INSIDER
Detroit Reparations Task Force calls for community input on reparations initiative
Read full article: Detroit Reparations Task Force calls for community input on reparations initiativeThe Detroit Reparations Task Force is asking Black Detroiters to suggest how reparations should be implemented in the city.
Detroit City Council takes steps towards transparent dining experience with new sign ordinance
Read full article: Detroit City Council takes steps towards transparent dining experience with new sign ordinanceDetroit City Council voted to approve a new ordinance impacting restaurants nationwide. The ordinance requires restaurants to post signs showing they comply with health inspections.
Detroit City Council member asks Stellantis to report on odor at Mack Assembly plant, requests action
Read full article: Detroit City Council member asks Stellantis to report on odor at Mack Assembly plant, requests actionFor the last few years, people living near the Stellantis Mack Assembly plant in Detroit have been complaining of a heavy odor of paint, hurting their eyes and lungs.
City council member blasts states pipe approval that would send raw sewage into Detroit River
Read full article: City council member blasts states pipe approval that would send raw sewage into Detroit RiverDetroit City Council Member Mary Waters sent Governor Gretchen Whitmer a letter asking her to rescind a permit issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy that she believes could result in the release of raw sewage into the Detroit River from Grosse Pointe Park.
Detroit City Council asking for state approval for gun-free zones in downtown areas
Read full article: Detroit City Council asking for state approval for gun-free zones in downtown areasEfforts to make parts of downtown Detroit so-called gun-free zones were back in front for Detroit City Council on Tuesday.
Residents living near Jefferson North Assembly Plant say they’re getting sick due to paint fumes
Read full article: Residents living near Jefferson North Assembly Plant say they’re getting sick due to paint fumesResidents say the smell just won't go away. They say living near the Jefferson North Assembly Plant is taking issue with a recent emissions assessment.
City council approves District Detroit tax incentives in 8-1 vote
Read full article: City council approves District Detroit tax incentives in 8-1 voteAfter weeks of back and forth with postponed votes, the Ilitch’s Olympia Development and billionaire developer and Detroit native Steven Ross just got the first chunk of tax incentives they were looking for, more than $600 million of the $800 million they want to expand upon District Detroit.
Detroit City Council approves more incentives for Olympia around Little Caesars Arena
Read full article: Detroit City Council approves more incentives for Olympia around Little Caesars ArenaDetroit City Council narrowly approved a plan to provide more state incentives to Olympia Development for projects around Little Caesars Arena.
Concerns raised after City Council postpones vote on $1.5B District Detroit project
Read full article: Concerns raised after City Council postpones vote on $1.5B District Detroit projectThe Detroit City Council has delayed a vote on whether to approve the new District Detroit project, a $1.5 billion proposal backed by the University of Michigan, billionaire Steven Ross and the Ilitch organization. Many Detroiters are deeply concerned that the city is giving away too much in the deal.
Detroit announces massive overhaul of its car towing system
Read full article: Detroit announces massive overhaul of its car towing systemDetroit announced a massive overhaul of its car towing system after a previous system known for its corruption, with several city officials and police officers convicted of crimes.
Advocate shares frustration after rides were cut for disabled Detroiters
Read full article: Advocate shares frustration after rides were cut for disabled DetroitersChris Ruzzin is angry at the Detroit City Council and is perturbed about the city’s most vulnerable population, which is people with disabilities.
Activists take fight to Detroit City Counsel, push for answers into death of Porter Burks
Read full article: Activists take fight to Detroit City Counsel, push for answers into death of Porter BurksActivists took their fight to Detroit City Council as they pushed for answers into the shooting death of Porter Burks.
City council approves pay raises for police officers in Detroit
Read full article: City council approves pay raises for police officers in DetroitThe Detroit City Council has ratified a new contract between the police and the city, which means long-awaited pay raises for new Detroit police officers and veterans of the force has been approved.
Police union pleads to city council for promised raises in Downtown Detroit
Read full article: Police union pleads to city council for promised raises in Downtown DetroitThe mayor and Detroit's police union agreed on a new contract on Sept. 30. But so far, those raises have yet to become a reality, and officers are leaving the force for other departments and better pay.
