michigan news

Across the United States, schools are implementing increasingly strict cellphone restrictions, with 29 states passing laws since 2023 requiring K-12 public schools to ban or severely limit student phone use on campus. Ohio serves as a notable case study, progressing from partial bans in 2024 to requiring complete school-day phone prohibitions by 2026, with enforcement methods including lockable pouches and storage bins. Research on Ohio schools shows positive outcomes including increased face-to-face interaction and reduced digital distractions among students, though surveyed high school students expressed concerns about emergency accessibility and loss of autonomy. While principals report improved student engagement and fewer conflicts, students argue they need to develop self-discipline with technology and require phone access for practical tasks like college applications. The article suggests that successful phone policies should incorporate student input and provide accommodations for legitimate needs like emergency communication and authentication requirements.

Jacqueline Owens, who grew up relying on public transportation and rose from bus operator to Interim VP of Bus Operations at SMART over 27 years, emphasizes the critical importance of investing in transit operators. She explains that operators must balance multiple demanding responsibilities beyond driving, including enforcing policies, ensuring passenger safety, maintaining schedules, and providing compassionate customer service to hundreds of daily riders. SMART supports its operators through an eight-week rigorous training program, the Care Program offering anonymous mental health resources, clear safety-first protocols, and advancement opportunities that help retain experienced professionals. This organizational investment in operator well-being and development directly translates to better service quality for riders across Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland counties.

Child care providers in Ypsilanti, Michigan, are developing emergency protocols to protect children and families amid increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in their community. Providers like Leysi Palacio-Mora are creating evacuation plans and procedures for identifying ICE agents, responding to heightened anxiety among parents following detentions near schools and child care facilities. While ICE officials deny targeting schools and bus stops, and some rumored incidents proved false, the fear among immigrant families remains widespread, particularly after federal protections for sensitive locations like schools and churches were removed in January 2025. The concern has intensified following violent ICE incidents in other states, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, prompting child care centers across the area to share resources and establish step-by-step response plans. Providers report that parents are coming to drop-off in tears, worried about potential ICE presence, while some families whose members were detained have already left the country.

Four Michigan gubernatorial candidates—Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson, Republican Mike Cox, and Independent Mike Duggan—presented their education platforms at a forum hosted by the Michigan Education Association, the state's largest teachers union. The candidates offered contrasting visions, with Benson proposing increased teacher compensation and Swanson advocating for universal school meals and preschool, while Cox emphasized accountability measures and private school scholarships through federal tax credits. The forum also addressed immigration enforcement in schools, with candidates disagreeing on how to handle ICE presence in educational settings. The event highlighted deep divisions over teacher pay, curriculum control, and approaches to improving Michigan's declining academic performance. # Key Takeaways

Sports journalist Darryl Jacobs argues that Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame credentials should be unquestionable despite ongoing debate about his legacy. After consulting with NFL coaches and executives, Jacobs emphasizes Belichick's unprecedented resume including six Super Bowl championships as head coach and his transformative influence on modern football strategy and management. While acknowledging that controversies like Spygate and Deflategate, along with his abrasive personality and post-Brady struggles in New England, have damaged his public image, Jacobs contends these factors shouldn't overshadow his achievements. He concludes that regardless of voting outcomes or public perception, Belichick's impact on professional football is undeniable and his historical legacy is already firmly established. # Key Takeaways

The Detroit Policy Conference, themed "a new leadership era," took place at a new downtown location and featured discussions with prominent regional leaders about Michigan's economic development. Key conversations included Bedrock CEO Jared Fleisher discussing the company's real estate expansion projects, tech entrepreneur André Gudger explaining his decision to move his Maryland technology firm Eccalon to Detroit with plans for significant job creation, and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation's Dana Williams addressing artificial intelligence's implications for the workforce. Additionally, philanthropic leader Sarida Scott from The Skillman Foundation spoke about the important contribution charitable organizations make to the region's progress.

A 45-year-old Texas man was arrested and charged with assault after physically attacking students during a peaceful immigration-related demonstration outside a Buda high school. The suspect, identified as a Trump supporter, allegedly initiated a verbal confrontation with a female student on a public sidewalk before the dispute turned physical, with video showing him pulling hair and wrestling a student to the ground. Police determined the man was the primary aggressor in the incident, which prompted intervention from multiple students who attempted to restrain him. Local officials, including the county judge and city mayor, condemned the violence against minors exercising their constitutional rights and emphasized that such intimidation would not be tolerated in their community.

