The Metro
"The Metro" covers local and regional news and current affairs, arts and cultural events and topics, with a commitment to airing perspectives and uncovering stories underreported by mainstream media in Detroit.
Most Recent Episode
Michigan Shakespeare Festival cancels 2025 season over funding cuts
Many arts organizations across the state of Michigan are struggling to balance their budgets after the Trump administration’s recent blows to federal grant funding.
That includes the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, which recently canceled its 30th season due to "a perfect storm of events," including disappearing grants, donors pulling back and lower-than-expected ticket sales, according to the festival's website.
Janice L. Blixt , producing artistic director for the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, joined The Metro to discuss the organization's future and how they're navigating uncertain times.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
More Episodes
Detroit's composer laureate is creating music inspired by sounds of the city
The Detroit Office of Arts Culture and Entrepreneurship appointed its first Composer Laureate in December, Patrick Prouty.
Embracing his role as an advocate for and representative of Detroit’s musical heritage, he’s also working to inspire a new generation of musicians to live and create in the city.
Producer Cary Junior II spoke to Prouty about how he plans to keep Detroit musicians in Detroit, his career, music and more on today’s episode of The Metro.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Experts warn of a rough road ahead for the auto industry
John McElroy is a thought leader in the auto industry. He currently broadcasts three radio segments on WWJ, writes a blog for Auto Blog and a monthly column for Wards Auto.
Speaking with WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, McElroy warned that the industry is at “a near breaking point, particularly in Michigan."
"There is a host of things that is hitting the industry all at once, and unprecedented in history," he said. "So it's something where I think we need much greater leadership than what we're seeing right now within the industry itself — from our elected leaders as well — because we've seen the U.S. auto industry shrink tremendously over the last couple of decades, and without the proper policies and procedures coming in place, we're in danger of losing a whole lot more."
McElroy says the price of cars is too high, tariffs are hurting the market, and the electric vehicle transition has stalled.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
The beloved coach behind Detroit's biggest track stars
D.L. Holmes was the athletic director, track and cross-country coach at Wayne State University from 1917 to 1958. In a time when segregation in sports was the norm, Holmes coached athletes of all races, a radical act. He coached three Olympians, one gold medalist and 11 All-Americans.
Holmes, a beloved mentor known for nurturing hidden talent, was instrumental in nine national championship wins and four world record holders.
In his new book, "Coach of Champions," Troy author Keith D. Wunderlich tells the story of Coach Holmes through team member interviews and "historically informed narratives." Wunderlich is Holmes' grandson and a former sprinter.
He joined The Metro to talk about the book and Holmes' legacy in Detroit and beyond.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Ferndale library shares tips for fostering a love of reading this summer
For many people — especially younger generations — recreational reading has become less common in recent years.
According to data from the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future Survey of high schoolers, the amount of 12th grade students who read six or more books for fun have dropped steeply from the 1970s through 2022, while the number of students who haven't read any books for fun increased significantly.
Today on The Metro, we were joined by Everett Pine and WDET's own Jeff Milo from the Ferndale Area District Library to share the many ways to help encourage a love of reading among younger generations. They also spoke about the library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, which kicks off this Saturday, June 7, with a Kickoff Party and Sign-Up Spree from noon to 4 p.m.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Triumph Pastor Solomon Kinloch talks church legacy, Detroit mayoral race
For many faithful folks in Detroit, Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. is a familiar name and face. As the senior pastor at Triumph Church, he’s known for his powerful sermons and community outreach. The church has over 35,000 members, according to its website.
But now he’s on the political stage running for mayor of Detroit, and this is an arena where he’s not as well known.
Kinloch is the only candidate in the mayoral race who has not held an elected position. But he views that as one of his strengths, and believes residents are tired of career politicians leading the city.
He says his campaign's message is rooted in service, leadership and intentional change, which he hopes will set him apart from other candidates.
Metro producer Cary Junior II spoke with Kinloch at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference about how his experience leading Triumph Church will inform his priorities as mayor.