Detroit City Council approves contract to expand ShotSpotter surveillance technology
Read full article: Detroit City Council approves contract to expand ShotSpotter surveillance technologyDetroit City Council voted 5-4 to approve a new contract to expand a technology that supposedly uses a network of sensors to detect gunshots and direct law enforcement to a shooting scene.
Detroit City Council to vote on expanding ShotSpotter technology Tuesday
Read full article: Detroit City Council to vote on expanding ShotSpotter technology TuesdayOn Tuesday, the Detroit City Council will vote on whether to expand the use of ShotSpotter, the controversial technology that detects gunshots.
Proposed food grading ordinance for restaurants to help with health inspections across Detroit
Read full article: Proposed food grading ordinance for restaurants to help with health inspections across DetroitA proposed food grading ordinance before the Detroit city council would require businesses to display a placard with the results of a health inspection.
City of Detroit opens applications for commercial adult-use marijuana business licensing
Read full article: City of Detroit opens applications for commercial adult-use marijuana business licensingDetroit City Council voted anonymously to approve the opening of applications for limited adult-use licensing for commercial marijuana being sold within retail, microbusiness and as well as consumption in a lounge.
Bedrock withdraws $60M tax abatement request for Detroit Hudson’s site
Read full article: Bedrock withdraws $60M tax abatement request for Detroit Hudson’s siteDan Gilbert’s Bedrock has withdrawn its request for a $60 million tax abatement from the City of Detroit for the company’s Hudson’s site development, with plans to bring it back up at a later time.
Ninth annual ‘Occupy The Corner’ took place on Detroit’s east side
Read full article: Ninth annual ‘Occupy The Corner’ took place on Detroit’s east sideDetroit City Council President Mary Sheffield held her ninth annual “Occupy The Corner” event as hundreds gathered Friday evening at Coleman Young Playfield on the city’s east side for a day of fun and special giveaways. Hundreds of families are going home with a free bike Friday (June 24) night, but the event’s purpose goes beyond that.
Detroit homeowners demand action after being overtaxed $600M during Great Recession
Read full article: Detroit homeowners demand action after being overtaxed $600M during Great RecessionDetroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and other organizations are looking for ways to compensate Detroiters who were overtaxed $600M during the Great Recession.
Flashpoint Interview: Detroit, industry leaders discuss future of recreational marijuana in city
Read full article: Flashpoint Interview: Detroit, industry leaders discuss future of recreational marijuana in cityDetroit voters approved recreational marijuana in the city two years ago, but only now has it been given the green light by the city.
Detroit City Council finally approves city’s recreational marijuana ordinance
Read full article: Detroit City Council finally approves city’s recreational marijuana ordinanceAfter years of back-and-forth, court battles and intense debate, the Detroit City Council has finally approved the city’s recreational marijuana ordinance.
Detroit City Council debates marijuana ordinance
Read full article: Detroit City Council debates marijuana ordinanceMichiganders voted to legalize recreational marijuana back in 2018. However, as it stands three-plus years later, the city of Detroit still doesn’t have a finalized plan for businesses to sell it.
Detroit City Council continues to sort through recreational marijuana ordinance
Read full article: Detroit City Council continues to sort through recreational marijuana ordinanceLast summer, a judge put a halt to granting recreational marijuana licenses in the city of Detroit. Instead of waiting to go to trial, there’s a new ordinance on the table.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan looks to raise minimum wage for city workers to $15 per hour
Read full article: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan looks to raise minimum wage for city workers to $15 per hourWednesday (Feb. 9), Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced a plan to raise the minimum wage for Detroit city workers to $15 an hour, and with councils approval, it’s going to go in place sooner rather than later.
Detroit’s Lee Plaza gets new lease on life, will be renovated for senior affordable housing
Read full article: Detroit’s Lee Plaza gets new lease on life, will be renovated for senior affordable housingIt has long stood as an iconic symbol of Detroit’s decline, the old Lee Plaza Hotel on West Grand Boulevard has sat vacant for decades, but that’s soon going to change. This is the towering Lee Plaza; it’s been abandoned and ransacked for 25. Now it is getting a new lease on life.
Ex-Detroit city councilman sentenced to 2 years in prison for bribery
Read full article: Ex-Detroit city councilman sentenced to 2 years in prison for briberyFormer Detroit City Councilman Andre Spivey has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to a bribery charge in connection with the federal probe into a Detroit corruption scandal.
