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Articles by Cryss Walker
Rev. Horace L. Sheffield, III, Announces Support for GM and Bedrock Proposal to Reimagine Detroit’s Renaissance Center
Rev. Horace L. Sheffield, III, Announces Support for GM and Bedrock Proposal to Reimagine Detroit’s Renaissance Center Reimagining Detroit's Skyline and Future DETROIT, MI, UNITED STATES, September 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As someone who plans to begin limiting my civic engagement, I wanted to make one final contribution to an important conversation about the future of Detroit before I do.
Warren police suspect foul play in case of missing father
/ CBS Miami WARREN, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - It's been 14 days since James Wilkins was last seen, and police say the details in his case are raising concerns. CBS News Detroit's Cryss Walker has been on top of the investigation. Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer says investigators suspect foul play in the case. "The family is very concerned, and it's very disturbing to them that he just all of a sudden is missing," Dwyer said.
Michigan driver's license reinstatement clinic draws thousands
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Driving with a suspended license can lead to sitting behind bars. It's something thousands of Michiganders would like to avoid, and many took a step toward that Wednesday. The Michigan Department of State is hosting to assist residents. In 2021, the Clean Slate to Drive Law went into effect, stopping suspensions for missed court dates and unpaid fees.
Six Detroit organizations selected for ShotStoppers funding
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Nobody knows a community like the people who live there, and the City of Detroit is taking that approach to help reduce violent crime. Last week, Detroit City Council approved $700,000 annual contracts for six organizations under the ShotStoppers program.
How freedom produced Black Bottom
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Historians at the Charles H. Wright Museum in Detroit say Juneteenth is the celebration of the strength of Black people. People who were freed with no place to go. People who built communities out of nothing Now, 158 years after emancipation, Black people are still thriving from the sacrifices made by their ancestors. "Finding family, finding a way to live," said Charles H. Wright Museum manager of community engagement Yolanda Jack.
"He would never leave his children"
/ CBS Detroit WARREN, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - The family of a missing Warren man is speaking out for the first time. They say it's been five days since James Wilkins was last seen and the details surrounding his disappearance are leaving them feeling uneasy. His family told CBS Detroit's Cryss Walker it's not like him to go without speaking to his children, or missing work, and now they're frantically looking for answers to find the father of two.
Cinema Detroit closing, starting pop-up screenings at UM-Dearborn
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Cinema Detroit will soon close its doors in Midtown after 10 years in business. Now, the owners are taking their shows on the road with pop-up screenings to keep rare and independent films on the big screen. Paula Guthat says there's no better way to experience a movie than watching it in a theatre with surround sound, in a dark setting, in jumbo vision. But her efforts to keep a local theater thriving in Detroit came with its challenges.
100 Ann Arbor residents set to receive over $500 monthly to supplement income
/ CBS Detroit 100 Ann Arbor residents set to receive over $500 monthly to supplement income ANN ARBOR, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - A new Guaranteed Income Pilot Program is launching in the city of Ann Arbor to help low to mid-income residents make ends meet through monthly payments for two years. The program is a University of Michigan research initiative through poverty solutions. A hundred Ann Arbor residents will receive $530 a monthly, but details on the exact qualifications are still in the works.
Dearborn golf course celebrates 100th anniversary
/ CBS Detroit DEARBORN, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - A Dearborn golf course is reopening after a devastating flood, and its return is coming on the hills of a milestone. Dearborn Hills Golf Course is getting back on course after floods forced its doors shut and the facility is reopening with a centennial celebration. It's been more than a year since players had a game on the green following a log jam that overflowed the Rogue River and damaged the grounds at Dearborn Hills.
E. coli warning closes swimming access at Belle Isle Beach
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Belle Isle Beach usually attracts dozens on weekdays and even hundreds on a hot weekend, but heightened levels of E. coli are stopping people from enjoying the water. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources tested the water at Belle Isle Beach late last week and the results show elevated levels of E. coli. Swimming access at the beach is now closed.