The conference is aimed to bring together business leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting Michigan’s economy, politics, and future.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
How a Grand Rapids cancer center is using AI to identify, help treat disease
A cancer treatment center in Grand Rapids is bringing the future of medicine into the present.
BAMF Health, founded and led by Anthony Chang, PhD, is one of the world's largest Theranostics centers — considered a groundbreaking and less traditional approach to cancer treatment.
It uses full-body scans and smart AI tools to spot disease earlier and choose the right treatment for each patient. The AI algorithms analyze images in seconds, which helps doctors identify tumors, plan therapies, and adjust care on the fly. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute have called it “the next big shift in precision medicine.”
So, is this kind of technology the future of health care? And where does it fall short?
Chang joined The Metro on Tuesday to discuss how AI and advanced imaging are changing health care, and his plans to open a BAMF Health facility in Detroit this fall.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Detroit youth shine at Keys2Life Performing Arts Summer Camp
Finding enriching child care options can often be a challenge for parents during the summer months, especially for those looking for programs specifically geared toward the arts.
For the past 12 years, Wayne State University's "Keys2Life Performing Arts Summer Camp" has provided that outlet to metro Detroit students ages 11-13.
The six-week day camp program, led by Detroit youth nonprofit The Yunion, offers a diverse range of performing arts experiences, led by top Detroit artists, mentors and certified teachers.
Camp Director Darell Campbell Jr. joined The Metro on Tuesday to share more about what this year's program will entail.
Registration is now open for the day camp, which runs 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 3o through Aug. 8. on the campus of Wayne State University. For more information, including rates, visit theyunion.org/camp.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
The important legacy and activism behind Motor City Pride
The streets of Detroit will be filled with color and courage this weekend as Motor City Pride returns to Hart Plaza June 7-8.
The annual festival and parade is Michigan's largest LGBTQ+ pride event, but it offers much more than just a celebration.
Fifty-six years after the Stonewall Uprising ignited the modern movement for LGBTQ rights, Pride remains both a celebration and a protest. And in 2025, that duality feels more urgent. Since January, the Trump administration has enacted multiple executive orders rolling back LGBTQ protections.
These federal actions mirror a broader national trend. More than 580 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures this year alone, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. These bills target health care, education, and public accommodations.
In this climate, Motor City Pride is more than a parade. It’s a declaration that visibility is vital.
Dave Wait, chairperson of Motor City Pride, joined The Metro on Tuesday to discuss the event's history and important legacy of advocacy and what that looks like in today's political climate.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Bridging Communities hosts golf event to help seniors stay active and independent
Physical exercise is essential to a healthy routine. And it becomes even more important as we grow older and our bodies naturally slow down. According to the CDC, adults over the age of 65 should engage in moderately intense aerobic exercises like a brisk walk or more vigorous exercises like running or jogging.
While this sounds simple, finding the motivation to exercise can be challenging. Our next guest provides these kinds of opportunities for seniors who need the extra help socializing and staying active.
Bridging Communities is a grassroots non-profit that connects people to resources and programs that promote senior independence, housing stability and healthy communities. It strives to help seniors age in place by providing access to resources that address their basic needs.
This Sunday the organization hosts its 15th annual golf outing for senior citizens, which encourages seniors to get more active using the sport.
Today on The Metro we talk with Katrice Perry, the Executive Director of Bridging Communities. She joined us to discuss the golfing event and the other services her organization has to offer to the elderly community.
Breaking through bureaucracy with Soap Box Detroit
While the Detroit Documenters are providing easier access to information on local government, they’re not the only ones.
Dan Arking is a lawyer for the City of Detroit, but during the pandemic, he created the website Soap Box Detroit. It’s a one-stop shop for so much information about Detroit’s local government.
In our segments with the Documenters, we frequently unpack the actions of local commissions, committees, and task forces. But in what ways do they all differ?
Arking sat down with Producer Jack Filbrandt and Detroit Documenter Coordinator Noah Kincade to help us cut through the bureaucracy.
