INSIDER
Mayor Duggan sits down with Local 4 after his 10th State of the City address
Read full article: Mayor Duggan sits down with Local 4 after his 10th State of the City addressFresh off the heels of his 10th State of the City address, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan highlighted Councilwoman Litisha Johnson's crusade to help low-income families renovate homes.
Detroit police officers to get pay raises under new agreement
Read full article: Detroit police officers to get pay raises under new agreementThe Detroit Police Department is trying to fill 300 vacancies while keeping the officers they do have, and they plan to do it by increasing pay. Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit police Chief James White, and union leaders made the announcement Friday morning.
United Kingdom hits record COVID levels; What effect will new wave have on US
Read full article: United Kingdom hits record COVID levels; What effect will new wave have on USMayor Mike Duggan tested positive for COVID-19 and is now working from home for the time being. His case comes as public health officials keep a close eye on the latest surge in the United Kingdom.
Michigan Mayor Mike Duggan tests positive for COVID
Read full article: Michigan Mayor Mike Duggan tests positive for COVIDMayor Mike Duggan is working from home Monday (April 4) after testing positive for COVID. He announced Sunday on social media, saying that the virus finally caught up with him after two years.
Detroit to pour $45 million into recreational centers
Read full article: Detroit to pour $45 million into recreational centersThe city of Detroit announced a significant investment into repairing neighborhood recreation centers on Thursday (March 17), making good on a promise from Mayor Mike Duggan during his State of the City address.
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.
Program aims to match young Detroiters with summer jobs
Read full article: Program aims to match young Detroiters with summer jobsBefore 2015, before Grow Detroit’s Youth Talent program, young adults would have to search for a summer job at each company individually to apply for a summer job. But now the city has made it real easy bringing all of the companies together with thousands of opportunities available.
Detroit contractors report plowing mission has completed
Read full article: Detroit contractors report plowing mission has completedDetroit contractors have plowed 1,884 miles of residential streets, and the city met its 6 p.m. Friday goal to clear the roads. Expectations of that effort from the DPW were to have passable streets, not necessarily cleared down to the pavement. In addition, because the city got less snow than was initially forecast, it decided to do a single plow pass.
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.
Detroit is working to ramp up COVID testing as omicron rapidly spreads
Read full article: Detroit is working to ramp up COVID testing as omicron rapidly spreadsDetroit’s Chief Health Officer says that there is a lot of concern over the omicron variant as it is exploding across the city. Only 46% of Detroiter’s have received their first dose of the vaccine, while 38% have two shots.
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.
Mayoral candidate Anthony Adams demands debate with Detroit mayor Mike Duggan
Read full article: Mayoral candidate Anthony Adams demands debate with Detroit mayor Mike Duggan“If we don’t discuss the issues that are hurting people in this city, then folks will think all is well,” Adams said. “The reality is that all is not well.”
Duggan challenger Anthony Adams blasts Detroit mayor over refusal to debate
Read full article: Duggan challenger Anthony Adams blasts Detroit mayor over refusal to debateThe 2021 Detroit mayoral election will take place Nov. 2, 2021 and one challenger is accusing incumbent mayor Mike Duggan of some dirty tactics.
FEMA, Mayor Duggan walk Detroiters through process to file flood damage claims
Read full article: FEMA, Mayor Duggan walk Detroiters through process to file flood damage claimsFEMA and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan are teaming up to make sure victims of the floods last month and in June know there’s help and how to get it.
Head of EPA visits Detroit wastewater plant, talks infrastructure solutions
Read full article: Head of EPA visits Detroit wastewater plant, talks infrastructure solutionsEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan made a visit to Detroit on Thursday to discuss a federal investment proposal in water infrastructure.
Detroit Mayor Duggan lays out spending of $400M from American Rescue Plan; seeking to restore neighborhoods, fight poverty
Read full article: Detroit Mayor Duggan lays out spending of $400M from American Rescue Plan; seeking to restore neighborhoods, fight povertyThe city of Detroit is slated to receive $826 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -- the fifth highest amount behind cities like New York and Chicago.
Gov. Whitmer doubles down on no new COVID restrictions
Read full article: Gov. Whitmer doubles down on no new COVID restrictionsWhile Gov. Gretchen Whitmer may not be getting the surge of vaccines she asked for from Washington D.C., the state will be ramping up a specific antibody treatment for those who are sick.
Detroit Mayor Duggan to announce new Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine clinic
Read full article: Detroit Mayor Duggan to announce new Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine clinicDETROIT – Monday, March 8, marked the first day COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expanding to Michiganders 50 years old and up with certain health conditions. There are now three vaccines available -- Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. AdIt’s the Johnson & Johnson vaccine that had the Duggan administration making a rare unforced error last week when the mayor turned down 6,200 doses because he wanted Detroiters to “get the best”. CDC: Fully vaccinated people can visit unvaccinated people without masks, social distancingThe White House COVID-19 response team provided an update on the pandemic on Monday afternoon. The guidance was very conservative but does provide a road map for those who are fully vaccinated to begin seeing other people.
