Hamtramck joins Michigan Main Street program

The City of Hamtramck is now a part of the Michigan Main Street program as a Select Level city.

The program is run by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which aims to bolster technical support for the city’s main downtown area on Joseph Campau between Holbrook and Caniff Streets.

Milo Madole is the chair for the Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority (DDA). He says the partnership will build on the momentum of recent projects such as the Discover Hamtramck social media campaign and Hamtramck Night Bazaars.

"...I think people recognize that, and it's wonderful to be connected now with the resources that exist through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.”

Madole says Hamtramck is attractive to visitors because it’s filled with 1920s historical buildings, cultural attractions and restaurants from every cuisine.

Additional headlines for Thursday, March 5, 2026

Whitmer pursues free lunches for students

Governor Gretchen Whitmer served lunch to middle schoolers in Troy yesterday as she seeks support for free meals for K-12 students in Michigan. Whitmer wants to keep funding for universal school breakfast and lunch in her final budget. She also wants lawmakers to keep funding them after she leaves office.

“We’ve put in the budget the last couple of years. It’s been a game changer, and I love getting the chance to talk to students and all the people here at the school to find out what it’s really meant for kids, and its really remarkable, so I think we need to make this permanent.”

Republicans want an income test to ensure free school meals go to families that need help. Studies show means testing often leaves more kids hungry. GOP lawmakers also say schools should be allowed to use the money for other purposes.

-Reporting by Rick Pluta

Free naloxone kits available at local MDHHS offices

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing free naloxone, a medication that reverses overdoses, at MDHHS offices across the state. MDHHS says the funding comes from opioid settlements and as part of prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.

Michigan is set to receive $1.8 billion from opioid settlements by 2040. Half of that funding is allocated toward the State of Michigan Healing and Recovery Fund while the other half goes to counties, cities and governments across the state.

People can visit a local MDHHS office to request the free naloxone kits. More than 1.7 million kits have been distributed, with a recorded 34,000 overdose reversals since the program launched in 2020.

Michigan residents can also pick up a kit from harm reducing agencies, vending machines such as ones in Dearborn at the train station, local pharmacies and through mail order.

Highland Park mayoral candidates

Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald will have at least two challengers in this year’s election.

Community activists Shamayim Harris and Joshua Lamere submitted paperwork to the Wayne County Clerk’s office. Candidates have until April 21 to file.

McDonald announced her re-election campaign this week. Voters elected her in 2022.

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller