Here at 7 News Detroit, we want to make sure you start your day off on the right foot, informed about weather, traffic, the latest news and more. That’s why we have the 7 Morning Digest, where we’ll get you out the door informed and ready to go.
What’s the weather for today? Metro Detroit Weather: Storm chances increase today
Today: Partly sunny with showers and afternoon storm chances – some could be strong to severe. Highs will be in the mid to upper 80s. Winds: S 5-10 mph.
Tonight: Slight chance of rain / storm continues with falling humidity. Winds: SSW 5-10 mph
Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a chance for showers and storms early. Highs in the low80s. Winds: WNW 10-15 mph.
The top stories to know aboutPassengers stranded on United flight tarmac in Newark for 8 hours with limited food, water Passengers stranded on United flight tarmac in Newark for 8 hours with limited food, water
Dozens of passengers were trapped on a United Airlines tarmac in Newark for approximately eight hours Monday night before their flight to Detroit was ultimately canceled.
Flavia Deluczas was among those passengers who experienced the extended delay with limited access to food and water.
“It’s just basically waiting there and not knowing what’s going to happen, whether you need to rebook your flight or whether you’re going to make it to your destination,” Deluczas said.
The passengers were provided only basic snacks like pretzels and cookies during the lengthy delay, according to Deluczas.
“I was super thankful that I ate before I got on the plane because I would’ve been like seven hours without a meal,” Deluczas said. “The only thing that kind of freaked me out is that they were running really low on water, so I just feel like if we would have been on there longer, it would have been a no-water situation.”
United Airlines attributed the delay to severe weather conditions that impacted operations at Newark Liberty airport, which led to a ground stop to manage volume and limit congestion.
In a statement, the airline said:
“On Monday, severe weather conditions impacted operations at Newark Liberty with a ground stop issued to manage volume and limit congestion. We worked with customers on delayed or canceled flights to get them on their way as soon as possible, and weve added a weather waiver to give them maximum flexibility. We also encouraged customers to download our mobile app or visit united.com to check their flight status and view the latest information.” Elmwood Blessing Box celebrates new indoor food pantry in Westland Elmwood Blessing Box celebrates new indoor food pantry in Westland
A Garden City couple is expanding their efforts to prevent hunger in the community by moving their home-based food pantry to a larger indoor location in Westland.
Elizabeth and Vincent Freeman started the Elmwood Blessing Box in 2023 after noticing food insecurity in their neighborhood. What began as a small box in front of their home has now grown into a full-fledged pantry with a new location on Joy Road near Inkster Road in Westland.
“We saw our neighbors that were working-class families and they were still struggling to buy groceries. So we thought of this idea that we’d just put a little box out front, so they could come and get food as they needed it,” Elizabeth Freeman said.
The couple quickly realized the need was much greater than they initially anticipated.
“We even moved to cabinets, refrigerators that’s how much of a demand is out there,” Vincent Freeman said.
The Freemans held an open house Tuesday to showcase their new indoor location, which will allow them to serve more people with fresh food, non-perishables and resources such as hygiene items.
The new space solves logistical challenges the couple faced when operating from their home.
“Before, we were stocking twice a day and we had our backstock in the living room we didn’t have a living room,” Elizabeth Freeman said. “So now, anything we have available will be available to the community. They don’t have to wait until we stock.”
Dearborn puts restrictions on short-term rentals in unanimous city council decision Dearborn puts restructions on short-term rentals in unanimous city council decision
Dearborn is now joining the chorus of towns and cities across the country putting restrictions on short-term rentals. The new ordinance will only allow homes to be listed on Airbnb and VRBO that are in the east and west downtown areas.
The purpose is to make sure neighborhoods still feel communal and safe.
The city council made a unanimous decision last night. But the community’s response is not so cut and dry.
Short-term rental hosts fought back, saying their properties are cleaner and better maintained than most, with little to no complaints.
This comes as residents argue about the nuisance of loud parties, people unknowingly parking on the wrong side of the street, and the constant flow of people making them feel unsafe.
“When a neighbor’s home goes up for sale, I feel an immediate sense of anxiety,” said Cynthia Pulaski. “Who will move in? Will they be someone I feel safe with, someone I can learn to respect and be an asset to my family’s well-being? Airbnb robs us of that outcome and replaces it with cyclical anxiety.”
