Detroit Evening Report: Redistricting of Detroit Public Hearings; Four Tops singer sues hospital and more

In the latest episode Evening report from Detroitwe cover Detroit’s redistricting commission public hearings, a Motown legend sues Macomb County hospital, UAW president Shawn Fain may be under federal investigation and more.

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Detroit holds public hearings on Michigan Senate redistricting

The Michigan Redistricting Commission is holding public hearings in Detroit this week. They are intended to give residents the opportunity to express their views on 12 proposals regarding the boundaries of Michigan’s Senate districts in the next state. Commission Executive Director Edward Woods III notes that many Senate districts around metro Detroit could change under the proposed maps.

“We really want to hear from anyone affected so they can share the best map they feel represents their community, and if any adjustments need to be made, they can also provide their suggestions.” Woods III said.

The remapping comes because a federal court found that six Detroit Senate districts on the current map have unconstitutional racial gerrymanders. The commission has until June 27, 2024 to submit a new map to the court for consideration.

The next sessions are:

• Wednesday, June 12, at King High School, 3200 East Lafayette
• Thursday, June 13, at Renaissance High School, 6565 W Outer Dr

Both hearings will start at 10:00

Colin Jackson reports for the Michigan Public Radio Network.

The Four Tops singer is suing Ascension Hospital for $75,000 for mistreatment

The lead singer of Motown group The Four Tops is suing a Macomb County hospital, alleging that staff initially refused to treat him when he suffered chest pains last year.

Singer Alexander Morris says staff at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren didn’t believe he was a member of the legendary group. Instead, he maintains they called him a racial slur, put him in a straitjacket and ordered him to undergo psychological tests.

Morris claims he even offered to let the nurse record a video of him performing at the Grammy Awards. He says he was finally released after being held in custody for almost two hours.

The hospital offered Morris a $25 Meijer gift card in compensation for the alleged treatment he received.

Morris is suing Ascension Macomb-Oakland for more than $75,000.

Hospital representatives say they do not tolerate discrimination, but will not comment on ongoing court proceedings.

Quinn Klinefelter reports for WDET News.

Filed court documents accuse the UAW of blocking federal attempts to investigate union president Shawn Fain

Published reports say a federal observer watching the United Auto Workers is investigating union president Shawn Fain. Detroit News and Detroit Free Press reporting Neil Barofsky filed court papers accusing the UAW of blocking efforts to obtain information about allegations that Fain retaliated against two other union leaders.

Barofsky says the allegations are just that, but if true, they could violate the consent decree that prevented the government from taking over the union in 2020. The agreement came after a dozen UAW and Fiat Chrysler executives were sent to prison for corruption.

Fain sent a response to the newspapers, saying he encouraged Barofsky to investigate and that he was focused on increasing union membership.

Pat Batcheller reports for WDET News.

Detroit at Work hosts a community resource fair for residents

The Durfee Innovation Society at Detroit at Work hosts the Community Resources Fair on Wednesday. Programs will offer services ranging from assistance with baby supplies and child care, to liquidation and home ownership resources. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 2470 Collingwood.

Planet Ant offers creative writing classes

Planet Ant Training Center in Hamtramck is registering students for summer classes. Classes are offered in play writing, writing TV comedies, short films, improvisation and comedy sketches. Classes start the week of June 24. More information can be found at planetant.com/training.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know by email at [email protected].