Small Business Straightway brings small business owners to Detroit Grand Prix
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - The flags were waving in downtown Detroit as thousands of race fans flooded the streets for the return of the Chevrolet Grand Prix presented by Lear. On Sunday, the Grand Prix weekend crossed the finish line, and the attraction drove up sales for small business owners. The Small Business Straightaway at Cadillac Square brought 29 businesses from each district under one tent to attract new customers, bringing more exposure to their brands.
Silver Springs Elementary becomes only school in Michigan to win Legacy Award
/ CBS Detroit NORTHVILLE, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Silver Springs Elementary in Northville is making a global impact for excellence in education, becoming one of 14 schools in the world to receive the Legacy honor. It's a prestigious award that took eight years to achieve. Silver Springs was acknowledged Wednesday with a 2023 Legacy Award for their efforts of inclusion. To be honored as a Legacy school is a great challenge. The recognition is the highest honor for Leader In Me schools.
$20K grant available for women of color in business
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - There's good news for women of color looking for capital to fund their businesses. A grant application is now open to receive $20,000. It's all thanks to the Fearless Foundation, an organization with a mission to help minorities grow in their business endeavors by reducing racial inequities and providing access to capital. The application for the 2023 Fearless Strivers Grant contest is now open for qualified small business owners.
High school students build home in Pontiac to provide affordable housing
/ CBS Detroit High school students build home in Pontiac to provide affordable housing PONTIAC, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Construction students in Oakland County are using their skills to build up their community. Twenty-six high school students helped build a home from the ground up and their hard work will help provide affordable housing for a local family. From the blueprint to the final project, the home was constructed by students in seven months.
Movement Fest draws over 90,000 visitors over holiday weekend
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Tens of thousands of music fans made their way downtown Monday for the final day of the Movement Musical Festival. The annual event runs every Memorial Day weekend at Hart Plaza in Detroit. Visitors enjoyed music from six stages while interacting with people from all over the world. The festival attracts over 30,000 people a day, bringing a surge of business to the local economy.
Janet Jackson wows fans at the "Together Again" tour stop in Detroit
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - The energy was high Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena where more than 13,000 fans traveled to see the legendary Janet Jackson. In addition to her iconic catalog, fans say they also come to show off their Janet-inspired looks. From jeans and crop tops to leather pants topped with the hat, it was fan flair at the "Together Again" tour stop in Detroit. "I was just trying to go with the hot denim Janet look," said Lisa Marin.
Adderall shortage leaves some waiting months for refills
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - There's a shortage of a well-known medicine used to treat ADHD and it's raising concerns for both health care providers and patients. Clinicians say the shortage of Adderall and other stimulants is having a negative impact on patients who depend on them to concentrate at work and school, which could possibly lead to depression and mental exhaustion. Adderall prescriptions are becoming hard to fill, leaving many patients scrambling to find a pharmacy to fill the order.
Trinity Health Michigan's hospital farms assist food insecure communities
PONTIAC, Mich. (WWJ) - Trinity Health Michigan is on a mission to build healthier communities, and they're starting from the ground up. The hospital group has two farms where they grow produce for patients and families. One farm is located at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac. They work to provide fresh produce to food-insecure communities. The staff at The Farm say they're starting to see more and more families sign up since the end of pandemic emergency benefits.
Trinity Health Michigan's hospital farms assist food insecure communities
By CRYSS WALKER Click here for updates on this story PONTIAC, Michigan (WWJ) — Trinity Health Michigan is on a mission to build healthier communities, and they’re starting from the ground up. The hospital group has two farms where they grow produce for patients and families. One farm is located at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac. They work to provide fresh produce to food-insecure communities.