“We’ve had long-term renters next door to us for 22 years, weve cut their grass for them, we’ve got rats because of them, and the general maintenance is not great because of it,” said Sarina Thouraya. “We’ve also got two Airbnbs and we never would’ve known they were there.”
The new restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Starting in July 2023, a Florida-based real estate startup made a pitch to foreign investors: For as little as $50, anyone with a crypto wallet could buy into a portfolio of 39 homes on Detroits eastside.
Watch below: City of Detroit files lawsuit against company for allegedly neglecting 400 properties
City of Detroit sues Florida based crypto real estate company
It was a rousing success for the company, RealT, which sells fractional ownership of properties in cities like Detroit, Cleveland and Chicago. Collectively, investors shelled out more than $2.72 million for the bundle much more than the $1.1 million RealT agreed to pay for the homes, according to the seller.
But the deal never closed. The deeds for all the homes still list the owner as Brewer Park Homes LDHA LP not RealT well over a year after investors bought up the last shares, called tokens. It doesnt appear that RealT has informed investors that the sale hasnt gone through.
RealTs owners, brothers Remy and Jean-Marc Jacobson, claim to operate the worlds largest real estate marketplace of its kind. The company buys properties, subdivides them into thousands of digital tokens, and sells them mostly to investors who pay in cryptocurrency. U.S. residents are barred from investing.
Its unclear whether RealTs investors understand what theyre actually buying. Its doubtful many or any have seen the more than 650 tokenized properties scattered throughout Detroits neighborhoods.
RealT also hasnt been transparent with investors, withholding or misrepresenting critical information. The company claims its tokenholders are legal owners of properties. But without deeds for the eastside homes or many others in its Detroit portfolio, its unclear how RealT can make that claim or back the value of investors tokens.
Outlier Medias monthslong investigation into RealT reveals serious questions about the companys integrity and viability. RealT has sold digital tokens for Detroit homes it doesnt own, misled investors about their condition and occupancy, and continues to pay out dividends for properties that havent collected rent for months or years. Now RealTs tenants, real estate experts and even its own investors worry the enterprise might be a scam dressed up as tech innovation.
The City of Detroit is taking action as well. It filed, according to Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett, the largest nuisance abatement lawsuit in the citys history against RealT in Michigans 3rd Circuit Court last week. The suit seeks to compel RealT to bring its entire portfolio up to code.
The citizens of Detroit are paying the price in the form of their neighborhoods being inundated with dangerous structures that invite squatters and criminal activity, the complaint says.
Despite the litany of concerns, RealT continues to tokenize new properties almost every week: 87 so far this year.
Were getting closer to a Ponzi/Madoff-type scheme, said a person claiming to be a longtime RealT investor who independently contacted Outlier by email. They declined to identify themselves, citing recent kidnappings and violence against crypto investors, but provided evidence to Outlier that they held RealT tokens.
If this is true, the very notion of a Real World Asset is void, and I would call into question my entire investment strategy, they wrote. More clearly stated, Im withdrawing all my investments from RealT.
More properties, more problems
Detroit is ground zero for RealTs operations. It claims to own far more real estate in the city than any other location. The company is responsible for about 1,600 rental units in the city.
RealT doesnt appear to have filed property transfer affidavits, as required by state law, for hundreds of properties. Paperwork for state-subsidized housing is years overdue.
The companys business practices have alarmed and baffled industry experts.
You have absentee landlords that are not doing right by their tenants and not being held accountable, said Mark Hays, senior policy analyst with Americans for Financial Reform. On top of that, you have this distributed ownership model that introduces another layer of complexity, opacity and lack of accountability that could exacerbate either the abuses or make it harder to find accountability.
Caught in the middle
According to an offering memo sent to investors, RealT signs a purchase agreement with the seller before putting the property on its marketplace to raise funds. If enough tokens sell, it closes the deal.
Thats not what happened with the 39 eastside homes on Lillibridge and Fairview streets. RealT sold all the tokens it offered to investors between July 2023 and March 2024, according to a third-party platform that tracks RealT data.
But the deal never closed.
By all indications, Brewer Park Homes LDHA LP is still the legal owner of the homes. It holds the deeds, pays the taxes and receives the blight tickets.
Kathy Makino-Leipsitz, the states listed owner of Brewer Park Homes, confirmed that RealT doesnt own the properties.
