esther Haugabook, a housing advocate who placed third in Detroit's municipal primary, has launched a write-in campaign for the District 5 city council seat. Citing frustrations with the lack of meaningful options on the ballot, Haugabook brings over 30 years of experience in community planning and development to her campaign. She will compete against primary winners Renata Miller, who received 23.17% of the vote and has secured several endorsements, and Willie Burton, who received 19.42% of the vote. District 5 is one of Detroit's most active council districts, containing downtown and Midtown areas, and is currently represented by Council President Mary Sheffield who is not endorsing any candidate.

Apple is opening its first Detroit retail store at 1430 Woodward Avenue on September 19, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. The 11,200-square-foot location includes 6,500 square feet of retail space and is situated near the Shinola Hotel in an area developed by Bedrock, which pursued Apple for over a decade. This milestone store opening is expected to reduce the estimated $2.6 billion that Detroit residents spend annually outside the city for retail purchases while reinforcing downtown as a shopping destination. The store joins Apple's existing Michigan locations in Troy, Novi, and Ann Arbor, providing Detroit residents with more convenient access to Apple products and services.

The Michigan Senate is considering legislation to create a statewide "Silver Alert" system that would notify the public when vulnerable adults, particularly seniors with conditions like dementia, go missing. Sponsored by Senator Mallory McMorrow, the bill would implement emergency notifications similar to Amber Alerts for children, utilizing existing technology infrastructure to help locate missing seniors quickly. Advocates emphasize the urgency of the system, noting that nearly 60 percent of older adults with dementia will wander at some point, creating potentially life-threatening situations where rapid response is critical. The proposed system would cost relatively little to implement—approximately $20,000 annually—while the Michigan House has already passed a similar bill with strong bipartisan support, suggesting momentum for this public safety measure.

A federal appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration can block Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood of Michigan while a larger legal challenge continues, immediately affecting nearly 14,000 patients who rely on Medicaid for essential healthcare services. Planned Parenthood will cover costs for already scheduled appointments through September 22, 2025, but after that date, Medicaid patients must either pay out-of-pocket or find alternative providers. The ruling threatens access to critical preventative services like cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing, with potential consequences falling heaviest on low-income communities in urban areas like Detroit and Flint as well as underserved rural regions. Health experts warn this decision could worsen existing health inequities in Michigan, particularly affecting Black women who already face higher rates of cervical cancer and maternal health complications.