The state of Michigan and the city of Romulus have filed a lawsuit seeking to block a proposed ICE detention center near Detroit Metro Airport. The lawsuit states that ICE failed to consult Michigan officials and didn’t consider alternative buildings, such as existing prisons.

Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement a warehouse is not an appropriate place for a large scale detention center. The lawsuit comes after Nessel wrote a letter demanding that ICE halt the project and filed a FOIA request to see records on the purchase and plans for the warehouse.

FORCE Detroit, a community violence intervention (CVI) organization, is hosting an activation for the newly launched CVI Athletics Program.

The program is starting a youth flag football league with Detroit PAL and Detroit’s Occupy the Summer initiative. The league will have two age divisions: ages 11-13 and ages 14-17.

The event is being held Friday, March 27 from 6-8 p.m. at the Chandler Park Fieldhouse Dome.

The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a Sacred Paths of India Bus Tour. The tour will take participants to three houses of worship for the Jain, Hindu, and Sikh faiths. The tour aims to explore the traditions and experiences of each faith community.

Each location will showcase how the religious traditions are practiced today and explore the meaning behind the sacred spaces and rituals.

Tickets are $90 and include a seat on the bus, all three faith experiences and lunch. Seating is limited. The tour is on April 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The non-profit group Reparation Generation is hosting a virtual house meeting on Tuesday, April 14 at 8 p.m. The meeting will discuss what they call their “reparations in action” approach, the broader reparation movement, and ways to engage.

The group holds these meetings every other month to share the mission and goal of the organization.

To register visit reparationgeneration.org/events.

Non Profit BasBlue is celebrating five years with the 2026 Bold Women Summit on March 31. The summit title is “The Power of Us: Celebrating Women Shaping the Future” and will feature keynote conversations with fashion designer Tracy Reese and Motown Museum CEO Robin Terry.

Since BasBlue launched in 2021, the organization has more than 600 members, with 125 participating annually in its Trailblazer Scholarship program.

For more information visit basblueus.com/summit.

Gas prices continue to rise in metro Detroit. AAA Michigan says the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular hit four dollars today. That’s up just over a penny from Tuesday and it’s 17 cents higher than a week ago. You could get a gallon of gas for $2.95 in Detroit just over a month ago.

Analysts say two factors are causing the price hikes. The war in Iran is pushing up the price of crude oil, which is used to make gasoline. Refineries are also changing over to the summer blend of gas, which is more expensive to produce.

Metro Detroiters might experience some severe weather Thursday.

The National Weather Service has placed much of Southeast Michigan in a category for a “slight” risk of severe weather. That’s level 2 on a scale of 5.

Warm air will move into town, raising temperatures into the mid-60s Thursday afternoon. But a cold front will quickly follow, bringing rain and thunderstorms Thursday evening.

Some of those storms could be strong or severe. A thunderstorm is categorized as severe if it has wind gusts of more than 58 miles per hour or produces hail of one inch or larger.

Remember, a watch means conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm is possible. A warning means severe weather conditions exist now and you should take cover.

Make sure to stay tuned to local media outlets throughout the day to get the latest weather updates.

The NAACP announced today that Kristen Clarke will become the organization’s new general counsel. She’ll direct the organization’s legal strategies.

The NAACP says Clarke’s legal expertise will help it protect voting rights and continue its efforts to secure civil and human rights for people across the country.

She previously served as the assistant attorney general for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Justice.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is preparing to give her first State of the City address next week.

She’s scheduled to speak to a crowd at Mumford High School in northwest Detroit next Tuesday evening.

Sheffield is expected to talk about several initiatives she’s launched in recent weeks including Rx Kids, which provides cash prescription support for pregnant women and newborn mothers. Sheffield has also been active in ways to create new affordable housing for Detroiters.

The State of the City speech takes place Tuesday night at 7 p.m. You can hear it on 101.9 WDET FM, at wdet.org, or on the City of Detroit’s YouTube channel or Facebook page.

March Madness continues to occupy the attention of many Detroiters. Michigan and Michigan State both have “Sweet 16” games on Friday in their respective quests for a national championship.

No. 1-seed Michigan faces 4-seed Alabama Friday night at 7:35 p.m. No. 3-seed Michigan State plays 2-seed UConn Friday night at 9:45 p.m. Both games will be televised.

The state has released a new strategic plan to address sickle cell disease. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says it developed the plan with input from those affected by it.

Its six strategic goals include ensuring access to high quality services, improve patient outcomes, changes to implementation of disease-modifying therapies and increasing awareness of best practices and available resources.