Its been under purchase agreement for over a year but hasnt closed, Makino-Leipsitz said.
Shaun Wilson, a spokesperson for RealT, said in a brief emailed statement Tuesday that Makino-Leipsitz is to blame for not closing the deal.
The seller has not provided adequate documentation to allow Realtoken to exercise its last remaining option at this time, Wilson said.
He added that RealT has until May 2026 to make a final payment on the acquisition and has already paid 80% of the purchase price an amount Makino-Leipsitz disputes.
Bottom line, theyre making excuses for not completing the purchase, she said.
Brewer Park Homes may be the owner on paper, but residents say RealT has taken over day-to-day property management.
Tenants like Chiona White are caught in the middle of this ownership limbo. She said she moved into a Brewer Park home with her two children in late 2023.
She said she has no formal lease and has never received any maintenance from RealT. White said she and her father spent $5,000 on repairs themselves fixing broken doors and walls, electrical problems and plumbing.
White didnt know who she was supposed to pay rent to when RealTs in-house property management company contacted her earlier this year. It never demonstrated that it was the owner because it couldnt.
Then, in June, she got a notice to quit often used to initiate the eviction process saying she had until July 8 to move out.
No one has come to do anything, fix anything, White said. Ive spent my own money. I feel like Ive done more than what they were supposed to do.
More deed questions
In a January interview with Outlier, the Jacobsons blamed a local property manager for the problems in Detroit. They later sued Shawn Reed, claiming that he misused funds, fabricated receipts and neglected renovations. Reed denies the allegations.
But even if everything in the lawsuit were true, it still doesnt explain basic inconsistencies in RealTs account of the situation.
Outlier examined all 25 properties RealT offered to investors in January long after it cut ties with Reed and several property management companies and started its own in-house property management company.
The same issues persist: 21 properties are already delinquent on taxes. Fourteen are vacant, according to U.S. Postal Service data provided by Regrid. RealT reported at the time of the offerings that 24 were occupied.
In only three cases do records at the Wayne County Register of Deeds indicate that RealT is the owner.
Instead, Coastal Line Homes LLC holds or recently held the deeds. The LLC is tied to Erdem Sezer, a Turkish real estate investor.
Outlier was unable to reach him for this story.
RealT spokesperson Wilson said in a statement that title issues were holding up the deed transfers, and that the company expects a resolution in the coming weeks. He didnt elaborate on the nature of the title issues.
Baffling business model
Investors told Outlier that RealT doesnt provide purchase agreements to prove how much it pays for properties. That allows the company to inflate the value of homes it puts on its investment platform.
Darin McLeskey was astounded when he discovered that homes he sold in 2023 popped up on RealTs marketplace with price tags more than double what he sold them for.
McLeskey, owner and principal broker of Denovo Real Estate, told Outlier he sold 45 homes in a bundle to another real estate investor, Jerry Watha, for a little over $20,000 each.
Soon after, Watha transferred the properties to LLCs associated with RealT, which listed them at around $55,000 each. Watha did not return messages asking for comment.
I have no clue how someone can justify paying that much, McLeskey said.
The properties are part of Ephesus Homes, a low-income housing development. McLeskey said the homes arent really designed to make money because tenants rents are capped. Yet RealT promised investors a 10% return.
Its a physical impossibility (to get that much in rent) unless you have zero tax bills and do zero maintenance, McLeskey said.
RealT needs rental income in order to pay dividends to investors at least, in theory.
The company has claimed a 2% vacancy rate when marketing properties to investors. But that doesnt square with U.S. Postal Service data showing around 20% vacancy.
Yet, RealT continues to pay out dividends nearly every week, for nearly every property.
Scrutiny builds
Detroits public nuisance lawsuit demands that RealT get certificates of compliance for all 408 properties mentioned in the complaint, and fix up the worst properties within 90 days or allow the city to make repairs at the companys expense.
Its also asking the court to hold the Jacobsons personally liable for the cost of bringing properties into compliance.
RealT could also face fines for failing to file property transfer affidavits for at least 300 properties it has tokenized, according to data from the city assessors office. The affidavits, which inform assessors about a change in ownership, must be submitted within 45 days of a purchase.
Real estate experts told Outlier some buyers skip this requirement to avoid higher taxes.
