The citywide coalition MoveDetroit is announcing the first 13 winners of a grant aimed at increasing and stabilizing the city’s population. 

The initial Make Detroit Home awards are worth $15,000 each.

One of the recipients is local entrepreneur Karissma Yve. She says she will use the money to invest in scaling her business. 

“We hire from the city right in our community. We are excited to grow both our factory and the work that we’re doing here…I’m really excited and honored to be able to…invest (it) back into the company, but ultimately (it’s) the investment into the people in the community that we’re hiring from.” 

The coalition will offer another 300 grants of $1,000 each to assist current and future Detroiters with business projects, down payments, home renovations, rent and relocation assistance. 

Additional Headlines for Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026

Free speech survey says Michigan universities don’t make the mark

Multiple Michigan universities got failing grades in a college free speech survey. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) conducted the study for the seventh year.

It found students felt like they can’t speak on controversial topics openly on campus. 
Data analyst Chapin Lundthal Cleary says university policies, behaviors and student responses were evaluated. 

“Our goal is to protect free speech rights, both on and off campus, for all Americans…for instance, (with) the college free speech rankings…students can have a more informed idea of what the speech climate is at schools they’re considering attending.”

The University of Michigan and Central Michigan University got “F” grades for free speech and Wayne State University got a “D.” 

Detroit city council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero asks for data center moratorium

A Detroit city councilmember wants an 18-month moratorium on Al data centers while the city figures out how to regulate the facilities. 

Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero has asked council attorneys to draft an interim zoning measure that would pause permitting through March 2028.

Detroit city planners are separately developing zoning rules addressing data center infrastructure and environmental impacts. 

Mayor Mary Sheffield’s administration says it has effectively paused permits for new principal-use data centers while those regulations are being considered but her office has not formally adopted the moratorium previously requested by council. 

20,000 mail-in ballots received by the city less than a month before election

Detroit election officials say about 20,000 absentee ballots have been returned with less than a month remaining before the November election.

The city mailed roughly 100,000 absentee ballots between Sept. 19 and Sept. 24. 

Detroit has 38 absentee ballot drop boxes across the city. Election officials say the early return rate is encouraging as they prepare for the Nov. 3 election. 

In Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood, front steps turn into mini concert venues. Think dozens of short sets, and neighbors wandering from stoop to stoop.

The sixth annual Woodbridge Porch Concerts returns with the same goal, connecting in real life.

The porch series is organized by Woodbridge Neighborhood Development. The nonprofit is working to keep the neighborhood eclectic and affordable. They want people to be connected, not just housed.

Jai Singletary is the executive director of the organization.  He says preserving a neighborhood’s sense of place means making room for both homes and harmony. Jason Rho is a musician who’s played every year at the porch concerts since their inception. 

Both join The Metro to talk more about the Woodbridge community and why its important to simply talk to you neighbor.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and stream on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts

More stories from The Metro

The City of Detroit reported a drop in juvenile crime this past summer, despite the so-called “teen takeovers” in the city.

Mary Sheffield is touting her Occupy the Summer Initiative as a major contributor to the drop in crime among young people.

In April, the mayor announced a six-point community safety plan that included the 10-week long initiative, neighborhood action teams and promoting safe gun storage.

Sheffield says she plans to bring the event back next year. “…the numbers really showed us that our strategy is working…that gives us more of a reason to advocate before the city council to make larger investments in our young people…we will have at least what we had this year and (will) continue to find ways to expand this project year-round.”

The city reports juvenile homicides dropped from nine last summer to one this summer. Nonfatal shootings among young people were down 22%.

Additional Headlines for Oct. 6, 2026

DTE to host energy assistance, customer-centric events throughout October

DTE Energy is hosting four resource events this month to help DTE customers apply for energy assistance, receive help with payment options, get shutoff protection and more.

Funding for state energy assistance programs became available Oct. 1.

The next resource event –the second of four – will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Southfield Pavilion at 26000 Evergreen Road.

Obama in Detroit to support El-Sayed and Benson campaigns

Former President Barack Obama will be in Detroit later this month to campaign with state Democrats on the November ballot.

The Oct. 24 event will include Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Jocelyn Benson, who is running for governor.

President Trump told reporters outside the White House on Monday, Oct. 5 that he plans to return to Michigan in about a week and a half. He previously rallied with Republican candidates before the August primary election.

