Detroit Evening Report: Charges dropped against pro-Palestinian protesters; ideas sought for public art in Dearborn + more

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s recent decision to drop the charges against campus protesters; the city of Dearborn’s call for ideas for a new public art mural and more.

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Nessel drops charges against protesters

Felony charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters have been dropped by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.  

The protesters were accused of resisting and obstructing police following the breakup of an encampment on the University of Michigan Diag last year.  After local prosecutors declined to charge the protesters, Nessel got involved — reportedly at the urging of the U-M Board of Regents.  

Defense Attorney Amir Makled says he was concerned of potential bias by Nessel and asked the judge to have the state end the prosecution. 
In a statement, Nessel denied allegations of bias and criticized the pace of the judge handling the case, calling the matter a “circus-like atmosphere.” 

Hoarding awareness at Detroit Public Library

An event at the Lincoln Branch of the Detroit Public Library hopes to raise awareness about hoarding.

“Essential Things Seniors Should Know About Hoarding” will explore what hoarding is, what causes it and how loved ones can support someone who is hoarding.

Almost 3% of the population experiences hoarding disorder. People over 60 years old and those who have other psychological issues like depression and anxiety are especially vulnerable. The event will take place at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 8.

State expands student loan repayment program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering student loan repayment money to people interested in working as substance use disorder counselors.

Michigan has fewer SUD counselors than most other states and an estimated 1.3 million residents who need treatment. The Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program offers between $15,000-$30,000 to repay student loans to professionals who offer opioid treatment. Doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and substance use disorder counselors in a variety of health care settings may be eligible.

The money comes from the state’s portion of national settlement money from pharmaceutical distributors and Johnson and Johnson. The applications must be submitted by May 19. Learn how to apply and find more information at michigan.gov/miota.

New public mural coming to Dearborn

The city of Dearborn is partnering with the Detroit Institute of Arts to create a public mural, and wants to hear your ideas!

The mural will be placed on the side of the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center facing Michigan Avenue. The partners are asking residents to complete a survey it hopes will help to create a design that reflects the city and its community.

The survey is available at dearborn.gov/thecenter. The city hopes to install the mural before the end of the year. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.