The state is also watching. RealT owns at least six low-income housing developments comprising hundreds of homes. Those come with strict compliance rules, including annual reports and inspections overseen by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
Outlier obtained emails from MSHDA showing RealT is years behind on compliance for all six developments.
RealT is a relatively new owner and we are working with them to get paperwork back into compliance, said Katie Bach, MSHDAs communications director. They have inherited issues and are actively working through them. We have provided an action plan to RealT, and they have agreed to it. If they do not meet the submission dates, they will be sent a noncompliance letter, consistent with our policy.
A noncompliance letter would start the process that could lead to fees, recapture of tax credits from previous years and legal action from the states attorney general.
The Michigan Science Center said its popular dinosaur exhibition “
Tyrannosaurs Meet the Family”
will be extended through August 2025, giving people a little more time to get up close with life-size T. rex skeletons.
See inside the exhibition in the video below
‘Tyrannosaurs Meet the Family’ video for web
The exhibition is underwritten by Ford Philanthropy and shows off cutting-edge science, fossil displays and interactive experiences.
This exhibit has been a runaway hit, and we simply cant let it go just yet, Dr. Christian Greer, the president & CEO of the Michigan Science Center, said in a statement. The public response has been phenomenal, and we are so grateful to Ford Philanthropy for their generous support in helping us extend the exhibition through August and offering new ways to bring even more people to learn about these awe-inspiring predators up close. This means more families, more curious kids, and more dinosaur lovers can experience the coolest exhibit in Detroit this summer. If you havent seen it yet, now is the time. Dont miss your chance to walk among these amazing creatures.
The exhibit showcases a collection of tyrannosaur skeleton casts, fossils, and life-size displays. It was created by the Australian Museum and then toured internationally.
Sections in the exhibit include:
Diorama – Visitors get a close look at a fleshed-out model of a Guanlong surrounded by what would have been its natural habitat. Guanlong was a relatively small theropod, reaching 33.5 m (9.811.5 ft) in length and 125 kg (276 lb) in body mass. Its fossils were found in the Shishugou Formation dating to about 160 million years ago, in the Oxfordian stage of the Late Jurassic period, 92 million years before its well-known relative Tyrannosaurus. It had a large crest on its head. Unlike later tyrannosaurs, Guanlong had three long fingers on its hands. Aside from its distinctive crest, it may have had a coat of primitive feathers. Projection Tunnel – Exhibit-goers pass between two 30-foot-long screens and watch as tyrannosaurs run around their local citys most famous landmarks wreaking havoc. Family Tree Touch Table – Visitors can hatch, feed, play with and eventually build a whole family tree of tyrannosaurs. Augmented Reality Screen – All sorts of tyrannosaurs surround in an AR-created adventure. Users can interact with the now-extinct creatures as they are brought back to life. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Young and old alike can get up close and personal with one of the worlds most complete T. rex skeletons. Scottys skeleton was cast from a fossilized Tyrannosaurus rex found in Saskatchewan, Canada. It stands at 15 feet tall. It is both magnificent and terrifying, but also playful. Scottys shadow appears to come to life, making hand puppets while the T. rex roars and growls. Daspletosaurus, Albertosaurs, Lynthronax – Visitors compare the size of a T. rex with its smaller cousins. Three full life-sized skeletons help give some context to the sheer size and terror that these carnivores would have induced. Wipeout – This interactive has a large screen that displays a view of the earth from space and a sensor pad that visitors jump on in the hope they can activate a meteor shower. Bite Force – This interactive gets visitors to squeeze the throttle and measure their strength against the bite force of a tyrannosaur, shark, lion and human. Timeline – Exhibit-goers get to cycle through the ages and see where and when each known dinosaur lived and where its fossils were discovered. Carnegie Specimens – Through a lending arrangement with Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the exhibition presents four never-before-toured T. rex fossils as part of the Tyrannosaurs Meet the Family exhibition. These specimens include a partial upper jaw (with teeth), juvenile femur, pubic boot and a fused nasal (snout) bone. Rarely on display outside of their home museum, the fossils allow visitors to explore millions of years of prehistory without having to leave their hometown.
Ford Philanthropy is proud to support the extended run of
Tyrannosaurs Meet the Family
, bringing this special experience to even more families across Detroit in collaboration with some of our other dedicated partners, said Renee Godfrey, the hometown manager for Ford Philanthropy, added in a statement. Together, we’re helping spark curiosity, inspire learning, and foster a deeper connection to science in our community, and that’s exciting.