Both sides await sentencing for former Detroit City Council member Andre Spivey
Read full article: Both sides await sentencing for former Detroit City Council member Andre SpiveyAs we inch closer to sentencing for former Detroit City Council member Andre Spivey, one of the most significant deciding factors in how severe his sentencing will be is how much he’s cooperated with the FBI during this investigation.
Ex-Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh released from prison
Read full article: Ex-Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh released from prisonFormer Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh was released from prison Wednesday morning after serving a shorter-than-expected sentence following a criminal sexual conduct conviction.
Detroit City Council approves $18.6M for new transit center at former State Fairgrounds site
Read full article: Detroit City Council approves $18.6M for new transit center at former State Fairgrounds siteThe Detroit City Council has approved $18.6 million for a new transit center at the former Michigan State Fairgrounds site.
What will new transit center at former State Fairgrounds site look like? Detroit City Council to decide
Read full article: What will new transit center at former State Fairgrounds site look like? Detroit City Council to decideThe old State Fairgrounds has turned into an Amazon hub -- and part of that deal is a new transit center to replace what’s there. Which is not much.
Flashpoint 11/7/21: Hiring people leaving prison could be answer for short-staffed employers; Election Day takeaways
Read full article: Flashpoint 11/7/21: Hiring people leaving prison could be answer for short-staffed employers; Election Day takeawaysWatch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News.
Retired Detroit police officer charged in ongoing corruption probe over towing
Read full article: Retired Detroit police officer charged in ongoing corruption probe over towingA retired police officer has been charged in the ongoing corruption probe within Detroit City Hall and the Detroit Police Department.
Detroit City Council approves ordinance to strip guns away from those convicted of domestic violence
Read full article: Detroit City Council approves ordinance to strip guns away from those convicted of domestic violenceThe Detroit City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance that would take guns away from domestic abusers.
Detroit City Council at odds with Mayor Mike Duggan, Moroun family over land needed for new bridge
Read full article: Detroit City Council at odds with Mayor Mike Duggan, Moroun family over land needed for new bridgeA bridge battle is brewing in Detroit having to do with the Moroun family’s plan to build a new span across the Detroit River. To do that, they need a key piece of land that was promised to them years ago by the city.
1 year later: Saunteel Jenkins’ cancer survival story
Read full article: 1 year later: Saunteel Jenkins’ cancer survival storyOne year ago, Saunteel Jenkins, the CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) and former Detroit City Council president, faced a shocking diagnosis - Stage 3 breast cancer. But she was determined to survive.
Andre Spivey resigns from Detroit City Council after pleading guilty to bribery charge
Read full article: Andre Spivey resigns from Detroit City Council after pleading guilty to bribery chargeAndre Spivey, 47, has resigned from the Detroit City Council after pleading guilty to a bribery charge on Tuesday (Sept. 28).
Nightside Report Aug. 25, 2021: FBI raids Detroit city hall, council members’ homes as part of corruption probe; Expect to pay full deductible if hospitalized with COVID;
Read full article: Nightside Report Aug. 25, 2021: FBI raids Detroit city hall, council members’ homes as part of corruption probe; Expect to pay full deductible if hospitalized with COVID;Here are tonight's top stories.
FBI raids Detroit city hall, council members’ homes as part of corruption probe
Read full article: FBI raids Detroit city hall, council members’ homes as part of corruption probeFBI agents were raiding the homes of Detroit City Council members and offices at the city’s Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on Wednesday morning as part of a corruption probe.
Nightside Report Aug. 23, 2021: New Detroit police officer arrested after fight in Greektown hours after graduation, Families living at Renaissance Estates of Ecorse say they’ve seen an increase in vi
Read full article: Nightside Report Aug. 23, 2021: New Detroit police officer arrested after fight in Greektown hours after graduation, Families living at Renaissance Estates of Ecorse say they’ve seen an increase in viHere are tonight's top stories.
Ex-Detroit councilman Charles Pugh gets parole in sex case with teen
Read full article: Ex-Detroit councilman Charles Pugh gets parole in sex case with teenThe former president of the Detroit City Council has been granted parole about five years after his conviction for having sex with a teenage boy when he previously worked as a TV journalist.
