ICYMI: Top Metro Detroit News From January 2025

From the Detroit Lions’ losing three coaches to Jocelyn Benson announcing her run for Michigan governor, catch up on the latest news going on in metro Detroit this past month.
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detroit lions
Photograph courtesy of Nic Antaya/Getty Images

Detroit Lions Lose Several Coaches After Season Ending Game

Following a devastating 45-31 loss against the Washington Commanders on Jan. 18 and losing another chance for Super Bowl fame, the Detroit Lions’ coaches have been dropping one by one to sign on with other teams, including defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets, who is being replaced by Lions’ linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears, and defensive line coach Terrell Williams to the New England Patriots. To learn more, visit detroitlions.com.

Saunteel Jenkins Launches Campaign for Detroit Mayor

Former Detroit City Council President Saunteel Jenkins, who resigned from her position in 2014 and became the CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), announced her run for Detroit mayor at the St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center on Jan. 14. “Like every Detroiter, I persevered,” Jenkins said, as reported by BridgeDetroit. “I fought back. I refuse to give in, but that’s where we are. We rise, we excel, we overcome. I truly believe my journey, both personal and professional, have uniquely prepared me for this moment.” During her time on city council, Jenkins, whose brother was fatally shot, co-created the Youth Violence Prevention Task Force to help reduce violence against young people in the community. The election will take place in November. To learn more, visit saunteeljenkins.com.

Michigan Secretary of State Announces Run for Governor

Jocelyn Benson, who was elected as secretary of state in 2018, announced her run for Michigan governor on Jan. 22. “I want Michigan to be the best place in the country to be a kid, raise a kid, and be healthy, safe, and successful,” Benson said in a statement, according to the Detroit Free Press. “A place where government is efficient and easy to deal with, where businesses and communities thrive, and where every resident has access to quality childcare, health care, education, and housing.” In her current role, Benson has made updating motor vehicle information easier by moving certain services online and by replacing outdated kiosks with self-service stations. She also gained nationwide attention after pushing back against President Trump’s claims of voter fraud after he lost the presidential election to former President Biden in 2021. To learn more, visit jocelynbenson.com

Little Caesars’ Commercial Representing Detroit at Super Bowl

No Lions? No problem. After five years, Detroit’s Little Caesars will return to the Super Bowl with a new commercial on Feb. 9, according to DBusiness. The 30-second video is expected to be a mix of creativity and humor and potentially features a new menu item. “This year’s commercial highlights what makes Little Caesars unique in a bold, crazy-fun way, and captures the kind of energy we love to share with our fans.  Plus, there might be something new and exciting to reveal about our hottest product, Crazy Puffs, during Super Bowl LIX week,” Greg Hamilton, chief marketing officer at Little Caesars, said.

Director from Detroit Makes Movie Debut

One of Them Days, directed by Detroit-native Lawrence Lamont, who moved to Los Angeles in 2013, was released in theaters on Jan. 17. Starring Keke Palmer and SZA as Dreux and Alyssa, respectively, the comedy film follows two best friends who need to make $1,500 in just a few hours to avoid eviction after Alyssa’s boyfriend steals their rent money. The movie, which was filmed in 22 days, has nearly a 100% rating on Rotten Tomato and is drawing comparisons to the classic 1995 film Friday. To learn more, visit hourdetroit.com.

Michigan to Raise Minimum Hourly and Minimum Tipped Wages

Following the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling on July 31, Michigan’s minimum wage will reach $14.97 for hourly employees and $11.98 for tipped employees by 2028. The increase in wages will begin on Feb. 21, with a bump to $12.48 for hourly employees and $5.99 for tipped employees. The 85% rate for minors under 18 will increase to $10.61. Under the ruling, Michigan’s minimum wage will continue to increase at the same time every year. To learn more, visit hourdetroit.com.

Born in Detroit Apparel Offering Free Onesies

Those welcoming a new baby in 2025 can claim a free onesie from Born in Detroit Apparel, which comes in either pink or blue, and is designed with the logo on front. To get your free onesie, you will have to visit their downtown Detroit location at 1275 Woodward Ave. with the child’s birth certificate or hospital papers that show they were born in 2025. “We are excited to celebrate, and outfit these new Detroit born babies, while officially welcoming them to our great city,” Anthony Tomey, co-owner of Born In Detroit, said. To learn more, visit bornindetroit.store.

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