An autonomous vehicle shuttle program that launched last summer is coming back to the City of Detroit.
Mayor Mike Duggan announced the return of The Connect AV Shuttle, which will include autonomous service 4 weeks after it relaunches today. He was joined by the City of Detroits Office of Mobility Innovation, as well as partners Bedrock, Michigan Central, and Michigans Office of Future Mobility and Electrification.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is also now involved in the program. They provided a $1.67 million grant to make the relaunch and expansion possible.
“Detroit has always been at the forefront of mobility innovation, and The Connect AV shuttle is another step toward making our city more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly, said Mayor Duggan in a news release. With the transition to full autonomous operation, we are not just embracing the future of transportation; we are leading it. This pilot reflects our commitment to delivering mobility solutions that benefit our residents and visitors alike.”
Public operations resume today, with shuttles running Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for the first four months. Regular service hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM will resume in November 2025. Trained safety operators will remain on board at all times to monitor operations and ensure rider safety.
The Connect AV shuttle ran from August 13, 2024, until it was paused on January 31 to undergo upgrades and full autonomous functionality.
Users can connect with the shuttles and get service through the Liftango app. It can be used to track shuttles in real-time, plan routes, and receive arrival estimates, enhancing overall accessibility.
The five-shuttle fleet will run on a loop connecting Michigan Central, Downtown Detroit, and the East Jefferson Riverfront. The fifth shuttle will join the fleet in the fall.
The updated 10.8-mile two-way route links Michigan Central in Corktown to Bedrock’s 200 Walker Street, with several new stops included to meet community needs. Stops include Michigan Central, Rosa Parks Transit, Greening of Detroit, Rivertown Neighborhood, and HoneyBee Market, among others.
Full Stop List/Updated Map:
Michigan Central (Eastbound) Michigan & Rosa Parks Michigan & 8th (Eastbound) (New) Michigan & 3rd (Eastbound) (New) The Greening of Detroit (Eastbound) (New) Coleman A Young Municipal Center (Eastbound) Larnard @ Rivertown Market (Eastbound) (New) Atwater & Millikan State Park (Eastbound) Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (Westbound) Rivertown Neighborhood (Westbound) (New) Jos Campau & Wight (Westbound) Atwater & Dequindre Cut (Westbound) East Jefferson @ Rivertown Market (Westbound) (New) Woodward, Campus Martius (Westbound) Grand Circus Park (Westbound) (New) Rosa Parks Transit (Westbound) (New) Michigan Third Street Park (Westbound) (New) Michigan & Trumbull (Westbound) (New) Bagley Mobility Hub (Westbound) HoneyBee Market (New)
This month, Michigan Central Station, the 30-acre Corktown site, celebrates the one-year anniversary of its reopening. The successful technology and cultural hub has much to boast about. Without question, the vintage train station has become a global symbol of Detroits revitalization.
Since the reopening, Michigan Central has hosted free self-guided tours and paid tours. The two combined have welcomed over 200,000 visitors during the last 12 months. It also has a right to be proud of its innovation and community engagement.
Through thoughtful partnerships with local youth organizations, Michigan Central is providing development skills for young men and women. In addition, it has focused a lot of its attention on closing the digital divide for residents of Southwest Detroit.
Overall, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups advancing mobility and technology. It has become one of the citys most sought-after venues for hosting business and social events as well professional photo sessions. One of the buildings most popular attractions is Fridays at the Station, a monthly celebration of music, food, fancy beverages, and community. Visitors to the station can also enjoy exploring Roosevelt Park on outside and Detroit-based retail stores and arts related activities inside.
One of Michigan Central Stations biggest announcements of this year was that NoMad Detroit, a Hilton group hotel, will open in 2027, occupying the top floors of the station. For more than 30 years, the vintage train station sat idle. That changed in 2024. Now Michigan Central Station stands as a beautifully restored and must-see destination for a revitalized Detroit. What a difference a year makes!
Here at 7 News Detroit, we want to make sure you start your day off on the right foot, informed about weather, traffic, the latest news and more. That’s why we have the 7 Morning Digest, where we’ll get you out the door informed and ready to go.