Three Wayne State University dance graduates—Bella Brown, Maddy Petz, and Amanda Zawisza—defied the common advice to leave Detroit for professional opportunities by founding Etude, a nonprofit production company in 2022. The organization helps local artists by channeling grant funding, providing production support, and connecting performers with venues throughout the city. Their main event, Sled Season, is an annual winter music festival now in its third year, featuring local indie rock and pop bands alongside food vendors and interactive experiences. Despite lacking business backgrounds and facing challenges securing funding in the arts nonprofit sector, the founders aim to create sustainable career pathways for Detroit artists that don't exist elsewhere. # Key Takeaways

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has transformed her previous campaign social media account, KamalaHQ, into a new initiative called "Headquarters" focused on engaging young progressive voters. The project, developed in collaboration with the nonprofit People For the American Way, aims to serve as an ongoing organizing platform rather than a temporary campaign tool. While Harris will serve as honorary chair emerita, she will not manage the account's daily content, which will instead be run as a Generation Z-focused progressive media hub. The initiative positions itself as countering far-right extremism while promoting democratic values and social justice among young Americans.

A 45-year-old Texas man was arrested after physically attacking students during a peaceful immigration-related demonstration outside a high school in Buda, Texas. Chad Michael Watts, described as a Trump supporter, initiated a verbal confrontation with a female student on a public sidewalk before the situation turned physical, with video footage showing him pulling hair and wrestling with students on the ground. Law enforcement identified Watts as the primary aggressor and charged him with two counts of assault causing bodily injury, though additional charges remain possible. Local officials, including the county judge and city mayor, condemned the violence against minors exercising their constitutional rights to protest, emphasizing that such intimidation would not be tolerated in their community.

Detroit has launched the second application round for its municipal Detroit Startup Fund, which provides non-dilutive grants totaling $300,000 to 13 technology startups without requiring founders to surrender company equity. The program, backed by Detroit's general fund through a city-DEGC partnership, offers seed grants of $15,000 and scale grants of $50,000 to companies less than 10 years old with majority operations in Detroit. This initiative addresses the severe funding gap affecting entrepreneurs, particularly Black founders who received only 0.4% of all venture funding in 2024, by providing capital for essential business expenses like payroll, legal fees, and product development. The first round distributed $300,000 to 13 recipients in September 2025 after receiving 150 applications, demonstrating significant demand for this type of founder-friendly support.

The Snowbirds, a philanthropic organization, held their fifth annual Golf Tournament Weekend at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, from January 29-31, 2026, raising $47,500 for youth golf programs. The sold-out event attracted over 200 participants who enjoyed championship golf courses, networking opportunities, entertainment, and various amenities at the resort owned by former BET CEO Sheila Johnson. The funds will support several organizations providing golf access, instruction, and scholarships to underprivileged youth, including the Michigan Women's Golf Association LPGA Girls Golf Program, Cass Technical High School, and First Tee Greater Detroit. Over its five-year history, The Snowbirds have now contributed approximately $272,500 total to youth golf organizations and aspiring golfers. # Key Takeaways

American Black Journal featured an interview with Sara Wolitzky and Phil Bertelsen, the co-executive producers and directors of a new PBS documentary series created by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The four-part series examines the interconnected histories of Black and Jewish communities in America. The filmmakers discussed Dr. Gates's motivation for exploring this relationship and the various domains where these communities have intersected, including civil rights movements, political activism, and cultural contributions. The interview also covered the producers' intended message and goals for viewers of the documentary series. # Key Takeaways

Veteran Detroit broadcaster and filmmaker Gerald McBride, who has worked in Black radio for over forty years, appears on American Black Journal during Black History Month to discuss his new memoir. The book, called "God and the DJ," tells the story of his professional journey in radio and how faith and perseverance shaped his career path. During his conversation with host Stephen Henderson, McBride reflects on the evolution of the radio industry throughout his lengthy career. He also discusses his current syndicated program "Old School House Party" and explains his motivation behind creating a documentary film about young African American hockey players. # Key Takeaways

The Michigan Chronicle, Michigan's longest continuously operating newspaper, celebrated its 90th anniversary by revisiting historical Valentine's Day coverage from its archives. The retrospective includes a 2005 article examining Detroit's dating scene, which featured speed dating events and highlighted challenges single women faced finding partners who hadn't already dated their acquaintances. Archive photos showcase various Valentine's celebrations throughout decades, including a 1975 gala at Cobo Hall honoring Mayor Coleman Young that drew over 4,000 attendees, and community events like youth disco parties at local churches. The flashback also recalls journalist Susan Watson's 2003 Valentine's tribute to civil rights icon Rosa Parks, coinciding with her 90th birthday celebration at the Detroit Opera House.