Detroit Mayor Duggan speaks on White House meeting
Read full article: Detroit Mayor Duggan speaks on White House meetingDETROIT – Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan returned to Michigan Friday evening after a meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. “I’ve been to the White House several times, but this was the first time I’ve ever had a meeting in the Oval Office and that was very special,” Duggan said. The meeting with Biden and Harris also included a bipartisan group of mayors and governors. READ: Detroit Mayor Duggan meets with Biden administration to discuss COVID reliefREAD: 2 cases of COVID-19 B117 variant confirmed in Detroit, mayor saysAd“All of us have people who are out of work, who are afraid that they are going to be evicted when the courts open up, who need housing assistance. He’s very proud in the role he had in helping Detroit come out of bankruptcy when he was vice president and he’s still very much committed to our city,” Duggan said.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan breaks down how first doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed
Read full article: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan breaks down how first doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be distributedDETROIT – The city of Detroit received its first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this week, and on Tuesday, Mayor Mike Duggan broke down how it will be distributed. Duggan said 30 employees of the health department will receive their first doses of the vaccine Wednesday. Next week, home health care workers will receive the vaccine, followed in January by those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. (There will be) no discipline or punishment.”The city, Henry Ford Health System nor the Detroit Medical Center have mandated the vaccine. Henry Ford Health System will be on hand to administer the vaccine to first responders from the Detroit Fire Department and to educate people and answer any questions.
DDOT installing 288 safety barriers amid COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: DDOT installing 288 safety barriers amid COVID-19 pandemicDETROIT – A total of 288 safety barriers are being installed on Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) buses in an initiative to protect the safety and health of bus drivers and passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, according to city officials. “We’re excited about the new barriers as part of our ongoing commitment to protect the bus operators and the riders,” Oglesby said. “We consider our bus drivers among our city’s first responders and they deserve to have the protection they need and deserve.”Additionally, bus drivers staged a work stoppage in October over concerns of safety amid the pandemic. “The barriers are an important piece in resuming fare collection, but not the only piece,” Oglesby said. With the exception of ADA front-door boarding, all passengers will enter and exit the bus through the rear door.
Detroit mayor pledges $50 million to keep affordable housing in city
Read full article: Detroit mayor pledges $50 million to keep affordable housing in cityDETROIT – As Detroit continues to come back, Mayor Mike Duggan wants to make sure the city is affordable for everyone. On Tuesday, Duggan, along with nonprofit organizations and JPMorgan Chase, announced a $50 million pledge to keep affordable housing in the city. The overall goal is to raise $75 million to develop housing, such as the Saint Rita building. Affordable housing can quickly evaporate when new jobs and businesses move into the city. But over the last few years, Duggan said of 4,000 affordable housing units that have expired, all have been renewed.
Residents concerned over safety issue after fallen tree, debris litter Detroit street
Read full article: Residents concerned over safety issue after fallen tree, debris litter Detroit streetDETROIT – A big mess on a Detroit street turned into a big safety concern. The damage wasn’t just an eyesore, but also a potential safety issue for residents. Winchester learned it was a city issue and Detroit city officials were quick to respond, sending a crew out to clean up the large mess and everything left behind. To report fallen trees, potholes, damaged street signs, water issues and more, use the Improve Detroit mobile app. You can get the Improve Detroit app on the Apple Store, Google Play Store or you can report an issue online here.
Elected officials call for independent investigation into Detroit polices use of force against protestors
Read full article: Elected officials call for independent investigation into Detroit polices use of force against protestorsDETROIT Elected officials from the federal, state and local level sent a letter Wednesday to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Police Chief James Craig and the Board of Police Commissioners (BOPC) calling for an independent investigation into use of force by Detroit police against protesters. The letter was signed by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Michigan Sen. Stephanie Chang, Detroit City Council President Pro Temp Mary Sheffield (District 5) and City Councilor Raquel Castaeda-Lpez (District 6). In addition to a duty to intervene when other officers are using excessive force, officers cannot use chokeholds or fire a weapon from moving vehicles. A lawsuit was filed by Detroit Will Breathe and 14 individuals, seeking a temporary restraining order enjoining the city of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department from using certain tactics. They alleged that police responded to protests with excessive force and violated their first and fourth amendment rights.