What’s the weather for today? Metro Detroit weather: Storms move out, heat moves in for the weekend
Today: Decreasing clouds with a rain and storm chance. Storms should not be severe but could bring small hail and gusty winds. Highs will be in the upper 70s. Winds: WNW 10-15 mph.
Tonight: Rain moves out with milder temps in the low 60s around Detroit. Winds: SW 5-10 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny with highs in the mid 80s. Winds: WSW 5-15 mph.
Saturday: Storms are possible to start the morning with highs eventually reaching the low 90s.
The top stories to know aboutNational Weather Service confirms tornado touched down in Fraser National Weather Service confirms tornado touched down in Fraser
The National Weather Service has confirmed a tornado touched down in Fraser during the first batch of storms Wednesday, causing significant damage to homes and power lines.
The bulk of the damage occurred in the area of 14 Mile Road and Garfield, where mangled trampolines, power lines and tree branches littered yards, and shingles were ripped off homes.
Multiple videos captured the tornado as it moved through the area, sending debris flying through the air and forcing residents to take shelter.
“A carport for a house went up in the air and it was flying through the air and I could see it and was like uh oh, time to go in the basement,” Cody Potyczka said.
Potyczka is one of many residents in the neighborhood who saw the tornado approach and sought safety in their basements.
“My girlfriend came in and said ‘hey, we have to go downstairs’ and I said ‘why’ and she said ‘we’re having a tornado,’” Gaetano Rizzo said.
Rizzo’s home suffered significant damage when a tree completely crushed the sun room at the back of his house. Repairs have been delayed due to safety concerns.
The National Weather Service will continue surveying the damage and is expected to provide more specific details about the tornado by Thursday morning.
Michigan launches program to boost manufacturing, streamline process for businesses Boosting manufacturing in Michigan
The state of Michigan understands many businesses are facing uncertainty right now, so they’re looking to the future by helping businesses get the support and funding they need.
Our Mike Duffy was at New Center Stamping in Detroit on Wednesday learning about a new program.
It may have been around for a long time, but the New Center Stamping plant in Detroit helps make the parts on all your favorite cars. And today, its the staging ground for the official launch of MI Hub for Manufacturers, which connects businesses looking for help with providers and state resources.
Theres a lot of pressure on the automotive companies right now, both with tariffs and then also international competition. So, companies might also be considering, can I diversify? Aerospace, space, defense, those are all aspects of manufacturing that are growing exponentially, said Ingrid Tighe, the president of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.
She said the MI Hub for Manufacturers streamlines the process.
What we need to do is identify whos out there, whos doing well, who might need some assistance and how do we help those companies come along and either stay where they are or diversify or jump into new sectors, Tighe said.
The program is also providing businesses with an opportunity to pivot to think about how they might want to change the nature of their business. Its something the Squires are thinking about.
I think we have to. And working within industries that we traditionally havent, whether thats more medical, EV. Defense is a huge area of opportunity for us, Bobbie Squires said. So to have free resources like this, its pretty significant for us, especially with the variety of options from succession planning to financing, to all the things as a small business we really need today.
Detroit organizations partner to turn food waste into meals for hungry families Detroit organizations partner to turn food waste into meals for hungry families
A new program in southwest Detroit’s Delray neighborhood is working to rescue surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away and distribute it to families in need across metro Detroit.
Thousands of pounds of fresh produce that doesn’t meet retail standards, but is still perfectly edible, is being sorted, packed, and shipped to food pantries throughout the region.
“The charitable food system is seeing a higher demand than it’s ever seen. There are more people asking for food from the charitable food system than at the peak of the pandemic,” said Chad Techner, founder of Metro Food Rescue.
Metro Food Rescue has partnered with the national organization Sharing Excess to address both food waste and hunger in the Detroit area. Their warehouse, located across from Detroit’s Produce Terminal, serves as a hub for collecting and distributing surplus food.
“We’re throwing away over 40% of our food supply in the United States, more than enough food to feed everybody who’s hungry,” said Evan Ehlers of Sharing Excess.
The organization’s focus is on rescuing produce that vendors consider not good enough to sell, but is still nutritious and edible. This includes items that might be slightly smaller or have minor imperfections.
The Downtown Detroit Partnership announced plans for the summer throughout Downtown Detroit with hundreds of free events and experiences.
