Documents released by the federal government included Terry Kafka’s sexually-charged letter as part of Epstein’s 50th “birthday book.”
Malachi Barrett
Malachi Barrett is a mission-oriented reporter working to liberate information for Detroiters.
Barrett previously worked for MLive covering local news and statewide politics in Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Detroit. He was named Michigan’s 2019 Newspaper Rising Star by the Associated Press. Barrett graduated from Central Michigan University in 2016.
Barrett lives in Detroit's Pingree Park neighborhood on the eastside with his wife. He's mostly from Battle Creek, but also lived in California, Wisconsin, West Virginia, South Carolina and Japan.
Posted inElection 2025
Former rival Saunteel Jenkins endorses Mary Sheffield for Detroit mayor
Former Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins is endorsing City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor, in a pivotal move that could help the current city council president also shore up her former opponent’s strong support base.
Posted inCity Council Notebook
Why Trump isn’t talking about enforcement in Detroit, yet
Malachi has the latest from Detroit City Council: Duggan’s take on the potential for federal enforcement, east side odor violations, the link between speed humps and pollution and more.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Political and Public Policy Information
Report: Ticket tax could help Detroit trim property taxes
A new Citizens Research Council of Michigan study found an admissions tax on Detroit sports and entertainment venues could raise between $14 million and $47 million annually, depending on the tax rate.
Posted inCity Council Notebook
Detroit lawyers to prosecute some misdemeanor cases to ease Wayne County caseload
Detroit City Council is back from recess. Malachi has updates from formal session on new efforts to aid Wayne County prosecutors, bus fare system updates, a Rouge Park master plan and more.
Posted inCity Council Notebook, Police & Public Safety
Residents worry Detroit could be next for Trump troops
Trump hasn’t mentioned Detroit, but the president has said he plans to send troops to crack down on crime in “Democrat-run” cities like Chicago.
Posted inElection 2025
Sheffield touts ‘progressive’ agenda in final phase of mayoral race
Sheffield said she’s looking forward to intimate conversations with voters where she can dive deeper into her platform after having to deliver short soundbites at primary candidate forums. Rev. Solomon Kinloch’s campaign has also positioned the Triumph Church leader as a grassroots working-class champion.
Posted inElection 2025
Detroit council candidate rejects check from Dan Gilbert fund
District 6 Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero turned down $5,000 from Rocket PAC.
Posted inCity Council Notebook, Civic and Community Information, Jobs & Economic Development
Benefit talks for DCFC stadium need community volunteers
Detroit City FC is pursuing a $192 million project at the old Southwest Hospital site in Corktown.
Posted inCity Council Notebook
Detroit’s new missing person alert system
This week in The Notebook: The city deploys new missing person alerts, a historic designation boundary for SW Detroit and crumbling bridges.