The first year of Detroit’s reparations task force was defined by four resignations, mismanaged meetings, private decisions and public spats.
Urban Affairs
In-depth reporting on Michigan’s largest city and surrounding communities, including deep dives into the big changes afoot in Detroit, its schools, neighborhoods, institutions and city hall.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Detroit cancels contracts with firm tied to Kwame Kilpatrick scandal
The cancellation came to light after BridgeDetroit began asking questions about the contracts to a firm owned by the daughter of Bobby Ferguson, a contractor who went to prison for bribery and bid rigging. The firm shares an address with Ferguson’s company.
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Plagued by guns, Detroit pays neighborhood groups $10M to curb violence
Shootings are an epidemic, and Detroit is experimenting with community groups that sponsor gardens, youth outreach and even armed citizen patrols. So-called community violence intervention has mixed results nationally, but advocates say relying on police solely is misguided.
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Facial recognition technology under fire after false arrest of Detroit mother
Detroit Police Chief James White says bad police work led to the mistaken arrest, defends the city’s use of controversial crime software.
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Old Detroit train site on track for national Underground Railroad network
Detroit City Council resolution moves along the process of having 501 Third Avenue listed as a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site.
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In Detroit, foul odors at Stellantis plant stoke fears of neighborhood ruin
The auto industry has provided thousands of jobs to generations of Michiganders. But it’s also decimated some neighborhoods, particularly for Black residents. Now, some Detroit neighbors fear history is repeating itself.
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Detroit leaders mobilize gun violence response as shootings rise
City Council leaders gathered with other city officials, faith leaders and community organizers working on gun violence prevention and honored victims of shootings and their families at the start of National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
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Planned implosion of Detroit’s incinerator has neighboring residents concerned
Residents worried about health and safety with incinerator demolition, argue lack of communication from the city.
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Detroit police have new plans to prevent downtown violence
Downtown Detroit visitors this weekend will notice more police, street closures, weapon detectors and other measures to prevent shootings.
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Water taxis to make a comeback on Detroit River?
Federal funding for ferries “is at historic levels” according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.