Trinity Health Michigan's hospital farms assist food insecure communities
/ CBS Detroit PONTIAC, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Trinity Health Michigan is on a mission to build healthier communities, and they're starting from the ground up. The hospital group has two farms where they grow produce for patients and families. One farm is located at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac. They work to provide fresh produce to food-insecure communities. The staff at The Farm say they're starting to see more and more families sign up since the end of pandemic emergency benefits.
Youth summer camp teaches kids history of Belle Isle, Detroit River
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Summer break is the perfect time to get kids to explore the outdoors and a new youth program is set to do just that. Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle is offering a youth summer camp. The camp runs June 25-30 for kids 8 to 12 years old. Kids will have the opportunity to learn about the Detroit River and how it serves nearby communities.
Detroit mayor calls US Census Bureau "most incompetent division in the entire federal government"
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is calling out the U.S. Census Bureau for claims of inaccurate reporting. The mayor says the numbers don't add up with postal and utility data. "You've got DTE saying there's been 5,000 more houses in Detroit that have electricity and gas," Duggan said. "The postal services say we're delivering mail to 6,000 more houses.
"I wanted to live"
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - It's a problem that one in three women and 25% of men will experience in their lives -- violence by an intimate partner. One woman is sharing her story of survival to raise awareness about the warning signs of abuse. To protect this survivor's identity, we won't disclose her name, but she'll be referred to as Jane Doe. "My car keys is missing or I ain't got no air in my tire when all my tires were up from the last time I drove the car.
DWSD set to replace 5,000 lead service lines in Detroit this summer
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - The City of Detroit is kicking off construction season with a lead service line replacement project. Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Director Gary Brown says the goal is to replace all lead services lines by 2038. There are approximately 80,000 houses in Detroit with lead service lines. This summer, 5,000 lines are set to be replaced with another 10,000 slated for next year. Three thousand lines have already been replaced.
Comcast RISE grant offers $5,000 to small business owners
(CBS DETROIT) - Comcast is offering assistance to small business owners through a grant package that provides capital and marketing resources. Erica Pietrzyk says she knows the challenges of running a small business. She opened Pietrzyk Pierogi inside Gratiot Central Market just before the start of the pandemic. In 2020, Pietrzyk says she had to get creative to keep her business running. "No longer had dine-in seating," she said.
Childcare workers rally for higher wages
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Dozens of childcare providers closed their doors Monday for A Day Without Childcare. Workers from across the state united with local families and supporters to bring awareness to low wage jobs, staff shortages and access to affordable programs. "We enjoy what we're doing and at the same time we want to be respected," said Nina Hodge, an organizer of the Detroit rally and owner of Above and Beyond Learning Childcare Center. "This is an industry.
Terrifying active shooter drill at youth psychiatric hospital leads to lawsuits
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - An active shooter drill at a youth psychiatric hospital in Northville Township is causing outrage. Two lawsuits claim patients and staff were not told about the drill ahead of time, leaving them mentally scared. The incident happened December 21, 2022, at Hawthorn Center. The suits claim calls came over the paging system saying two males with AR-15s were inside the building and shots were fired.
Detroit Means Business Summit draws hundreds of entrepreneurs to Ford Field
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Detroit Means Business is a coalition dedicated to the needs of growing small businesses in the city. Tuesday the organization brought over 300 entrepreneurs together to expand their network. Mamba Hamissi is the co-owner of Baobob Fare, an east African restaurant in Detroit.. He says he want to share his message about concept creation and marketing with other business owners to help them grow. "For me, those are the key components to the business," Hamissi said.
Federal officials say demand for passports increasing, may create delays
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - If you're planning a vacation out of the country this summer, your travel plans might be a bust if you don't have a passport. As more Americans are traveling internationally again, the U.S. Department of State reports an increased demand for passports, and the influx of requests could delay your trip for months. The department is encouraging travelers to renew or request their passports as soon as possible. The agency is reporting a record-breaking uptick in requests.
