Mike Duggan drops out of Michigan governor’s race

Madison Heights cuts drag queen story time from Pride festival

The Madison Heights City Council voted to cut “Drag Queen Story Time” from their Pride festival days before the event. The story time event would have featured drag queen performer Jadein Black reading books to children during the city’s celebrations. Council members voted 4-3 to cancel it, due to concerns about the “appropriateness” of a drag queen reading to children. Black told Fox 2 she was surprised the city canceled the program. Black says instead she will be performing a drag queen story time this weekend at Sidetrack in Ypsilanti.  ADDITIONAL HEADLINES FROM THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026 NEW HANGAR OPENS AT DETROIT AIRPORT A new 20,000 square foot hangar opened at the Coleman A. Young International Airport on Detroit’s east side Wednesday.   It’s the first new facility to open at the airport in 60 years.   Mayor Mary Sheffield says it’s the start of many investments in store for the airport.  “We are continuing major investments into our airport, including runway and taxi upgrades, safety enhancements, the upcoming My Flight helicopter tour facility in the new Benjamin Davis Aerospace Academy that will be opening this fall.”  The new hangar was planned, designed, and built by Avflight. The company has operated at the city airport since 2011.   INCENTIVE INCREASES ATTENDANCE IN DPSCD The Detroit Public Schools Community District says nearly 84% of high schoolers were paid for attendance this year. That’s roughly 12,800 students who received at least one $100 visa gift card for showing up to class everyday between January and May this year. District officials say absenteeism decreased by 10 percentage points this school year compared to 2023-24 before the incentive program began. The district launched the initiative last year as part of an effort to curb chronic absenteeism.  FREE DUTCH GIRL DONUTS  Friday is National Donut Day, and Detroit staple Dutch Girl Donuts [https://www.dutchgirldetroit.com/] is celebrating by offering free donuts at its new second location in New Center. Customers can receive two free donuts while supplies last from 8-10 a.m. at its location on 2820 E. Grand Boulevard.

Lawsuit to block SMART bus millage dismissed

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit targeting a millage proposal on the August primary ballot that would prevent Wayne County communities from opting out of the SMART bus system.   The group Not SMART Wayne filed the suit, claiming the Wayne County Transit Authority did not follow disclosure and notice requirements before placing the millage on the ballot.  The judge dismissed the case for insufficient evidence.   Matthew Wilk is an organizer of Not SMART Wayne.  He says the battle is not over. “So we are going to fight this at the ballot box.  We’re going to make sure everybody knows exactly what they’re doing.  I think it is wholly inappropriate to have a tax, a special double tax on Detroiters.  It’s 650,000 Detroiters and we’re going to let the world know about it.”    Wayne County Executive Warren Evans applauded the judge’s decision.  Evans says expanding the SMART bus system will provide an affordable alternative, especially when Detroiters are dealing with high gas prices.  Voters will see the millage proposal on the August 4 ballot.  -Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley [http://wdet.org/author/btinsley] ADDITIONAL HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026 DEARBORN STARTS AGGRESSIVE DRIVING UNIT  The city of Dearborn has launched a new unit to stop aggressive driving.  The city says the unit will watch for driving behaviors that may cause accidents and threaten the public’s safety.   The Dearborn police department has acquired three Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles for the special unit.  Those cars will be able to more easily blend in with normal traffic.   The city says police officers issued more than 33,000 traffic citations last year.    GAS PRICES FALL Metro Detroit gas prices are trending downward despite continued hostilities in the Middle East.   The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular in the area is now $4.28.  That’s down 29 cents per gallon from last week at this time.   Analysts say talk of a possible peace deal has helped push prices lower.  But the U.S. and Iran have both launched strikes in recent days – and there’s no clear word on when the situation might be resolved.   The vital Strait of Hormuz remains closed to commercial ship traffic.  Twenty percent of the world’s crude oil typically passes through that waterway.  DPSCD TO DEMOLISH COOLEY HIGH SCHOOL  The Detroit Public Schools Community District will demolish Cooley High School this summer.  That’s according to reporting by Bridge Detroit [https://www.bridgedetroit.com/cooley-high-school-detroit-demolition-planned/] and Historic Detroit [https://historicdetroit.org/].  The high school was originally built in 1928 and closed in 2010.   There were efforts to save the building.  The non-profit Life Remodeled had offered in 2023 to purchase the site from the district, but that offer was rejected.  TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS OPEN  And the Michigan Department of Education is looking to recognize teachers for their hard work.   The Teacher of the Year program [https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/ed-serv/educator-retention-supports/recognition-programs/mtoy] was created to acknowledge the achievements of educators in the state.  Anyone can nominate a teacher using the form on the state Department of Education website until September 23.   The winner of the award will be announced in the spring.

