Whether you read one or one hundred of them, thank you for relying on us to keep you informed. I take that responsibility quite seriously.
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 inArts & Culture, Transportation
Detroit’s version of ‘Subway Takes’ explores what’s moving people
Increased attention on the People Mover comes as public officials recognize that reversing Michigan’s population slide requires attracting young people with cool places and reliable public transportation.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook, Housing
Report promotes land bank’s impact amid debate over its future
The land bank is granted unique powers under state law, allowing it to clear titles quickly, eliminate liens and past claims and hold property without paying taxes.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook
Don’t get caught slipping on Detroit sidewalk maintenance
City ordinances require property owners to remove snow and ice within 24 hours after snow has fallen to ensure sidewalks are safe for public travel.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook
What’s next for Detroit reparations?
A leader of Detroit’s Reparations Task Force plans to “apply pressure” to the incoming mayoral administration and City Council to ensure their policy recommendations are taken seriously.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook
What will Sheffield do with campaign cash reserve?
The law allows candidates to retain unspent donations for their next race. If the mayor-elect doesn’t seek reelection and terminates her committee, she could donate the funds to a political party committee, a tax-exempt charity or refund donors, among other things.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook, Transportation
Transit advocate donates winter essentials. He could use your help
Michael Cunningham is on the streets, regularly giving away donated hand warmers and essential winter gear to Detroiters waiting for buses across the city.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook
Who is Detroit’s first ‘first gentleman?’
Malachi has the latest in Detroit government news: Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield got married, a new City Council is sworn in and more.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
In ‘exit interview,’ Duggan reflects on riverfront future, NFL Draft near disaster
Duggan decided not to seek reelection so he could run for governor of Michigan in 2026 as an independent candidate.
Posted inHousing, Political and Public Policy Information
$63M spent on Detroit home repair in 2024, but much more is needed
A Citywide Home Repair Task Force partnered with Data Driven Detroit over the last year to document the efforts of more than 30 organizations that completed 3,058 home repair interventions in 2024.