RAQUEL CASTANEDA-LOPEZ

A bridge battle is brewing in Detroit having to do with the Moroun family’s plan to build a new span across the Detroit River. To do that, they need a key piece of land that was promised to them years ago by the city.

After a chaotic year of scandal for the Detroit City Council, the 2021 General Election could be just as messy.

"At no time have they gave us any indication that the residents were in danger."

State officials said there’s no threat to the public, but residents disagree.

DETROIT – On Sunday’s episode of Flashpoint there was a conversation about the rise of domestic terrorism and mass violence with Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan’s 8th Congressional District. There was also a discussion about marijuana business licenses being distributed by the City of Detroit. Detroit City Council members Janee Ayers, James Tate and Raquel Castaneda-Lopez spoke about the topic. They weighed in on marijuana licensing in the city and the priority to include legacy Detroiters. Segment OneRep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan’s 8th Congressional DistrictSegment TwoDetroit City Council members Janee Ayers, James Tate and Raquel Castaneda-LopezSegment ThreeFlashpoint host Karen Drew wraps up this week’s episode

DETROIT Elected officials from the federal, state and local level sent a letter Wednesday to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Police Chief James Craig and the Board of Police Commissioners (BOPC) calling for an independent investigation into use of force by Detroit police against protesters. The letter was signed by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Michigan Sen. Stephanie Chang, Detroit City Council President Pro Temp Mary Sheffield (District 5) and City Councilor Raquel Castaeda-Lpez (District 6). In addition to a duty to intervene when other officers are using excessive force, officers cannot use chokeholds or fire a weapon from moving vehicles. A lawsuit was filed by Detroit Will Breathe and 14 individuals, seeking a temporary restraining order enjoining the city of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department from using certain tactics. They alleged that police responded to protests with excessive force and violated their first and fourth amendment rights.

click to enlarge EGLESite of the collapse along the Detroit River. Detroit residents and environmental activists are urging the city to adopt a new ordinance aimed at protecting the Detroit River from unscrupulous polluters.Councilwoman Raquel Castaneda-Lopez on Tuesday introduced the Detroit River Protection Ordinance, which would require the city to conduct regular inspections of companies operating along the river.The ordinance is a response to a dock that collapsed and spilled contaminated soil into the Detroit River in November. The company responsible for the collapse, Detroit Bulk Storage, was stockpiling large mounds of gravel along the river without a permit to do so. It also establishes penalties and enforcement actions and requires emergency management protocols in the event of contamination.Detroiters deserve immediate action that will protect our Great Lakes and drinking water. Its clear we have gaps in our laws and are currently failing to adequately protect our riverfront and drinking water.

Its been a long week of drama in the Michigan recount and the outcome will not change, but it revealed some major issues in the voting process. The Pistons will be making a move downtown and sports fans are excited. The shortcomings of RTA caused the ballot initiative. Devin Scillian was joined by Steve Neavling, writer for Motor City Muckraker, Portia Roberson, Detroit Division of Civil Rights and Ethics, and Sheila Cockrel, former Detroit City Council member, to discuss the recount. An Detroit City Council Members Raquel Castaneda-Lopez and Scott Benson talked about the Pistons move to Detroit and the failure of RTA.