A federal indictment unsealed in January 2026 exposed a game manipulation scandal in Division I basketball, where players allegedly underperformed to influence betting spreads and player prop outcomes. The author, drawing from experience as both a college head coach and broadcast analyst, argues that the scandal reveals a systemic failure rather than individual moral lapses, as unpaid college athletes have been placed into a legalized betting economy without adequate protections. The manipulation is particularly difficult to detect because intentional underperformance can easily be disguised as normal basketball mistakes like poor shot selection or defensive lapses. The author contends that player prop betting is incompatible with college sports and that the NCAA must either provide athletes with professional-level compensation and protections or eliminate practices that expose them to financial exploitation.

Elon Musk sparked controversy by criticizing filmmaker Christopher Nolan on social media over unconfirmed rumors that Lupita Nyong'o might play Helen of Troy in an upcoming Odyssey adaptation. Musk claimed Nolan had abandoned his integrity after engaging with posts arguing that casting a Black actress for the traditionally blonde, fair-skinned character would dishonor Homer's original work. The View hosts, including Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin, condemned Musk's remarks, with Goldberg defending Nyong'o's beauty and Hostin accusing Musk of promoting white supremacist ideologies. Critics noted the hypocrisy of Musk questioning anyone's integrity given his recent role overseeing a government cost-cutting initiative that reportedly wasted billions in taxpayer money.

Parks Old Style Bar-B-Que, a Detroit smokehouse operating since 1964, announced its closure on February 8 after nearly 62 years of business through a handwritten note on its door. Founded by Edward Parks, a former manager of another historic Detroit barbecue establishment, the restaurant gained a loyal following through its unique spice blends and strategic location near North End factories and plants that served blue-collar workers. As Detroit's industrial base declined and the North End neighborhood deteriorated, traditional carry-out barbecue spots like Parks struggled to compete with newer dine-in restaurants that arrived in the 2010s. During its final days, the cash-only establishment saw long lines of customers coming to pay their respects, with the small location only accommodating three patrons at a time in its lobby.

Approximately 37 former residents of the Leland House, a low-rent Detroit apartment building, have been unable to access their personal belongings for nearly two months following a December evacuation caused by damaged electrical equipment. During a bankruptcy court hearing, a federal judge heard arguments about whether tenants should be allowed back inside, with fire officials citing safety concerns while tenant attorneys argued residents were promised access to their possessions. The bankrupt building faces financial obstacles including lack of funds to restore power or hire moving contractors, with estimates reaching $200,000 for packing services and $75,000 for partial electrical restoration. The court rejected a fast-track auction proposal for the 22-story building and scheduled further discussions for late February while requesting stakeholders develop alternative solutions for retrieving tenants' belongings.

President Trump has appointed 27 federal judges during his second term, with approximately 63 percent being white men and no women of color among them. This pattern resembles his first term's demographics but occurs alongside more aggressive rhetoric against diversity initiatives and judicial independence. Legal scholars emphasize that judicial representation affects not only symbolic fairness but also practical courtroom dynamics, as research shows decisions by women and judges of color face more challenges and these judges often receive less prestigious assignments. The appointments carry particular weight since federal appellate courts decide roughly 40,000 cases annually compared to fewer than 100 by the Supreme Court, meaning these judges will shape federal law for decades.

Michigan communities are experiencing an unprecedented wave of resistance to data center development, with at least 18 local governments implementing temporary moratoriums on new facilities following the state's passage of tax incentive legislation in 2024. Rural townships and cities across the state are grappling with proposals for massive hyperscale computing facilities that consume hundreds of acres of land and require energy equivalent to major cities, sparking concerns about lost farmland, environmental impacts, and whether taxpayers will bear financial risks if the AI industry falters. The controversy has created unusual political unity, with residents from diverse backgrounds opposing these projects despite industry claims that data centers provide essential infrastructure and tax revenue. While state leaders like Governor Whitmer support continued data center development, some gubernatorial candidates are making opposition to these facilities central to their 2026 campaigns, and legislators have introduced bills to revoke tax breaks and impose development restrictions.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Democratic officials are pushing back against President Trump's recent statements advocating for federal control of elections in Detroit and other cities he claims have experienced corruption. Trump has suggested multiple times this week that federal authorities should oversee or "nationalize" elections in areas he believes cannot count votes honestly, despite providing no evidence of fraud. Constitutional experts note that while states control election administration under the Constitution, Trump's comments represent a potential overreach of federal authority. Michigan Republicans have offered mixed responses, with former Governor John Engler dismissing the possibility while House Speaker Matt Hall avoided directly addressing Trump's proposal. # Key Takeaways