Michigan health department launches app to assist with quitting tobacco

The state health department has launched an app to help Michiganders quit tobacco in collaboration with National Jewish Health. The QuitLogix app is an extension of the Michigan Tobacco Quitlink online program.

It offers encouraging messages, check-ins and goal reminders. It also lets users order Nicotine Replacement Therapy products.

Residents can call the Quitlink hotline 24/7 for help quitting at 800-784-8669 or 800-Quit-Now or go to Michigan.gov/quitlink. 

BLK GRL Conglomerate fundraises for Detroit People’s Food Co-op

The BLK GRL Conglomerate is hosting a Black Girl Cash Mob this weekend to support the Detroit People’s Food Co-op.

The goal is to get 100 Black women to spend at least $20 at the Black-led community grocery Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. and to have them join as member-owners of the co-op.

The Detroit People’s Food Co-op has launched a membership drive as it faces financial challenges two years after opening. It is located at 8324 Woodward Avenue. 

Editors note: To become a member of Detroit People’s Food Co-op, patrons must pay a one-time $200 fee in lump-sum or spread out over 10 months.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts 

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council is a state agency that distributes grants to creative and cultural projects. 

While the core components of the MACC include economic development, education, and engagement, the group also forms strategies on funding, leadership, resources, outreach and research. The MACC answers to The Michigan Economic  Development Corporation.  

Recently, the MACC cut three positions from its staff. According to Nafeesah Symonette, vice-chair of the MACC board, board members were not notified of any proposed staffing cuts. 

As the grant proposal application opened, the seven person team was reduced by three staffers. Four team members remain. Symonette says 17 people from neighboring states have volunteered to help read and process proposals for the 2027 fiscal year.

The MACC currently distributes $11 million in funding through grants.

Symonette, who is also executive director for Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts, is a leader of the Detroit Partnership for Arts Education.  She says the cuts will directly impact the MACC’s ability to process and distribute grants. We may also see smaller, grass roots and rural organizations shuttering due to the cuts.

She joins The Metro to discuss what happens behind the scenes and the waning interest of arts and culture in Lansing.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and stream on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts 

More stories from The Metro

Hamtramck’s last mayoral election is still disputed.

A judge has ordered that the 37 absentee ballots found in the former city clerk’s office must be counted, despite a year-long legal battle. The candidates are former Hamtramck city council member Muhith Mahmood and current Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi.

The Wayne County Board of Canvassers originally decided not to count the 37 ballots, which were turned in days after the election.

Alharbi’s attorney says they are ready to challenge the ballots, even if they end up being counted, according to WXYZ.

They also plan to continue challenging Mahmood’s residency, despite a Wayne County judge dismissing a lawsuit over his residency last December.

Additional Headlines for Monday, Oct. 5, 2026

Forgotten Harvest hopes for 1 million pounds of food before year’s end

Forgotten Harvest is hoping to harvest 1 million lbs of food by the end of the year to feed people in need.

Lori Setera is the assistant farm manager at the Forgotten Harvest Farms in Fenton, Michigan. She says a pound of food is equal to a meal.  

“Our food here goes farmers market style, just how you see it here in these crates. A lot of our brick-and-mortar pantry partners don’t have the equipment or the space to store these giant crates. Because of that, a lot of it ends up in mobile pantries.”  

The farm supplements nutritious foods the organization distributes. They grow about 20 different crops such as cabbage, corn, broccoli, and peppers.

Around 3,000 volunteers are needed annually to help plant, weed and harvest food. Forgotten Harvest Farms still needs more volunteers to meet their goal this year. 

Virtual summit addresses race-based medicine

The Collaborative to End Race-Based Medicine-Detroit and Wayne State University’s Office of Inclusive Excellence are hosting a virtual summit about race-based medicine.  

The National Institutes of Health defines race-based medicine as “treating race as a biological or genetic trait rather than a social construct.” This leads to misdiagnoses and poor health care outcomes for minority patients—especially for those in the Black community.  

The collaborative is made up of international clinicians, legislators,  industry leaders and community members working toward ending race-based medicine through education, research and advocacy. 

Panelists at the virtual summit will discuss how bias shapes health care and public health in an age of artificial intelligence.

They will talk about how technology can help identify bias and potentially prevent harm.  

The “Held to the Light: Race, Code & Consequence in the Age of AI” event takes place Oct. 29 from 3 – 5 p.m. Register for the event here.