Detroit to lose $18k in funding for each person who doesnt fill out 2020 US Census
Read full article: Detroit to lose $18k in funding for each person who doesnt fill out 2020 US CensusDETROIT With the 2020 Census deadline coming at the end of the month, Detroit mayor Mike Duggan is being blunt about about the consequences of not filling it out. With everything from medical care to school funding on the line, Duggan is urging Detroiters to fill out the 2020 Census. Detroit can be left behind for the next decade.Detroit will lose $18,000 in services for every person who doesnt fill out the Census. Detroiters deserve our fair share, but if youre not counted, you wont get your fair share, Duggan said. You can do it when somebody knocks on your door.The deadline to complete the 2020 U.S. Census is Sept. 30.
Prominent Detroit protester shifts focus to starting nonprofit organization
Read full article: Prominent Detroit protester shifts focus to starting nonprofit organizationDETROIT – A prominent protester in the city of Detroit has stopped lending her voice to protests and has instead shifted her focus to starting a nonprofit organization. For the first seven days of protests in Detroit, everyone involved got to know the voice of Gabrielle Wilson. But she’s no longer protesting because she thinks she can have more of an impact by creating a nonprofit organization for middle class Black families. “I am one of them.”Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said Wilson got his attention during the protests. Local 4 has heard from other protesters who have stopped because more aggressive groups pushed them to the side, criticizing them for wanting peaceful protests.
Prominent Detroit protester shifts focus to starting nonprofit organization
Read full article: Prominent Detroit protester shifts focus to starting nonprofit organizationProminent Detroit protester shifts focus to starting nonprofit organizationPublished: September 1, 2020, 5:26 pmA prominent protester in the city of Detroit has stopped lending her voice to protests and has instead shifted her focus to starting a nonprofit organization.
Amazon distribution center expected on former state fairgrounds site in Detroit
Read full article: Amazon distribution center expected on former state fairgrounds site in DetroitDETROIT Changes are coming for the former Michigan State Fairgrounds, located off of Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. The land is currently used as a coronavirus testing site, but Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Tuesday for new plans on the property. We want you to spend $7 million and build a transit center on the site, in addition the purchase price, and they agreed. They expect their first tenant on the first site, to be an Amazon distribution center. It will open in 2022, Duggan saidThe new transit center will be similar to the Rosa Parks Transit Center downtown and include safe, convenient pedestrian connections to the Meijer/Gateway Plaza nearby.
Mayor unveils plans to revitalize long-abandoned row houses in Southwest Detroit
Read full article: Mayor unveils plans to revitalize long-abandoned row houses in Southwest DetroitDETROIT Mayor Mike Duggan unveiled a plan Tuesday to revitalized the long-abandoned row houses on Porter Street in Southwest Detroit. The row houses are just around the corner from Western International High School. Lifelong resident Frank Apoloni said the neighborhood used to be exclusive. This is where all the rich people used to live.With an assist from the citys strategic neighborhood fund, the Murray Building is now set to become a 12-unit development. Theres a lot of people who want to live down here, but the places arent ready for them, Apoloni said.
Are Detroit bars, restaurants following COVID-19 rules or will they be shut down again?
Read full article: Are Detroit bars, restaurants following COVID-19 rules or will they be shut down again?DETROIT Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan was clear that if bars and restaurants in the city didnt follow coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations, the city would take them to court to shut them down. Detroit is desperate to avoid an outbreak like the one from Harpers Restaurant and Brew Pub in East Lansing. Harpers was packed after regulations were lifted, and there are now at least 85 coronavirus cases linked to the bar. City officials are very concerned that some Detroit bars, restaurants and clubs arent following safety guidelines. What health officials discovered was that not all business owners understood the rules of capacity, masks and social distancing.
Detroit mayor warns bars, restaurants to remain at 50 percent capacity amid COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: Detroit mayor warns bars, restaurants to remain at 50 percent capacity amid COVID-19 pandemicDETROIT As Michigan sees an uptick in new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan wants to ensure bars and restaurants are following the rules and staying at 50 percent capacity. We cant have that happen.READ: Appeals court: Michigan gyms, fitness center remain closedLast weekend some Detroit bars, restaurants and nightclubs were packed with people. Just like Harpers Restaurant and Brew Pub in East Lansing, where officials are reporting at least 43 new COVID-19 cases are connected to that one location. Detroit officials said there was no social distancing going on at all at bars and restaurants in the city. Duggan wouldnt identify any of the restaurants.
Detroit business owner disagrees with protesters demand to end Project Green Light
Read full article: Detroit business owner disagrees with protesters demand to end Project Green LightThe idea behind Project Green Light is to use cameras linked to police to keep the community safe. 2 was to end Project Green Light. Now there are Project Green Light cameras all over the city. Beydoun said hes seen an increase in business because of Project Green Light. It will be up to them if Project Green Light continues or is shut down, Beydoun said.