Sickle cell is an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to form in a sickle or crescent shape that can block blood flow. The disease may cause pain, infections, strokes and organ damage. An estimated 4,000 people in Michigan are diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

African Americans are most likely to have the disease, but people of Middle Eastern, South Asian, Hispanic and Mediterranean descent are also affected in significant numbers.

The MDHHS Lifecourse Epidemiology & Genomics Division leads implementation of the 2026-30 Sickle Cell Strategic Plan. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/sicklecell.

A developer has submitted a proposal to build a data center on Detroit's east side. The Detroit News reports the project would cover more than 14 acres of city-owned property on Shoemaker Street between the Coleman A. Young Airport and the Jeep plant.

The report cites members of City Councilwoman Latisha Johnson's staff. Last week, the council passed a resolution urging Mayor Mary Sheffield to put data center proposals on hold for two years.

A "No Kings" rally is planned for downtown Detroit this Saturday. The local event is organized by a coalition of labor, civil rights, community and grassroots organizations calling itself No Kings Detroit.

Saturday’s rally is scheduled to run from 3-5 p.m. in Grand Circus Park and to coincide with rallies across the country protesting a range of Trump administration policies and actions, including those related to immigration, voting, the environment, economic issues and the war in Iran.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League returns to Little Caesar’s Arena this week. The New York Sirens face the Montreal Victoire Saturday at 1 p.m.

This week’s game will be the first nationally televised PWHL game in the U.S., airing on ION and available to more than 126 million households. 61 PWHL players competed in the recent Winter Olympics – earning 41 medals, including the women of Team USA who got the gold.

The three year old league has broken its attendance records each time it has played in Detroit—with an enthusiastic crowd —often expressing its desire to have PWHL team based in Hockey Town.

The Office of Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion has a new director. Mayor Sheffield named Elizabeth Orozco-Vasquez as the leader to integrate the voices and needs of Detroit’s large immigrant population into the policies and strategies of the city.

Orozco Vasquez’s office will also focus on creating greater opportunities, equity and economic mobility initiatives to underserved Detroiters. Serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Freedom House, Detroit Orozco-Vasquez led the only agency in the state that provides shelter and wraparound services to refugees, asylum seekers and others seeking humanitarian support. She said in a statement that it is an honor for her to be a advocate for immigrants and she will work to make Detroit a place where all residents feel at home.

She begins her new position April.

There is a nationwide recall for children’s ibuprofen. It is being recalled because the liquid contained unidentified black particles according to the FDA. The 4 fluid ounce bottle named Children's Ibuprofen Oral Suspension is an anti inflammatory drug to relieve moderate pain. Health officials have advised consumers to stop using it immediately.

If you have that medication and want to be sure it is not affected check the number on the back. The affected bottle numbers are 7261973A and 7261974A with an expiration date of January 31, 2027.

NCAA

We are in the madness of march and both Michigan State and Michigan had dominate performances beating their respective teams by about 20 points a piece. Michigan State (#3) will go on to play Louisville (#6 ) tomorrow, March 21 at 2:45 p.m. Michigan (#1) will go on to play St Louis (#9) tomorrow at 12:10 p.m. They both play at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY.

NBA

The Pistons will be playing the Golden State Warriors tonight without their leader Cade Cunningham who sustained a a collapsed lung during the Tuesday game against the Wizards. Even without the all start the Pistons are the favorite team to win. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.

NHL

The Red Wings beat the Montreal Canadiens 3 to 1 yesterday and stay in the fight for a wild card spot in the playoffs. The next two opponents are also in the Atlantic Division and could determine the chances for the Red Wings to make it to the playoffs. They face the Boston Bruins tomorrow at 8:00pm at Little Caesars Arena.

Local high school basketball

The boys high school basketball season ended last weekend at Michigan State’s Breslin Center. As DER’s high school sports correspondent Lex Walker reports, the girls teams are in the finals this weekend.

As the high school basketball season comes to an end, two teams have already journeyed to Breslin. The boys teams at U Prep lost to Hudsonville Unity Prep in the semifinals and Douglass made it to the finals but lost to Concord.

At the time of this taping, the girls from Renaissance face Dewitt in the semifinals for the chance to win the state championship Saturday.

About 10,000 registered nurses at Corewell Health East hospitals voted to authorize a strike, saying they have been unable to negotiate their first contract despite months of bargaining with the hospital system. Nearly 90% of members voted for the strike.

Members are asking for better nurse-to-patient ratios, wage increases, affordable health insurance coverage and improved workplace safety. The nurses voted to unionize in November 2024 and began negotiations in June 2025.

