Preserving Black culture in a time of erasure
“We have a responsibility to pay it forward and make sure that future generations have something to look back to.”
One park, two groups and a whole lot of confusion
Friends of Rouge Park Executive Director Lindsay Pielack explains why the organization might change its name.
Justice is blind — and broke
Michigan’s largest trial court is courting financial support. Check out our guide to backpack giveaways and free school supplies.
Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate primary
He’ll face Republican Mike Rogers in pivotal general election.
Primary 2026: Ballot proposals lead; US Senate race too close to call
Wayne County results continue to come in; transit and schools millage appear headed for approval.
Learn to organize and get involved in Detroit
Several organizations are offering workshops on organizing and fundraising. Take a survey to help improve conditions in your neighborhood.
Backpack giveaways in Detroit: Your guide to free school supplies and family events
Gear up for the school year with these free backpack giveaways across Detroit, plus haircuts, books, bike giveaways and more.
Meet Hailey Hentz, this month’s featured Detroit Documenter
This recent journalism graduate wants to better understand local government in her newfound city.
What to expect in Michigan’s state primary
Voters will decide a Democratic U.S. Senate primary in a contest that will have major implications for control of the chamber.
Get free books, make your voice heard: Get involved in Detroit
Sign up for organizer training, learn to monitor air quality and voice your opinion on your neighborhood.
Be in community, celebrate life, take action: Get involved in Detroit
We can breathe again. Let’s fly a kite. Meet Detroit Documenters at Clemente Park on Thursday.
Crypto real estate company plans to sell over 700 Detroit properties
RealT has been under severe financial strain for months and faces a legal threat from investors.
Editor’s Picks
Shelby Township police turned dozens of migrants over to Border Patrol
Local police aren’t trained to enforce immigration law and are not required to.
Detroit once had outdoor pools across the city. Now, there’s just one — and it’s closed this summer
Families can swim at Belle Isle, but as temps rise, so do residents’ desire for more access to water.
Environmental advocates say they’re being shut out as Detroit drafts data center rules
“It’s almost like making residents go through a process … when the die is already cast.”
Michigan set an affordability goal for utility bills. For some Detroiters, help can’t come soon enough
Regulators are rethinking what energy assistance should look like. Meanwhile, residents are struggling with high bills and shut-offs.
Have questions about the 2026 elections? We can help
It feels like it’s always election season in Michigan. This year is no exception.
Detroiter says ICE agents broke her knee, disputing agency’s account
Yerlys Moreno López said ICE agents broke her knee, which required emergency surgery.
Detroit’s right to counsel program will soon run out of money. Experts say it’s saved the city millions
A new report says it generated $3.74 in benefits to the City of Detroit for every dollar spent.
Meet Dana Stuckey, this month’s featured Detroit Documenter
Detroiter and healthcare caseworker strives to make public meetings accessible and understandable for residents.
Outlier Media, now in print: Pick up our new zine
“Profits and Losses” preserves the stories of Detroiters who lived through the foreclosure crisis. Get a free copy.
Meet Angela Martinez, Outlier Media’s new TXT OUTLIER intern
“I want to see somebody like myself who looks like me on the news as well,” she said.
Meet Lavonia Perryman, this month’s featured Documenter
Detroit’s eldest Documenter is a seasoned media professional who wants to stay connected.
Accountability Spotlight
We shine a light on issues where better information alone can’t make a difference and where a lack of accountability causes harm to Detroiters. Read more →
Detroiters are entitled to tax foreclosure profits. Wayne County is cutting smaller checks than some expected
The courts allowed Detroiters to reclaim funds from past tax foreclosures. Will Wayne County ‘force them into accepting less’?
Detroit made buses free for students, but getting to and from school is still hard
City says simple tweaks to bus schedules could mean shorter waits for students.
The tax shock hitting Detroit homebuyers
One real estate agent called the situation “a ticking time bomb that’s finally going off.”
Detroit has an office for immigrants. Advocates say it needs to do more
A decade after its creation, it has a small staff and flat funding as migrants live under threat of deportation.
Crypto real estate company cedes control of portfolio to third party
A special fiduciary will oversee RealT’s Detroit portfolio, with the power to renovate, sell or demolish property.
How will Sheffield prioritize home repair? Anything less than $250 million is ‘laughable’
Detroiters are increasingly worried their homes will fall apart because they can’t afford critical repairs to roofs, plumbing and foundations.
How to Detroit
FOIA 101: A Detroiter’s guide to the Freedom of Information Act
Virtually everyone has the right to public records. Here’s how to get them.
How to preapply for home repair help in Detroit
Check if you’re eligible, then add your name to the list through March 22.
A Detroiter’s guide to the Open Meetings Act
Open meetings ensure that the public can participate in local government.
Detroiters have questions about new zoning proposals. Here’s what’s in them
The city needs more housing to keep up with the number of people moving here. Officials think zoning changes could help.
Where to find overnight shelters in Detroit during extreme cold
Cold weather emergencies are “when the temperature is 20 degrees or lower, and if people sleep outside, they will die.”
Applications are open for Detroit’s smaller, more expensive water bill assistance program. Only 5,000 will get in
“Detroiters need a program that provides real relief, not one that adds more barriers.”
Where to find free, low-cost computers in Detroit
Detroit parents: Here’s where to get free or low-cost laptops and tech support.
What we’re about
The people who work at and with Outlier Media put service at the center of our work to fill information, accountability and connection gaps in Detroit.
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