Why officials didnt enforce curfew Wednesday night as protesters marched through Detroit streets
Read full article: Why officials didnt enforce curfew Wednesday night as protesters marched through Detroit streetsDETROIT Local 4 has learned why Detroit officials decided not to enforce the curfew Wednesday night when protesters continued to march through the streets past 8 p.m.Mayor Mike Duggan said he let Detroit police Chief James Craig make the call on whether to enforce the curfew. READ: Protesters declare victory after Detroit police let them march without enforcing curfewOn Friday and Saturday, when the sun went down, peaceful protesters went home while violent protesters tried to take over the streets. We agree with protesters, Duggan said. On Thursday night, Craig put himself alongside protesters, and the mayor left it up to him to make the controversial call to disregard the curfew. Protesters have gathered for Thursday night, and the curfew is still on.
Gov. Whitmer, Mayor Duggan join unity march through Detroit in honor of George Floyd
Read full article: Gov. Whitmer, Mayor Duggan join unity march through Detroit in honor of George FloydGretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joined a unity march through Detroit to honor the life of George Floyd. Whitmer and Duggan joined local clergy and law enforcement members, starting in Highland Park and ending on Woodward Avenue near Wayne State University. We need to stand up and we need to speak out and we need to take action, Presbyterian leader Bob Agnew said. As the march neared Wayne State, everyone turned the corner at Warren Avenue and took a knee, giving Floyd a moment of silence. We know that we are at a tipping point in this country and we cannot let this day only be a day, Whitmer said.
22-year-old woman diffuses tension, chaos during Detroit protests
Read full article: 22-year-old woman diffuses tension, chaos during Detroit protestsDETROIT Young Detroiters have been garnering a lot of praise for their handling of some tense situations during the protests. One of the standouts has been a 22 year-old woman named Gabrielle Wilson. RELATED: Detroit authorities, community leaders working together to keep protests peacefulWilson has stood out for her strong message against police brutality and her ability to keep things calm. Wilson continues to work her shifts as a security guard and on no sleep, she continues to protest. Wilson has also stood out to Detroit film maker Stephen McGee.
Detroit authorities, community leaders working together to keep protests peaceful
Read full article: Detroit authorities, community leaders working together to keep protests peacefulDETROIT The outrage over George Floyds killing in Minneapolis has spilled over into violence around the country, but in Detroit, authorities and community leaders are working together to keep protests peaceful. From Detroit City Hall to the neighborhoods, people are making sure violence and vandalism is contained during protests. That success has a lot to do with the relationships police build with community leaders such as Maurice Hardwick, better known as Pastor Mo. Detroiters such as artists Trick Trick, Tray Little and Gabrielle Wilson all defended the city. You can hear from Bettison and Pastor Mo in Shawn Leys full video posted above.
Detroit’s Ford Fireworks to be held Aug. 31 as TV-only display without crowds
Read full article: Detroit’s Ford Fireworks to be held Aug. 31 as TV-only display without crowdsDETROIT – Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced the annual Ford Fireworks will be held on Monday, Aug. 31, without crowds, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event, typically held in late June to celebrate upcoming Canada Day and the Fourth of July, brings thousands of Metro Detroit residents to the Detroit Riverfront to enjoy the show. This year’s event will be a televised-only display without the usual crowds on the Riverfront and around Downtown Detroit. “The Ford Fireworks this year will honor them and their brave work.”This year’s Ford Fireworks show is themed, “We Are One Together.” The Parade Company’s Rooftop Party presented by Ford, one of the non-profit’s largest fundraisers, will not occur this year. WATCH: 2019 Ford Fireworks on Detroit RiverWhile Michigan Gov.
Detroit Mayor Duggan optimistic that city will bounce back after COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: Detroit Mayor Duggan optimistic that city will bounce back after COVID-19 pandemicDETROIT – Mayor Mike Duggan opened up about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the impact it’s having on the city of Detroit. Local 4′s Kimberly Gill sat down with Duggan -- at a safe distance -- to talk about when he thinks the city could reopen and what it will look like once it does. I think City Council has been acting reasonably for the last six years so we had a lot of money built up in reserve -- preparing for the next recession,” Duggan said. Duggan has endorsed former vice president Joe Biden for president and was campaigning for him before the pandemic hit. “The last thing the city needs is a change.”Watch the video above for the full report.
Detroit mayor defends citys use of rapid COVID-19 test kits called into question by FDA
Read full article: Detroit mayor defends citys use of rapid COVID-19 test kits called into question by FDADETROIT Mayor Mike Duggan is defending Detroits use of rapid testing kits now called into question by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The federal agency issued a warning that Abbot Labs 15-minute coronavirus (COVID-19) tests may be giving inaccurate results. Whitmer: There are enough Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths to fill Fox TheatreThere are concerns that the Abbot tests give a negative result when a patient is actually positive. Duggan said the citys medical director tested samples at a state lab -- looking for false negatives. Duggan said various tests are being used in Detroit and the city continues to check the temperature and symptoms of workers.