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has established a public reporting system for residents to document concerning activities by federal immigration enforcement agents operating within the state. The initiative, announced alongside various officials and advocates in Detroit, aims to monitor how increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration affects Michigan communities, particularly following violent incidents in Minnesota. While deportations and detentions in Michigan have tripled compared to the previous year, Nessel warns she will prosecute unlawful actions by federal officers and has already received over 5,000 public emails about immigration enforcement. The effort has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers who argue it interferes with legitimate law enforcement work, while Democratic officials and advocates emphasize the need to document activities and maintain community trust in local police. # Key Takeaways

Comedian Druski created a viral parody video mocking Black megachurch pastors, featuring an exaggerated character descending from the ceiling in designer clothes and performing theatrical stunts. Many viewers interpreted the skit as targeting Pastor Mike Todd of Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who is recognized for unconventional preaching methods like getting haircuts during sermons. Todd addressed the controversy during a recent sermon, claiming he found the video humorous but criticized people for becoming distracted by the online debate instead of focusing on their spiritual responsibilities. Social media users responded with mixed reactions, with some arguing that Todd's extended discussion of the skit proved he was equally distracted, while others suggested he missed an opportunity for meaningful self-reflection about how megachurches are perceived. # Key Takeaways

Michigan Central train station in Detroit, which was abandoned and deteriorating in the 2000s, has been renovated and now houses a new Boys and Girls Club facility on its fifth floor. The 13,000-square-foot space features an entertainment innovation incubator funded by a $1 million investment from Big Sean's Sean Anderson Foundation and Usher's New Look organization, along with an autonomous training center and innovation lab. The facility aims to prepare young people aged 14-24 for careers in entertainment, technology, mobility, and advanced manufacturing through hands-on access to professional-grade equipment and direct pathways to jobs. The Southeastern Michigan Boys and Girls Club chapter, which serves approximately 7,500 youth across metro Detroit, celebrated the opening with a media event featuring the celebrity donors and organizational leaders. # Key Takeaways

The Michigan Chronicle has opened nominations for its 2026 installment of the 40 Under 40 Awards program, which has been recognizing exceptional African American professionals for fourteen years. The program seeks to honor individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, professional achievement, and dedication to serving their communities while breaking down barriers in their respective fields. Eligible nominees must be African American professionals, executives, or business owners who have achieved notable success in their careers and actively participate in community service or organizational leadership roles. The nomination process requires detailed information about candidates' accomplishments, mentorship activities, community involvement, and professional backgrounds.

The Michigan Chronicle has opened nominations for its 2026 installment of the 40 Under 40 Awards program, which has been recognizing accomplished African American professionals for fourteen years. The program seeks to honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional achievements, and dedication to serving their communities while breaking barriers in their respective fields. Eligible nominees must be African American professionals, executives, or business owners who have achieved notable success, serve as positive role models, and actively participate in community service or organizational leadership. The 2026 class will specifically celebrate leaders advancing economic empowerment, diversity, faith-based and educational institutions, and political and community engagement.

Actor Quinton Aaron, famous for portraying Michael Oher in "The Blind Side," is currently hospitalized in Atlanta after collapsing while climbing stairs at his residence. Medical professionals placed him on life support due to a serious blood infection that caused his sudden collapse. Recent reports indicate his condition has stabilized, with Aaron now able to breathe independently and respond to family members. A fundraising campaign has been established to assist with mounting medical bills and living expenses while he undergoes treatment and testing to identify the underlying cause of his health crisis. # Key Takeaways

Saginaw fire captain and retired Marine Chedrick Greene won the Democratic primary for Michigan's 35th state Senate district special election with approximately 68.5% of the vote, defeating State Board of Education president Pamela Pugh who received 31.5%. Greene secured backing from labor unions and mainstream Democratic figures, while Pugh earned endorsements from progressive leaders including Representative Rashida Tlaib. The race drew controversy when Republican-linked groups ran advertisements supporting Pugh, suggesting GOP strategists viewed her as a weaker general election opponent. Greene will now compete against Republican Jason Tunney on May 5 to fill the seat that has remained empty for over a year.

A ballot committee called Americans for Citizen Voting reports gathering sufficient signatures to place a constitutional amendment on Michigan's November ballot that would impose stricter voting requirements. The measure would mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration, eliminate the current affidavit option for voters without ID by requiring provisional ballots with follow-up verification, and force the Secretary of State to audit voter rolls and remove anyone whose citizenship cannot be confirmed. The campaign, funded almost entirely by two nonprofits through approximately $6 million in donations, has faced opposition from voting rights organizations who argue it creates unnecessary barriers to voting. Supporters claim the changes represent common-sense reforms to election security, while critics view the proposal as an attempt to undermine voting accessibility that voters expanded through a 2022 ballot measure.