The Metro: Pawchella wants more for our pets
Pawchella is an upcoming festival back for its second year on June 7 and 8. The festival helps MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education Center raise funds to care for thousands of animals at their facility each year. They strive to bring second chances to our furry friends. Every ticket sold helps provide a safe home and essential care for a furry friend in need.
Joining us on The Metro is Nova Zorock, the events and communications manager for Metro Detroit Animals to talk about the event.
DIA to add Tiff Massey’s work to permanent collection
The Detroit Institute of Arts is a world-renowned museum. But, but how many pieces in its collection are made by a Detroiter? Tiff Massey's "Baby Bling" will soon be acquired by the DIA. Salvador Salort-Pons, the museum's Director, told the Metro that the DIA is acquiring “Baby Bling” from Massey and adding it to the museum’s permanent collection.
"We are acquiring "Baby Bling," and I'm very excited about this, and this will be on view in, I hope [...] our contemporary wing, and I hope it will be part of the reinstallation," says Salvador Salor-Pons
Lots of people traveled and spent their weekends at the DIA over the past year. Tiff Massey’s "7 Mile + Livernois" wasn’t just an exhibit, it was an event for the culture. The exhibit represented Black Detroit in some of its rawest forms.
In 2015, the DIA responded to some critics who thought the DIA and other art institutions could do better to serve Detroit and Metro Detroit. In response, it created a Talent and Diversity subcommittee and later in 2020, created its inclusion, diversity and access or IDEA strategy.
Recent exhibitions like Massey's "7 Mile + Livernois" suggest the strategy to make the DIA a more inclusive and representative space is working.
Museum Director Salvador Salort-Pons and exhibition curator Katie Pfol joined The Metro to discuss how the exhibition’s success marks a turning point for the Museum.
Salvador shared that the museum's year-long showcase of the tiff Massey exhibit was just the tip of the iceberg.
The Detroit Institute of Arts plans to reinstall its contemporary African American galleries to a more prominent location in the museum in October. The new location will be adjacent to the renowned Diego Rivera court.
Too soon to celebrate Detroit's population growth?
The 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference became all about how to increase Michigan’s population.
After that conference, politicians, demographers and economists were theorizing about how to increase the state population. Last December, newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed that Michigan increased its population by about 57,000. And last month, we got word that Detroit also increased its population by 6,800 residents.
What should we make of these numbers? Are they too small to celebrate? Or, is the state and its largest city on a path to continue the trend?
Metro Producer Sam Corey spoke with Citizens Research Council President Eric Lupher at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference last week to learn more.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Whitmer ‘not happy’ about possible pardons for men involved in her kidnapping plot
The U.S. Department of Justice and the White House are looking at pardoning the two men convicted in the 2020 plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that the men convicted in the kidnapping plot were victims of “a railroad job.”
Whitmer shared her reaction to the news with WDET’s Russ McNamara at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Thursday, saying she’s not happy that the justice department — and the president — are even considering pardons.
He joined The Metro to talk more about their conversation.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Skillman Foundation CEO shares strategies for supporting Detroit youth
The Skillman Foundation is one of Detroit’s most influential philanthropic organizations, using millions of dollars to shape education policy and priorities in the city.
As Detroit’s public schools struggle with chronic underfunding, low literacy rates, and crumbling infrastructure, Skillman’s decisions hold real weight for educators, parents and children.
Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, joined The Metro during the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference to talk about how the foundation is leveraging its wealth and influence to truly change the trajectory for Detroit kids.
Power said while people across Michigan want something better for Detroit youth, the education systems in the city are "complicated."
"History matters in terms of the things that have happened to Detroit," she said. "Whether it is things that policy has done, things that philanthropy sometimes have done, often it happened to Detroiters, or for Detroiters, but not with Detroiters."
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Is Michigan doing enough to prepare K-12 students for higher education?
Michigan schools have struggled since the pandemic, with students lagging behind in reading and math skills compared to other states across the country.