Detroit police explore alternatives to ShotSpotter surveillance system

Detroit Police want to extend their contract with ShotSpotter before it expires at the end of the month. But as WDET's Bre' Anna Tinsley reports, DPD officials tell city council they're searching for alternatives to the technology.  Detroit City Council has expressed concerns about ShotSpotter's surveillance tech in the past and they have questions about the effectiveness and security of the system.  DPD Officer Mathew Pencil frequently responds to ShotSpotter incidents in the city's ninth precinct. He told council members that hearing gunfire is so common in the city, that sometimes residents won't even call 911. "Sometimes residents are afraid. Sometimes they can't tell where they came from, or they assume someone else will call. ShotSpotter doesn't hesitate, it doesn't panic, it doesn't look away. It alerts immediately, and it gives the chance to intervene while seconds matter on the street."  Pencil says ShotSpotter's surveillance is the reason police responded after 66 shots were fired in one neighborhood on the night of August 17, 2025, minutes before anyone called 911.  The city's Public Health and Safety Committee voted to postpone a decision on the contract until next week in order to hear from residents first.  -Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley [http://wdet.org/author/btinsley] ADDITIONAL HEADLINES FROM TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026 UAW STRIKE About a thousand UAW members went on strike at the Dauch Corporation factory in Three Rivers Monday. Dauch is the company once known as American Axle. The Three Rivers plant is the company’s largest in Michigan. It makes axles for General Motors.  The union says Dauch is refusing to restore fair wages after the workers took cuts during the Great Recession. UAW President Shawn Fain kicked off the strike with a video saying “no contract…no axles." The Detroit News reports [https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2026/06/01/uaw-set-to-launch-strike-against-american-axle-early-monday/90348597007/] the strike could disrupt production of pickup trucks in Flint if it goes on for more than a couple of weeks.  PHEASANT FLOCK PARTY This weekend, you might want to pop into Detroit’s first ever Pheasant Flock Party [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pheasant-flock-party-tickets-1987392430258]. Brewery Faison and the Detroit Bird Alliance are co-hosting the event Saturday where Michiganders and Michigeese can partake in a bird festival block party. There will be a bird impersonation pageant, a “crow-off," bird-themed workshops and games, a “pheasant strut” (as one does) and a meet and greet with Fabio the Pheasant. The Pheasant Flock Party is Saturday from noon until 6 p.m. at Brewery Faison at 1087 Beaufait Street on the city’s east side. VAULT OF MIDNIGHT HOSTS GAME NIGHT Vault of Midnight hosts its monthly game night [http://vaultofmidnight.com/events] Sunday in Hamtramck. This month’s featured games include Wondrous Creatures, High Society Yokai Carnival, some tiny games and more. Detroit Vault of Midnight Game Night is every first Sunday from 5 - 8 p.m. at Florian East Lagers and Ales at 9350 Joseph Campau in Hamtramck.