According to the DDP, many popular events like Movie Nights in the D, fitness classes, beach parties and more will return, as well as several new events.
The DDP operates 18 parks and public squares across Detroit, including Campus Martius, Cadillac Square, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Park and Plaza and more.
Downtown Detroits parks are at the heart of how the city connects and grows, said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Everything we produce is designed with intentioncelebrating Detroits spirit, uniting people from all walks of life, and offering free, meaningful experiences. We welcome everyone to join us for the 2025 Summer in the Parks season.
Movie Nights in the D kicks off on Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m. with a screening of “Mufasa: The Lion King.” Before the movie begins, attendees can enter to win a four-pack of tickets to the Detroit Zoo.
Movie lovers can bring chairs or blankets to sit back and watch the movie in the heart of Downtown Detroit.
Other movies this year include:
June 20 – “Sonic 3” June 27 – “The Fall Guy” July 11 – “Wild Robot” July 18 – “The Meg” July 25 – “Shrek” Aug. 1 – “Step Up” Aug. 8 – “Emperor’s New Groove” Aug. 15 – “Twisters” Aug. 22 – “Moana 2”
Other events below
The Beach at Campus Martius is returning once again, and new this year will be CABANA 313. The CHALET 313 that was put in place for the winter season will stay up to be a summer hangout. There will be creative cocktails, happy hour specials, a 30-seat bar and 360-degree views of Downtown Detroit. People can expect live entertainment throughout the summer.
Another new event this year will bet “Tacos & Trivia Tuesdays” starting June 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Beach at Campus Martius.
Once a month on a Saturday, there will be a Saturday beach party at Campus Martius that will include tropical music, contest, beach giveaways and more.
Music & Markets will come to Beacon Park on June 21, July 26 and Aug. 23 featuring live entertainment and an open air market.
Here are some other events:
Campus Martius Kids Day – Select Sundays from July 13 through Oct. 5 Summer Sundays at Beacon Park – June 22, July 13, Aug. 10 and Sept. 14 Downtown Street Eats – Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cadillac Square Grand Circus Park Dog events Grand Circus Park Bourbon Gardens – Thursdays starting July 10
Plus, there will be fitness events like pickleball at Beacon Park, yoga at several parks and more.
The Detroit Lions are well-represented on the Top 50 NFL Player Sales list, released by the NFL Players Association this week.
Watch below: Aidan Hutchinson’s return will be the leading story for the Lions offseason — because he’s an elite player
Aidan Hutchinson’s return will be the leading story for the Lions offseason — because he’s an elite player
The NFLPA said the list spans the time from March 1, 2024 through Feb. 28, 2025, and five players from Detroit are on the list.
Watch below: Lions score 3 of top 20 players in 2024 season merch sales
Lions score 3 of top 20 players in 2024 season merch sales
It encompasses “all officially licensed, NFL player-branded merchandise sold from online and traditional retail outlets as reported by over 85 NFLPA licensees,” which includes jerseys, shirts and hoodies, backpacks, wall decals, penants, figurines, photos, bobbleheads and more.
DE Aidan Hutchinson was the highest Detroit Lions player on the list, coming in at No. 7, followed by Amon-Ra St. Brown at No. 8.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs came in at No. 20, QB Jared Goff was at No. 22 and TE Sam LaPorta was at No. 47.
Watch below: Jared Goff welcomes more responsibility as Lions add new coordinators
Jared Goff welcomes more responsibility as Lions add new coordinators
You can check out the entire list below
Saquon Barkley Patrick Mahomes Jalen Hurts Jayden Daniels C.J. Stroud Josh Allen Aidan HutchinsonAmon-Ra St. Brown Micah Parsons Justin Jefferson Travis Kelce Jordan Love Caleb Williams Joe Burrow Christian McCaffrey T.J. Watt CeeDee Lamb Lamar Jackson Brock Purdy Jahmyr Gibbs Bo Nix Jared Goff Maxx Crosby A.J. Brown Tyreek Hill Patrick Surtain II George Kittle Aaron Rodgers DeVonta Smit Derrick Henry Justin Herbert Drake Maye Dak Prescott Ja’Marr Chase Baker Mayfield Malik Nabers DK Metcalf Tua Tagovailoa Mike Evans Nick Bosa Russell Wilson Cooper DeJean Trevor Lawrence Puka Nacua Terry McLaurin Isiah Pacheco Sam LaPorta J.J. McCarthy Bijan Robinson Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner
The Detroit Tigers are bringing in another artist for Friday Night Party in the Park this summer.