These skills predict how successful they will be once they enroll in college. Not every student wants to go to a traditional college. But for the ones who do, how do we prepare them? What does it really take to prepare students for college — and beyond — in a state where so many are falling behind?
Bryan Beverly, director of the Office of K-12 Outreach at Michigan State University, joined The Metro live during the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss the challenges and opportunities for reshaping education for the next generation.
Beverly spoke about the many ways his office works to engage K-12 students and prepare them for professional learning opportunities around the state.
"[You have to] create an environment where [students] feel comfortable sharing what interests them, and then how can you provide supports around their interests," Beverly said. He continued: "...It's more about creating a culture where students feel safe more than specific strategies to pull things out of them; you want to make sure that the students feel safe and invited to the conversation."
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Michigan US Sen. Gary Peters on 'passing the torch'
Michigan U.S. Sen. Gary Peters is preparing to retire after a decades-long career in politics and public service.
Peters has championed Michigan’s Great Lakes, leading efforts that brought nearly a billion dollars in restoration funds to the state. He's passed legislation to protect the mental health of veterans. And he’s fought for critical infrastructure — securing funding for the Soo Locks, a lifeline for Michigan industries.
As he steps away from Washington, Peters joined The Metro during the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference to help us to reflect on this work and what the next person elected to his seat must do as Democrats face historically low approval ratings.
Peters says he's ready to pass the torch to the next generations of lawmakers.
"I just think it's the right thing to do," he said. "I do believe that we've gotta have new energy all the time, refresh itself, Congress has to represent the energy and the future of our country, and that means a broad cross section of people who are serving — including folks who are younger."
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
The significance of skilled trades in Michigan
There’s a constant tension in our politics and in young people’s lives. It sits between the skilled trades and a four-year college degree.
College is largely seen as the natural next step for a young teen graduating high school. But in the last few years, college has gotten more expensive, college graduates struggle to get entry positions, all while an aging workforce among the skilled trades offers more opportunity.
So now, many are wondering: What kinds of jobs should we prioritize for younger people? And what kinds of investments should we be making in training tradesworkers?
Ryan Bennett, president of multiple trades organizations — including the West Michigan Building Trades and the Michigan Pipe Trades — joined The Metro live during the Mackinac Policy Conference on Thursday to talk about skilled trades opportunities in the state.
"I was from that generation where you were taught that if you wanted to be successful in life you had to go to a four-year institution," he said. "You had to get a degree, you had to get one of those jobs that were going to be more white-collar in order to be deemed successful by all of the teachers and all of the counselors that prepped you your entire high school career."
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Activists speak out against Enbridge Line 5 expansion
Enbridge’s Line 5 oil pipeline cuts beneath the Great Lakes, stretching over 600 miles and crossing beneath the Straits of Mackinac. For decades, the pipeline has raised concerns because of its potential to spill oil and contaminate water for millions of Americans. This water is also a source of sustenance, culture and sovereignty for tribal communities.
Now, Enbridge has a proposal on the table to build a new oil tunnel to replace a section of Line 5. The Canadian oil and gas company says this will address aging infrastructure. An executive order from the Trump administration could expedite the construction of this project.
But advocates argue that the construction of this new oil tunnel and potential leaks from it pose many threats, especially to tribal fishing rights and livelihoods.
Andrea Pierce is a member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and the policy director at Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition. She spoke with me on the shores of Mackinac Island ahead of a rally on Thursday protesting the proposed oil tunnel.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Axios reporter Annalise Frank previews the Detroit mayoral debate
Countless media organizations and journalists attend the Mackinac Policy Conference to gain a better understanding of what business, nonprofit and political leaders are doing to try to improve the state.
Annalise Frank, a reporter covering Detroit for Axios, is among them. She joined The Metro to talk about the Detroit mayoral debate planned for Thursday night and what else she is covering at this year's conference.
There will be five candidates participating in tomorrow's debate, including Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, Former Detroit City Council President Saunteel Jenkins, Detroit Councilman Fred Durhal III, Detroit pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., and former Detroit Police Chief James Craig.