Detroit councilman Andre Spivey free on 10K bond after arraignment over charges
Read full article: Detroit councilman Andre Spivey free on 10K bond after arraignment over chargesDetroit City Council member Andre Spivey is free on a $10,000 bond after an arraignment in federal court Tuesday over criminal charges.
Detroit City Council in limbo as Andre Spivey faces federal bribery charges
Read full article: Detroit City Council in limbo as Andre Spivey faces federal bribery chargesThe upheaval on the Detroit City Council seems to be far from over after the federal government accused councilman Andre Spivey of taking a bribe.
People living near Detroit Stellantis plant fed up with constant truck traffic
Read full article: People living near Detroit Stellantis plant fed up with constant truck trafficChrysler’s new plant on Detroit’s east side was a massive boost to the city’s economy, but neighbors living near it said it’s a nightmare.
LIVE STREAM: Detroit mayor holds meeting to propose spending projects, request input from residents
Read full article: LIVE STREAM: Detroit mayor holds meeting to propose spending projects, request input from residentsThe city of Detroit is receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government, and Detroiters are being asked to share their thoughts on how the money should be spent during a meeting Tuesday.
Detroit residents asked for input on city spending of $400M from American Rescue Plan
Read full article: Detroit residents asked for input on city spending of $400M from American Rescue PlanThe city of Detroit is receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Detroiters are being asked to share their thoughts on how the money should be spent.
Flashpoint recap: Congresswoman weighs in on rise of domestic extremism; Detroit City Council members discuss process of distributing marijuana business licenses
Read full article: Flashpoint recap: Congresswoman weighs in on rise of domestic extremism; Detroit City Council members discuss process of distributing marijuana business licensesDETROIT – On Sunday’s episode of Flashpoint there was a conversation about the rise of domestic terrorism and mass violence with Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan’s 8th Congressional District. There was also a discussion about marijuana business licenses being distributed by the City of Detroit. Detroit City Council members Janee Ayers, James Tate and Raquel Castaneda-Lopez spoke about the topic. They weighed in on marijuana licensing in the city and the priority to include legacy Detroiters. Segment OneRep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan’s 8th Congressional DistrictSegment TwoDetroit City Council members Janee Ayers, James Tate and Raquel Castaneda-LopezSegment ThreeFlashpoint host Karen Drew wraps up this week’s episode
Detroit City Council reveals recreational marijuana licensing plans
Read full article: Detroit City Council reveals recreational marijuana licensing plansIt’s been nearly a year since recreational marijuana was legalized in Michigan, yet recreational shops and other businesses have not been allowed in Detroit.
Detroit City Council approves adult use marijuana ordinance
Read full article: Detroit City Council approves adult use marijuana ordinanceImportant PointsLegislation includes robust social equity program to help build wealth amongst DetroitersAt least 50% of all new licenses to be issued to “Legacy Detroiters”All state approved adult use licenses to be made availableLegacy applicants to receive priority application review, discounts on application feesDETROIT – Today the Detroit City Council voted to unanimously approve an adult-use recreational marijuana ordinance also known as Chapter 20 of the 2019 Detroit City Code, which allows adult-use marijuana licensing in Detroit. Passage of this ordinance by the full body of the Detroit City Council allows licensing for the following state approved categories: adult-use retailer establishment, grower, processor, safety compliance facility, temporary marihuana event, microbusiness, designated consumption lounge and secure transporter. The ordinance allows current medical marijuana licensees an opportunity at obtaining adult use licenses but works steadfastly to create an avenue of participation for residents of the city where this new industry will be located. The City of Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity Department will begin accepting Detroit Legacy applications for certification in January 2021 and the Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department will follow by accepting applications for adult-use licensing starting April 1, 2021. For more information about the adult-use marijuana ordinance or the social equity program component, reach out to councilmembertate@detroitmi.gov or click here.
Detroit Police Department makes pitch to continue ShotSpotter program
Read full article: Detroit Police Department makes pitch to continue ShotSpotter programDETROIT – When crime statistics for 2019 were released earlier this year, Detroit found itself leading the country in violent crime. In 2014, it was used in a 2.18 square mile area of the ninth precinct. In the two-year period of the pilot program, ShotSpotter produced 18 search warrants, 30 weapons recovered, 571 rounds of ammunition collected and nine felony arrests, according to Detroit police. “Those are not eye-popping statistics, but we got some dangerous criminals off the streets,” says Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson. That works out to about $371,000 per year, or $62,500 per square mile, according to Benson.