Award-winning country singer Jordan Davis will perform a postgame concert at the ballpark after the Tigers vs. Mariners game on Friday, July 11.
First pitch for the game is set for 7:10 p.m. and then after the game, Davis will perform, kicking off a weekend-long celebration of 25 years at Comerica Park.
At Comerica Park, our fans make every game unforgettable, and adding a postgame performance by Jordan Davis gives them another reason to stay – and celebrate – long after the final out, said Asia Gholston, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Vice President of Brand Marketing. Were committed to creating experiences that go beyond baseball, making Comerica Park the place to be for great music, community, and memories fans wont want to miss.
Fans who have tickets to the game can stay in their seat for the concert or upgrade with a VIP passes that will have premium field access for the concert.
A Detroit native is living his dream racing in the Detroit Grand Prix as the event celebrates its third year downtown and 35th year overall.
The Detroit Grand Prix features three series: IMSA, IndyCar, and Indy NXT, with local driver Nolan Allaer competing in the latter category.
Allaer, who drives the No. 11 Indy NXT car for HMD Motorsports, says the 1.7-mile Downtown Detroit Street Circuit presents unique challenges.
“This track is very, very difficult, especially on a cold morning like this. It’s about 50 degrees. It means the track temps down, the tire temps don’t really come up. The engines make a lot of power, so you have extra power, not as much grip, a bit of a tricky situation,” Allaer said.
The 23-year-old Detroit native has been racing for five years and feels he has the home advantage on this track.
“I think that happened the moment I was born here, but I never really imagined I’d be a racing driver. It’s not something that I had on the cards, but pretty amazing. I never really think I thought I’d take part in a Detroit Grand Prix, so to be doing my second one now as a veteran in the series, I mean it’s, it just means the world to me. It’s a dream come true,” Allaer said.
Preparing for races like the Detroit Grand Prix requires significant preparation, especially since this particular track presents unique challenges.
“Detroit is a unique one, and it’s not on a simulator. You can’t find it, so you can’t really practice on a SIM, but you can watch video. You can talk about your data from past years to your engineers, so you can do a lot of research beforehand, and then it’s, you know, like I said, you can control your fitness. You’re doing a lot of training, you know, a lot of neck workouts, core workouts, and cardio. Make sure you can last the whole stint,” Allaer said.
Racing runs in Allaer’s family. His father, grandfather, and uncle were all racing drivers themselves, with his father Rob Allaer having won two championships and his uncle claiming one in Formula Ford.
“Honestly, it’s like my family, my dad, my grandpa, my uncle, they’re all racing drivers themselves. My dad has 2 championships. My uncle has one in form of the Ford, so I kind of grew up watching them race and perform, and they’re now here supporting me through all of this. So it’s kind of trying to carry on the legacy a bit,” Allaer said.
Rob Allaer, Nolan’s father and biggest mentor, still sees his son as the adventurous child he once was.
“He’s still that little, little kid that used to run around and climb everything and get into trouble. He’s always been adventurous. he’s been tough to follow around. he’s still that little boy and you know I think anybody with a child watching them grow up and seeing him do anything, I think you always see them as that little boy,” Rob said.
Rob believes his son’s greatest strength is his constant improvement.
“He constantly gets better. He’s always getting better. we have this little saying in our house, always get better at getting better, and that is a thing that we all talk about. You just, if you have a bad session, just make sure the next session is better. if you have a bad test, make sure your next test is better,” Rob said.
When not racing, Nolan studies mechanical engineering and proudly supports all Detroit sports teams. He has developed special relationships with several local teams.
“The Lions have just been so good to me. They were supporting me during my first Detroit Grand Prix. I got to wear the special edition helmet with the 3rd jersey, the black and the really, really stark blue is just gorgeous helmet. I also got the incredible honor to throw the first pitch at the Tigers game, which again not something I ever thought was going to be able to do. It wasn’t a strike. It was close, but we decided since we have these connections to all these organizations, why don’t we do something to actually represent all four,” Allaer said.
The Detroit Grand Prix wraps up on Sunday with numerous fan activities available across downtown Detroit.
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