InterFaith Council 

The InterFaith Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a program highlighting coming-of-age traditions.

The Rites of Passage Coming of Age Across Religions event will feature a bar/bat mitzvah, a confirmation, a Hindu tradition and a Muslim rite of passage.

The program will talk about what it means for family, faith, identity and belonging.

It will be held Thursday, Oct. 8 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the North Congregation Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The event is free with registration.

State and local leaders announced a new waterway cleanup project in Detroit. The “Reclaim the Rivers” initiative will put close to $90 million toward removing toxic sediment, restoring fish habitat and public works projects along the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers.

The money comes from settlements with polluters. It could attract federal and private funding. Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson says some of the cleanup has already started. He says the extra funding will help make more of the river usable.

“Now that we have our federal and state partners coming in with the resources to be able to help, you can see what the results are and how families are flocking. As we clean up and expose more spaces to recreational uses, it allows more families to come down and enjoy our riverfront.”

Both the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers are listed as federal areas of concern for the Great Lakes region.

Additional Headlines for Friday, Oct. 2, 2026

Wayne County commissioners unanimously support Google data center initiatives 

Wayne County commissioners are unanimously supporting a package of community benefits and tax incentive for a proposed Google data center in Van Buren Township.

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans had vetoed the incentives arguing Google proposing the massive date center gave officials too little time to analyze impact on the environment. Equal Opportunity Housing Commissioner Allen Wilson voted for the tax breaks in part, he says, to show “solidarity among his fellow members.”

“No disrespect to Chief Executive Evans. I think he does a great job for the county. At the end of the day, we have got to make a determination. We have to stand strong as a commission. If we don’t stand strong as a commission, folks (will) keep stepping on you.”

For his part, County Executive Evans says he will work with the commission on the data center plan going forward. Van Buren Township officials are scheduled to consider the final site plan for the center in about two weeks.

The Detroit Lions Sunday Night Football

The Detroit Lions have a nationally broadcast Sunday night game on NBC. They match up against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The 2-1 Lions will try to build off of their last win against the 1-2 Panthers. Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m.

Hijinks at the UniverSoul Circus happening at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre

If you have the chance this weekend, check out the UniverSoul Circus at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre.

You’ll be able to see Detroit’s own Fresh the Clownsss who brings a blend of Detroit Jit dancing and high-energy clowning. The show starts tonight at 7 p.m.

Additional performances taking place in October can be found here.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode

• What are state lawmakers saying about temporarily suspending the gas tax?
• A Republican strategist weighs in on the midterm elections.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

All across the country, states are trying to alleviate the pressure at the pump with a gasoline or diesel tax suspension. Will Michigan be next? This week on WDET’s MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss the latest news and the potential of relief for Michigan drivers.

Then later in the episode we have Republican political consultant, Jason Roe, give his outlook on the 2026 midterm elections.

Roe said the despite what the polls say, he doesn’t believe the election will be a bad day for Republicans. “When it comes to these polls, you’re getting a sample of the enthusiasm from Democrats. I do think there are weighting problems. You have to take it in context.”

More from WDET:

• MichMash: Top 10 Michigan House seats that could flip in the 2026 midterms
• MichMash: Do Michigan voters want to rewrite the state’s constitution?
• Anxiety over trade war with Canada provides backdrop for Michigan U.S. Senate race

The Detroit People’s Food Co-op is seeking more residents to buy into the neighborhood grocery store.

The co-op is running out of money. They launched a campaign looking for 500 new owners and are asking customers to spend $10 when they come in.

The co-op opened in 2024 to fill a gap. The city had almost no Black owned grocery stores. The goal was for Detroiters to own their food system, not just to shop within it.

However, the people who this store was built for may not be able to afford it. The U.S. Census Bureau reports 34% of Detroiters liven in poverty. The co-op says it is bringing in close to $3 million a year. Before it opened, It projected about $80,000 a week— which is more than $4 million.  

Additional Headlines for Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026

Mayor Mary Sheffield makes effort to ensure a full Count Day

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is partnering with school districts to make sure students are in their seats for Count Day. The city has launched a series of radio, newspaper, and social media ads. 

Fall count day is used to measure the in-school attendance of students—that number dictates how much money the school district receives from the state.  

Sheffield says she wants families, parents and students in the city to understand the importance of showing up for Count Day.  

