Detroit Evening Report: Michigan House adjourns early; Detroit’s new director of transit + more
Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” podcast.
Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Thursday’s fizzled session in the Michigan House after GOP lawmakers walked out; Detroit’s new executive director of transit and more.
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Michigan House adjourns early
Democratic leaders in the Michigan House failed to muster a quorum during Thursday’s session, effectively killing legislation left on the agenda before Republicans take over the House in the New Year.
Democratic Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash said he was “disappointed” and “shocked” that 54 Republicans and one rogue Democrat — Karen Whitsett, of Detroit — “refused to show up,” bringing the House to a standstill.
“Goal posts kept moving and the conversations fell apart,” Aiyash told WDET’s Russ McNamara.
Among the dead legislation was a gun control measure to ban bump stocks, as well as a measure to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the governor’s office and Legislature.
Duggan names new executive director of transit
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan named Detroit People Mover General Manager Robert Cramer as Detroit’s new executive director of transit this week.
Cramer will take over for G. Michael Staley, who announced last week that he is leaving the role. Cramer has served as the general manager of the People Mover for two years, where he oversaw the service and infrastructure improvements. Staley will remain in charge until Cramer takes over on Jan. 6.
Duggan says he aims to bring the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) back to pre-pandemic service levels by expanding the service in 2025. Over the next two years, there will be at least 84 new buses, which represents nearly 30% of the DDOT fleet.
Southfield Christmas Bar Crawl
The 2024 Southfield Christmas Bar Crawl is set for 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday. Dec. 23.
Experience Southfield’s holiday spirit with what organizers are saying will be a festive bar crawl featuring exclusive holiday-themed cocktails, live entertainment and more. Participating venues include BLVD, Starter’s Bar & Grille, North Bar & Grille, and Salt + Ko. You can also participate in the ugly sweater contest by posting a photo on social media using the hashtag #southfieldbarcrawl2024. Visit eventbrite for more information.
Motor City Kwanzaa celebration
Witness the largest Kinara lighting in the world right in the heart of the city at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26. Activist, author, professor of Africana studies and the creator Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, will be in attendance via satellite. The event will take place in Cadillac Square between Bates and Woodard in Downtown Detroit.
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