Detroit Evening Report: No Kings rally protests anti-immigration
Today’s Detroit Evening Report covers efforts to raise awareness on the harms of microplastics and vaping, and the recent recognition of a leader in Dearborn’s Department of Public Health.
Kassandra Rodriguez of Comité de Acción Comunitaria (Detroit Community Action Committee) speaks to the attendees of the No Kings rally in Detroit on October 18, 2025.
Over ten thousand people rallied in Detroit on Saturday for the No Kings Protest.
The event started in Roosevelt Park in front of the Michigan Central Depot. Kassandra Rodriguez spoke at the rally. Rodriguez is with the Detroit Community Action Committee. She says many Latinx people stayed home.
“A lot of them are very sacred, you know, they are view these big movements, big protests, as a place where they might get targeted. So its important, even more important that so many of us come out there and are able to like elevate their voices and share their stories.”
Following the rally, protesters marched to the Customs and Border Protection field office in Downtown Detroit. The event was peaceful, although Detroit Police arrested one pro-Trump counterprotester.
– Reporting by Russ McNamara
Additional headlines from Monday, October 20, 2025
Microplastics awareness
Oct. 19 through Oct. 26 is Microplastics Awareness Week. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is inviting people to learn about the impact of microplastics, cleanups and prevention to reduce plastic use at home.
On Oct. 22 a free virtual Great Lakes Microplastics Summit will bring together scientists, policymakers and community members who will discuss microplastics and drinking water.
For more details visit michigan.gov/egle
MDHHS focuses on vaping during Fire Prevention Month
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recognizing Fire Prevention Month. Part of that is raising awareness about vaping play that creates fire risk along with health concerns.
MDHHS is sharing resources to educate Michiganders about a variety of topics including reducing fire risks from smoking materials and e-cigarettes, protecting residents from secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure and lowering cleaning and maintenance costs for home owners and renters.
More tips can be found at michigan.gov/smokefreehousing.
Business workshop
ProsperUs Detroit is hosting a Business 101 Workshop in Highland Park next week.
The in-person event will take place at Avalon Village at 24 Avalon Street, Highland Park, MI on Wednesday, Oct. 29th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dearborn public health director awarded
The Dearborn Department of Health’s public health director Ali Abazeed, has been recognized as part of 40 under 40 in Public Health.
The award is given by de Beaumont Foundation and it is the first of its kind to recognize and elevate leaders in public health. It honors people who work in leadership and community impact across institution through health departments, universities, nonprofits or in the private sector.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