She says she is hoping to get a sense of what business and philanthropic and political leaders want to see from Detroit's next leader.
"Mayor Mike Duggan is not running for reelection, so it's kind of a new time for Detroit next year," she said. "So what are the policy priorities; how do we grow population in Detroit; how do we improve neighborhood corridors — there's just so much to talk about and limited funding to do it."
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Saunteel Jenkins on what sets her apart in Detroit's mayoral race
The next mayor of Detroit is not just tasked with managing the city, they also manage relationships with business and policy leaders from across the state.
Detroit’s mayor regularly attends the Mackinac Policy Conference to help build those relationships. But this election season, the candidates vying for that seat are here making their case for why they should be elected the next leader of Michigan's largest city.
Saunteel Jenkins is one of those candidates. The former Detroit City Council president most recently served as the CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund – otherwise known as THAW. She joined The Metro to talk about how her past experience has prepared her for the role, and what her priorities would be as the city's next mayor.
"I had to build coalitions with legislators in Lansing and in D.C., and work on both sides of the aisle to bring resources home for our families," she said. "There are a lot of things that I did as the CEO over the last decade that correlates with the job of the mayor."
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Debbie Dingell on what the Democratic Party stands for
In 2016, many liberals didn’t take Donald Trump seriously. They thought that he was wacky, ridiculous, offensive, and not a serious candidate for president.
But during that time, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell thought differently. She was speaking with her constituents Downriver, and it was prior to President Trump’s first term that she realized he was well-liked, that he had a good chance at becoming the most powerful person in America.
Almost a decade later, Trump has become central to the Republican Party and our politics writ large. Democrats have spent a lot of that time becoming the “anti-Trump” party. But after losing the 2024 election, many Democrats believe that position is not enough. They need to stand for something.
So, what do Democrats stand for? What should they stand for? And what do they need to do to win back the country — specifically the low-income and marginalized people they claim to champion?
Dingell joined The Metro live from the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss how she stays connected to her constituents.
"Every weekend I try to be at a couple farmers markets...I try to be in a union hall, I try to be in a veterans hall, I go to special events, I go to the grocery store — where real people are," Dingell said. "And I don't go with anybody, I go with no entourage, I don't have any staff, I go me, and people talk to me and they tell me what's on their minds, and a lot more Democrats need to do that."
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Slotkin talks Medicaid cuts, voting against California EV mandate + more at MPC
Michigan U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin spent three terms in the U.S. House before running to replace outgoing Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. She bucked the pro-GOP trend to beat Mike Rogers last November for the seat.
She spoke with WDET All Things Considered - Detroit host Russ McNamara at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference to talk about proposed cuts to Medicaid in the GOP's "Big Beautiful Bill," supporting EV manufacturing in-line with consumer demand and more.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Detroit-Windsor Tunnel CEO on Trump's trade war, region's history
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has said that the Detroit-Windsor area is the “busiest active border crossing in North America,” and that about $200 billion of trade flows between the two countries annually.
A border that is active has plenty of infrastructure that needs to be maintained. Regine Beauboeuf, CEO of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel for American Roads, oversees the bridges, tunnels and toll roads that exist between the two countries.
She joined The Metro live from Mackinac Island on Wednesday to discuss what her job entails and to provide more insight on the consequences of the trade war between the U.S and Canada.
American Roads is a U.S.-based owner and operator of transportation infrastructure, including toll assets, and currently operates three toll bridges — including the international tunnel connecting Detroit with Windsor.
She spoke about the region's unique cross-border economy and why she doesn't expect to see a major impact at the border from Trump's recent tariffs.
"Together Detroit and Windsor, really that's its own ecosystem," she said. "We've been working together; it's not just trade, it's also people [who] will come to work, like the health care workers who are coming here; you have people with families or in-laws in other countries...so there is a very strong history between Windsor and Detroit and I don't think you'll see that being affected."
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.