“We oftentimes talk about schools being underfunded or Detroit kids not getting the quality education that they deserve. One way that we can control that is by making sure our kids are in school, that they’re accounted for, and that we get the funding that is allocated to us for books, for teachers, for facility improvements.”

This year’s Count Day is on Wednesday, Oct. 7.  

First of its kind Jim Crow museum to open at Ferris State University

Ferris State University will now feature more than 30,000 artifacts from the Jim Crow era in its new museum space.  

David Pilgrim founded the museum. He says the new building expands what can be taught about that period in American history.  

“In our old space, we did have room to show how African Americans pushed back against oppression with activism, with achievements and quite frankly, with just living everyday lives of dignity.”

The new building also includes a reading room, seminar space, and recording studio for visitors who want to share their own Jim Crow stories and how it affects them.  

Intergenerational Wisdom Exchange Program (WiSE) bridges generational divide at Wayne State Univeristy

A new 10-week program is pairing older Black adults from Detroit with Wayne State University students to improve social connection and digital literacy. 

Dr. Rodlescia Sneed, WiSE’s program director and an assistant professor in Wayne State’s Institute of Gerontology and Department of Psychology, says social connections are important for health and well-being. Many need technology to maintain a social connection. 

“It was our goal to increase social connection and reduce loneliness among older adults, while also improving their technology skills, so that we could make improvements that impact their health and well-being.”

Sneed says the program focuses on developing one-on-one connections to reduce barriers for older adults to learn digital literacy. 

The first half of the program is focusing on sharing life stories of Detroiters. The second half of the program is learning digital literacy. 

For more information on the program, you can contact Sneed at sneedrod@wayne.edu.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The numbers can tell you what is happening in the economy, but they rarely tell you why. 

For example: among college-educated women in their prime working years, Black women are the most likely to be working or looking for work. Yet they make up about 2% of private-sector managers, according to an analysis from economist Valerie Wilson, published last month by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.

In other words, showing up is not the same as moving up.

This week, that institute brought a national conference on women and the economy to Detroit. Journalist Kimberly Adams was there, on a panel about Black women in leadership with Donna Brazile, the Democratic strategist who ran Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign.

Adams is host and senior editor of Marketplace Morning Report. She joined host Robyn Vincent on The Metro to discuss who carries the economy, who gets to lead, and when those two overlap. 

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts. Have thoughts? Email the show at metro@wdet.org.

More stories from The Metro

The Detroit Red Wings have missed the last ten Stanley Cup playoffs, the longest active postseason drought in the National Hockey League. 

They hope to end that streak in 2026-27. But first, they have to overcome much inner tumult.

That starts with a big question–what should they do about center Dylan Larkin?

Movin’ out?

The Wings drafted Larkin in 2014. He was a rookie the last time the team made the playoffs in 2016. They haven’t qualified since then.

The 30-year-old forward wants to compete for a Stanley Cup before he’s too old. When the 2025-26 ended, Larkin said he wanted out of Detroit, even though his contract has a no-trade clause.

Larkin asked then-General Manager Steve Yzerman to waive that clause and deal him to one of three contending teams. Yzerman was either unwilling or unable to meet Larkin’s demands. In July, Yzerman abruptly stepped down as GM.

As the new season begins, Larkin is still a Red Wing, but he is no longer the captain. Detroit Free Press hockey writer Helene St. James says he’s also nursing an upper body injury that could keep him off the ice.

“He missed all of the preseason,” she says. “He has practiced with the team, but so far has yet to be on a regular line, even in practice.”

Larkin anchors Detroit’s first line. He scored 34 goals last season. St. James says it wouldn’t be easy to replace that kind of production, especially since the team doesn’t have a strong second-line center.

“The question is who’s going to score the goals?” she asks. “Patrick Kane is gone. James Van Riemsdyk is gone. That’s 31 goals between them.”

Even if Larkin stays with the team and returns to the ice, they still have to find a new leader. His trade demand cost him the “C” on his jersey. But if he’s not the captain, who is?

The answer is blowin’ in the wind

“So far, nobody,” St. James says, noting that one player stands out as a possible successor to Larkin.

“Moritz Seider has all the makings of being the next captain,” she says. Seider is a defenseman and captained Germany’s national men’s team in the 2026 Winter Olympics. For now, he and forward Lucas Raymond will serve as alternate captains. 