They are represented by Teamsters Local 2024 and work at Corewell Health East hospitals in Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak, Trenton, Troy, Wayne, and Southfield.

In a statement, a Corewell spokesperson says it has already agreed to raise wages.

Detroit is having a city-wide block club meeting. The Department of Neighborhoods is inviting all Detroit neighbors, community leaders, and block clubs to engage with city leaders. The event will be held Tuesday March 24 at the Northwest Activities Center. The event runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00. Residents and community leaders can find resources and meet with various city departments.

The Arab American Women’s Business Council is hosting a Digital Marketing, SEO, and AI Seminar. Learn about business strategies, search engine optimization, AI tools and tips for running an effective digital campaign.

The seminar is open to all. It will be held March 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 13846 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. Tickets are $25.

The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a workshop called "Bridging the Divide: From Division to Belonging." The workshop focuses on exploring practical ways to find connection with people, understanding the need for belonging and nurturing community.

The event will be held Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at Madonna University Welcome Center in Livonia. Tickets are $35.

The state conducted a test of its severe weather warning system at 1 p.m. today. It’s part of coordinated efforts to prepare Michiganders for the upcoming severe weather season this week.

Even though we’re still in winter, Michigan has already seen four tornadoes this month. One of them was deadly. Today’s drill was meant to get residents thinking about severe weather and make preparations.

The type of severe weather that Detroiters are most likely to see in the summer are severe thunderstorms. These storms can bring heavy rain, winds of 60 miles per hour or more, hail, and frequent lightning. Occasionally, these storms can generate tornadoes.

Make sure you know the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning. A watch means conditions are right to possibly produce severe storms at some point – and you should keep tabs on the weather. A warning means severe weather is taking place and you should take shelter.

The same language applies to tornadoes. A watch means tornadoes are possible. A warning means take shelter immediately. For a tornado warning, get to the lowest level of your house, preferably the basement. Put as many walls as possible between you and outside. Get under a sturdy piece of furniture or the staircase. Stay away from windows, which could break and turn into flying debris. Take your phone or a battery powered radio with you to keep up with the latest developments.

Michigan averages about 15 tornadoes per year. The last tornado to hit Detroit caused millions of dollars of damage in parts of the city and Highland Park back in 1997.

Make an emergency plan ahead of time and discuss it with your family. Hold your own drills to make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do when an actual emergency occurs.

In other news, gas prices continue their dramatic rise. A gallon of self-serve regular averages $3.83 in Metro Detroit. That’s up 8 cents from Tuesday. Prices averaged $2.95 a month ago. The war with Iran is limiting oil production in some Middle East countries, and it’s preventing tankers from traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say they expect prices to continue rising until hostilities are ended.

To save some money on gas, pay in cash. That’s usually 10 cents per gallon cheaper than the credit price. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. And avoid jack-rabbit starts.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield says she wants to build one thousand new single-family homes in the city over the next four years.

She also announced changes to the city's Building, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED). BSEED will now offer same day permits for most home improvement projects and pre-approved designs for homes to accelerate construction.

Mayor Sheffield says the changes should make it easier to rebuild the housing stock.

"We have heard our developers in Detroit, contractors and homeowners talk about the challenges that they face navigating the permitting process in our city," says Sheffield. "And when projects get delayed, we know that investment is delayed and our neighborhoods miss out on the growth that they deserve."

Last week, Sheffield highlighted the city's down payment assistance program that provides up to $25,000 for first-time home buyers. BSEED’s new streamlined process removes some requirements that made the permitting process as long as 30 days for common renovations like replacing windows, roofing and siding. The city says most residential and small commercial renovation projects can be permitted the same day and will still be in compliance.

-Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley

Al Shahi Palace is hosting a Chand Raat Mela celebration today and tomorrow. The event celebrates the end of Ramadan and the coming Eid al-Fitr festivities.

The venue will be offering food, drinks henna and other vendors from noon until midnight. Al Shahi is located at 4235 12 Mile Road in Warren. For more information, call 313-445-3623.

The South Asians of Michigan Alliance will host its Chaand Raat & Eid Mela event Thursday at the Radisson Hotel in Southfield. It also starts at noon and runs until midnight. There will be a variety of vendors, a food truck and an awards ceremony. The Radisson is at 26555 Telegraph Road.

The Dearborn Economic Development Department is hosting a branding workshop for businesses at the Henry Ford Centennial Library this month. Brand Magnetism! Storytelling That Pulls People In is from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.

Founder of 3 Feet Media LLC Bryce the Third will facilitate. The Henry Ford Centennial Library is at 16301 Michigan Avenue. To register go to Dearborn.gov/BusinessResources