Virtual infinite scholars college fair
Read full article: Virtual infinite scholars college fair(Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.) This is the fourth year Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones has hosted the Infinite Scholars Program. President Jones is set to host a virtual college fair every night this week from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will feature over 70 colleges and universities providing “onsite” admission and scholarships and information to local graduating high school seniors. There will be a different set of colleges and universities featured every day.
Judge temporarily halts sale of former State Fairgrounds site for redevelopment project
Read full article: Judge temporarily halts sale of former State Fairgrounds site for redevelopment projectDETROIT – Amazon has committed to a major distribution center in the city of Detroit on the former state fairgrounds site. That deal was announced in August and had already been signed off on by the Detroit City Council. On Thursday, a group opposing the sale, called the State Fair Development Coalition, got a temporary restraining order in Wayne County Circuit Court against the project. The city claims the sale price for the land was $16 million, which is above the appraised value. “The city was never provided notice of the plaintiffs' request for the temporary order or an opportunity to respond,” said Detroit Corporation Counsel Lawrence Garcia.
Court order temporarily halts sale of former Michigan State Fairgrounds site
Read full article: Court order temporarily halts sale of former Michigan State Fairgrounds siteDETROIT – The sale of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds has been halted by a court order just over a week after the sale was approved. The Wayne County Circuit Court issued a temporary restraining order on Wednesday to halt the sale of 142 acres of the former fairgrounds site to two development groups. The Detroit City Council approved the sale on October 20, making the land available for a proposed Amazon distribution center and new indoor transit center. “In 2020, the Detroit City Council adopted a Community Outreach Ordinance requiring a specified outreach process before amending the city’s master plan. A proposed sale of acreage at the former Michigan State Fairgrounds would redevelop about half of the site into a new Amazon distribution center, with the rest saved for a transit center and other future developments.
Detroit officials announce new tax-relief plan
Read full article: Detroit officials announce new tax-relief planDETROIT – When the sub-prime bubble popped, an estimated 10,000 Detroiters lost their homes -- many of them because their homes were over-assessedThe Detroit City Council announced a new plan Tuesday that features an eight-part program aimed at giving those who lost their homes a path to owning a new home in Detroit. The plan is likely to pass as five of the nine councilmembers are co-sponsors. The program includes:50% discount on any auction or Detroit Land Bank propertyPreferential hiring for the City of DetroitChildren and grandchildren getting preference to paid youth programsPreferential access to Detroit at work job search and career servicesPreferential enrollment in the City’s Rehab AcademyPreferential enrollment in the Senior home retro-fit programPreference for the occupancy of affordable housingPreferential access to financial counselingThere were a variety of reasons people lost their home. For instance, those who were in arrears for taxes may not be eligible, but if you were in arrears because of the over-assessment, you will be eligible for the programs.
Detroit officials expected to reveal plan to allow recreational marijuana sales
Read full article: Detroit officials expected to reveal plan to allow recreational marijuana salesDETROIT – Mayor Mike Duggan and City Council member James Tate are expected to unveil a proposal Monday that would allow marijuana licenses in Detroit. Residents of Detroit were surprised to hear that Duggan could soon be announcing an amendment to the city’s code that could possibly allow adult-use recreational marijuana licensing in the city. But freeing up marijuana sales isn’t the only goal of the legislation -- it also includes a social equity program focused on inclusion and opportunity. Under the new plan, 10 types of licenses are expected to be available to people operating in the city. Legacy applicants to receive first priority with discounts on application fees and city landDetails are expected to be revealed during a Monday afternoon press conference.
Detroit City Council approves sale of former State Fairgrounds site for redevelopment project
Read full article: Detroit City Council approves sale of former State Fairgrounds site for redevelopment projectDETROIT – The Detroit City Council on Tuesday approved the sale of a portion of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds that will be developed into an Amazon distribution center, transit center and more. A digital rendering of the proposed Amazon distribution center at the site of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds. According to the city council president, the sale of the untaxed land will generate $42 million in tax revenue over the next 10 years. Jones and one other city council member reportedly voted against the agreement Tuesday, with six city council members voting in favor. The city of Detroit purchased 142 acres at the site of the former State Fairgrounds in 2018.