26 Warren residents celebrate their 100th birthday, honored with tree planting ceremony
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - On Friday, the City of Warren recognized a breakthrough birthday for residents who lived through a century of history. The party brought family, friends and community leaders together for the celebration. The centennial celebration honored 26 residents with a gift that will stand the test of time. "This tree will be planted in honor of each of the 100-year-olds today," said Warren Mayor Jim Fouts.
Detroit Sports Commission prepares for 2024 NFL Draft
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - The fan fare is high for the 2024 NFL Draft and that energy is felt locally. As this year's NFL Draft is underway in Kansas City, the Detroit Sports Commission is getting a final glimpse at how things are organized ahead of next season. A year from today, the draft will be taking place in Detroit, so organizers are laying out their plans for transportation, parking, and hotel accommodations.
New thrift shop will help support abuse survivors
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - The grand opening of Turning Point's Second Hand Rose Resale Store and Donation Center drew a large crowd, filled with shoppers, community and government leaders. They all came together for one purpose, to support an organization that supports a vulnerable population. Turning Point is a non-profit that provides housing and wrap-around services for survivors of human trafficking, sexual and domestic abuse.
Buddy's Pizza hosts Annual Slice For Life Fundraiser
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - A Detroit favorite, Buddy's Pizza is cooking up pies for charity. The popular chain is partnering with Capuchin Soup Kitchen to help create change in the community. The 47th Annual Buddy's Pizza Slice for Life fundraiser will give 20% of all sales to Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The organization began its work in Detroit back in 1883, providing meals, substance abuse disorder support, urban farming and youth programs.
Ford Road ramp on I-275 closing Monday through late July Original
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Get ready to pack your patience if you're going to be driving on I-275 come Monday morning. Drivers are looking for creative ways to get around the southern region of the metro-area. Starting at 6am the eastbound Ford Road ramp that connects to I-275 moving northbound will be closed through July, so you should plan to get an early start on your commute.
Detroit City Councilmember introduces ordinance to ban cashless businesses
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - It's all about economic inclusion. That's what Detroit City Councilmember Angela Whitfield Calloway says about banning cashless businesses. As the trend begins to grow the district two representative says she wants to make sure Detroit consumers have options. Whitfield Calloway is introducing an ordinance to Detroit City Council to ban cashless business operations.
Oakland County working to help residents with Medicaid redetermination
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Time is running out on Covid-19 Public Health Emergency benefits and it could put many people in jeopardy of losing health care coverage. Thousands of people throughout the state are at risk of losing Medicaid, but health regulators say there are options available to help avoid gaps in coverage. Medicaid renewal is back for the first time in three years.
What drivers need to know
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - It's National Work Zone Awareness Week and the Michigan Department of Transportation is sending an alert for drivers to take in slow where workers are present. Andrew Budai is a senior inspector for Tyme Engineering, a contractor hired to rehab I-275. He says his team is often at risk of getting hurt by reckless drivers. "I kind of relate it to if anyone's had the misfortune of changing their tire on the side of the freeway where you're terrified," Budai explained.
Loved ones remember slain teen, vigil held at Cass Tech
(CBS DETROIT) - Family and friends of a Detroit teen honored his life Friday at a vigil, where hundreds showed up to pay their respect. Markel Harvey, Jr. was shot and killed by a stray bullet last Friday, leaving his loved ones mourning his untimely death. Green and white balloons filled Cass Tech's football field where the vigil was held, lifting his spirit up in prayer and sharing comforting memories.
Detroit restaurant serves up pickle sandwiches, breadless options Original
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Drop the bread, pick up a pickle instead. That's the motto at What's The Dill, a local deli serving up your favorite cold cuts, without the gluten. What's The Dill's signature sandwiches are described in the company's name. Stuffed dill pickles, with meat and toppings piled high, and served chilled. "That's how our sandwiches are prepared, we don't use bread," said What's The Dill Co-Owner Kenny Milton.