Residents can now opt out of automatic voter registration

The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) automatically registers eligible people to vote if they apply for or renew a state ID or license as of 2019. Now voters can opt out of registration if they choose.   In 2018, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment to automatically register those applying for a state ID and drivers license. Now they will also receive mail notifying them of the registration. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for preregistration or registration. The new changes add an option to opt out by mail with a pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelope from the MDOS. Voters can also send a written request to their city or township clerk to cancel their registration.   ADDITIONAL HEADLINES FROM MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026 DETROIT COMMUNITY CONVERSATION The City of Detroit is hosting a community conversation to improve access to services for people who are deaf, blind or hard of hearing. The “Building Barriers & Building Bridges” event will focus on improving access and inclusion in the city. Presenters include Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, the Ombudsman for the City of Detroit; Jade E. Matthis, the Director of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity; and Christopher Samp, the Director of the Office of Disability Affairs.   The event takes place Tuesday, June 2 from 5-7 p.m. at the Wayne County Community College District NW Campus. That’s 8200 W. Outer Drive, Detroit, Michigan.   An American Sign Language Interpreter will be available.  Light refreshments will be served.   MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH WITH THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE The Michigan Chronicle is hosting an event on mental health for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. The Safe Space: How to Support Black Men’s Mental Health [https://riverside.com/webinar/registration/eyJldmVudElkIjoiNmEwY2E3OWNhMmIzOWI1ODdlMjgyMzQ3Iiwic2x1ZyI6IndvcmQtaW4tYmxhY2stRW01aWgifQ==?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Live%20Event%3A%20How%20to%20Support%20Black%20Men%20s%20Mental%20Health&utm_campaign=WIB%20MC%20Men%20s%20Mental%20Health] panel will feature Black community leaders. Practitioners will also share resources and lead a guided meditation. Joseph Williams, Head of Content at Word in Black, will moderate the event. Speakers include Dr. Jason Phillips, a therapist and life coach; Brian Sims, a healthcare entrepreneur and community organizer; and Senbi Akau Spruill, a meditation leader. The event will be held virtually on June 3 from 6-7:15 p.m.   HOMEOWNERSHIP CLASSES  Gesher Human Services is hosting free homeownership classes next week. It’s part of National Homeownership Month. The Homeownership Empowerment Week is a series of classes from June 8-12 [https://www.geshermi.org/event-calendar/] to guide potential and current homeowners on purchasing and managing homeownership. The first class is in person at the Gesher headquarters building at 29699 Southfield Road in Southfield, Michigan. People can sign up for a 30 minute slot to get a free credit report with a financial education counselor between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The rest of the classes will be held on Zoom between June 9-12 at noon.  Detroit has a 54% homeownership rate, which is 9% less than the national average. Gesher Financial Education Manager Laltsha Cunnigham says June is a great time to access homeowner resources. She says the courses are aimed to quote, “make home ownership a reality for more families.”   The City of Detroit offers up to $25,000 [https://detroitmi.gov/departments/housing-and-revitalization-department/homebuyers/detroit-down-payment-assistance-program] in down payment for pre-paid or closing cost assistance when people purchase a home through $9 million in funds from the Community Development Block Grant and the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief.  Gesher courses will cover debt management, the path to ownership, and what to do if homeowners default on their mortgage. Classes will be taught by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified homebuyer education counselors.  To register, visit geshermi.org/events [http://geshermi.org/events] or call 248-233-4299.  If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.  Editor's note: Corrections on the timeline of automatic registration, the mandated notification of automatic registration and opt-out process have been made to text but are not reflected in the broadcast version of this podcast. We apologize for the error.

Whitmer says she is not running for president in 2028, but leaves door open

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer turned heads this week when she said she will not run for president in 2028. Speaking with Fox 2's Roop Raj at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference, Whitmer said she plans to take time off after her tenure as governor ends. "I'm looking forward to taking a break...there is time until 2028. There will be a robust group running for president. I will not be one of them." Later in the day, during a conversation with Tricia A. Keith, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Whitmer clarified her remarks. "I never knew I would run for governor. I should know better. Never say never." Whitmer said she does not want to be distracted by speculation about future political plans and remains focused on governing through the end of her term in November. ADDITIONAL HEADLINES FOR MAY 29, 2026 WHITMER SIGNS $152 MILLION SELFRIDGE FUNDING BILL Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation on Mackinac Island earmarking $152 million in state funding for improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The funding is intended to prepare the base for new F-15EX fighter aircraft announced by President Donald Trump in 2025. Whitmer said the investment was made possible through bipartisan cooperation. "We secured the KC-46 tanker mission thanks to President Biden...last year we secured the F-15EX fighter mission thanks to President Trump. Together these missions will lock in Selfridge's future." The governor said the base supports 5,000 families through jobs and emphasized the economic impact of the investment. DETROIT SPORTS ROUNDUP Tigers open series against White Sox The Detroit Tigers begin a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox this weekend. The Tigers remain near the bottom of the American League Central standings and are looking to gain ground with a strong showing in Chicago. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field. Detroit City FC faces Charleston Battery Detroit City FC travels to South Carolina this weekend for a USL Championship Eastern Conference matchup against the Charleston Battery. The clubs last met March 28, when Detroit earned a 1-0 victory at Keyworth Stadium behind a strong defensive performance. Saturday's match will be played at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Detroit to host transportation technology conference Detroit will host transportation leaders from across the country during the Intelligent Transportation Society of America Conference and Expo, taking place June 9-12 at Huntington Place. Organizers expect more than 3,000 public- and private-sector transportation professionals and 170 exhibitors to attend the annual event. The conference will feature more than 100 sessions focused on real-world deployment of intelligent transportation systems, including artificial intelligence, automated vehicles and connected mobility solutions. More information is available at ITSAmericaEvents.com [https://www.itsamericaevents.com/].