MRLA offering free norovirus clean-up kits to restaurants
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - If you get hit with a food-borne illness might find yourself at an urgent center, but the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association is working to keep you from falling victim to the norovirus. The group is pushing a new campaign titled, Say No to Norovirus, and restaurants all across the state can request free clean-up kits. "We are handing out these free Say No to Norovirus kits," said MRLA Vice President Amanda Smith.
Protesters call for more security at Oakland University
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT)- Students at Oakland University are taking their message to the picket lines calling on administrators to implement more safety measures. Students are proposing for I.D. scanners. They say it's a small step in the right direction to increase security measures. "I just think the safety of my peers and professors is of utmost importance and I think that I.D. scanners would provide that safety for everyone," said junior Chloe Lebow.
Grace Centers of Hope organizes free makeovers for abuse, addiction survivors
/ CBS Detroit Grace Centers of Hope organizes free makeovers for abuse, addiction survivors ROYAL OAK, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - When you look good, you feel good. That's what organizers at Grace Centers of Hope are saying, as they get women glammed up, following a hard road to finding peace. Stylists at Hart and Harlow in Royal Oak are volunteering their skills to give makeovers to women embarking on new lives.
Dreamtroit, a new apartment complex provides affordable housing, culture
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - There's a new project developing in the Elijah McCoy neighborhood, called Dreamtroit, where a vibrant community of affordable housing is emerging in a vibrant community. Matthew Naimi and Oren Goldenberg is making a commitment to preserve the arts and culture community in northwest Detroit. The pair secured $30 million to redevelop an auto plant built in the early 1900s. "It was the Warren Motor Car Company and the original Lincoln factory," Naimi said.
Pistons Forward Marvin Bagley volunteers at Gleaners for new food initiative
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - There's a big effort underway to help fight food insecurity in Metro-Detroit and one of the area's largest food banks is getting a big donation in goods to help families in need. The Detroit Pistons and Kroger is partnering for their Points For Pounds initiative.
Pensole Lewis students pitch ideas to design student center
/ CBS Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Michigan's first and only HBCU is making strides to bring more opportunities for design students and they're starting with their own campus. Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design is giving students a chance to renovate spaces on school grounds to help creatives draw inspiration. Design students got a chance to pitch their ideas to reimagine the student center while putting their creative and analytical skills.
State extending program to help delinquent property tax homeowners
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Homeowners looking for property tax relief for delinquent balances might be eligible for up to $25,000 to help pay off housing debts. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is announcing assistance for residents facing property tax foreclosures. The Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund, also known as MI-HAF, has $242 million in federal funds to help clear mortgage payments, utilities and property taxes for eligible applicants.
Community leaders transforming alleys into art spaces
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - In the past, alleys in Detroit were neighborhood eyesores and now community block clubs are transforming them into gathering spaces. For 10 years, Victoria Thomas has been working to create a safe place for kids to play. She had a dream to create a bike trail in a neighborhood alley, called The Yellow Brick Road.
Burger King closing 26 locations in Michigan, customers left disappointed
Customers pulling up to the Burger King on Grand River near Evergreen Monday say they're not having their way and they're not happy about it. They say they're disappointed to see this location and 25 others close its doors. "Man, listen, I was about to grab me a whopper with cheese, listen with extra mayo," said customer Katrina Allen. EYM King of Michigan is closing 26 stores.
Burger King closing 26 locations in Michigan, customers left disappointed
Customers pulling up to the Burger King on Grand River near Evergreen Monday say they're not having their way and they're not happy about it.They say they're di
Burger King closing 26 locations in Michigan, customers left disappointed
/ CW50 Detroit (CBS DETROIT) - Customers pulling up to the Burger King on Grand River near Evergreen Monday say they're not having their way and they're not happy about it. They say they're disappointed to see this location and 25 others close its doors. "Man, listen, I was about to grab me a whopper with cheese, listen with extra mayo," said Katrina Allen, a customer. EYM King of Michigan is closing 26 stores.
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