Whoever leads the team on the ice, owner Chris Ilitch must also find someone else to guide the ship off the ice. So far, he hasn’t been able to hire an experienced GM or assistant GM to succeed Yzerman. Two days before training camp began, Ilitch temporarily promoted player development director Shawn Horcoff to interim GM.  

St. James says at this point, Horcoff might have the job for a while.

“It’s very unheard of than an assistant GM would leave his team in the middle of the season,” she says. 

Whether anyone wants Yzerman’s old job remains to be seen. St. James says the Larkin situation has tarnished the image of an Original Six team that won four Stanley Cups between 1997 and 2008.

“It’s just hard to understand how such a proud franchise could have gotten to this point.”

The Red Wings open the season against the New York Rangers on Friday, Oct. 2 at Little Caesars Arena.

In March 2025, President Donald Trump passed an executive order to “restore truth and sanity” to American history. His administration has pressured the removal of “negative history”— which often surrounds the historic struggles of people of color—while restoring Confederate statues.

Meanwhile, a Detroit artist may be the first to create an outdoor public monument to honor Civil Rights leader Malcolm X. 

Mario Moore is a multi-disciplinary artist from Detroit whose works are on display in museums and galleries across the country, including the Detroit Institute of Arts. He has a goal of erecting a 14-foot statue of Malcolm X. He believes Detroit is the perfect place to honor his life.

Moore was a student at Malcolm X Academy in the 90’s, where he learned why the leader fought for human rights. He remembers fondly mobs of angry adults, deeming the school bad for the community. The school even received death threats.

Moore plans to build a park that will be the permanent home for the monument in the Dexter/Linwood community. It’s a few blocks from Temple No. 1, where X practiced Islam.

He joined The Metro to discuss how his works are a mode of historical preservation and conversation starters.

Right now, the project is in its infancy, with a quarter of the funding raised. To support Moore and the Malcolm X Plaza, visit Canfield Consortium to learn more.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and stream on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

Start out your spooky month with a myriad of events to choose from. Craving a dance night to shake off the work week? Head to Michigan Central for Fridays at The Station.

Looking to listen to amazing tunes? Choose from a Ghost Light benefit night or a performance by Battle Elf. Venturing for something family friendly? Stop by Warren to see Adam wa Mishmish and Waheed the Dinosaur or go wild at Zoo Boo! See all of this and more in this week’s events guide from The Metro.

Upcoming events (Oct. 1-8)

Elmwood Alight 

Elmwood alight 

Oct. 1-3 

$25  

Detroit’s historic Elmwood Cemetery showcases the site’s architecture, monuments, and towering trees in vibrant glowing colors alongside art installations and music. General admission leaves you free to wander at your own pace, but guided tours are available for an additional $10 at check out, with limited space available. 

Fridays at The Station 

Michigan Central Station 

Oct. 2 

$15 

This Friday kicks off the first weekend in October in style with a journey through six eras in music ranging from the 60s to the 2010s. Detroit musicians and vocalists will feature songs from each decade. It is up to you to dress the part! Whether it’s an era you’ve lived or one that features songs you adore, show up in style. Fridays at The Station run from 6-10 p.m. 

The Detroit Flea 

  9850 Rosa Parks Blvd. Detroit, MI 

Oct. 2 

Free 

Do you have a knack for knick-knacks? Are you an aficionado of all things vintage? In search of a Friday fall sweet treat? Look no further than The Detroit Flea! From baked goods to vintage clothes and analogue music, embrace an afternoon of finds. Parking for The Detroit Flea is available on Rosa Parks Blvd, Glynn Ct, and W. Boston Blvd. This is the second to last iteration of The Detroit Flea for 2026. It runs 4-8 p.m. 

Keep the Light On: A Benefit for Ghost Light 

Ghost Light 

Oct. 2
Donation-based starting at $10 

Keep the spirit illuminated! Do you frequent the live music scene in and around Detroit? Love local bands? Be a part of a saving effort for the iconic Hamtramck live music venue, Ghost Light! Across seven hours, you’ll have the opportunity to see 10 different local bands perform amidst the safe, supportive and spunky bar defined by Ghost Light. This Friday night benefit takes place from 7 p.m. to  2 a.m. Donations can be made via Eventbrite or at the door. 

Stories and Songs with Phil Leslie 

Book Suey 

Oct. 3 

Free 

Spend an hour of the weekend at neighborhood co-op staple Book Suey in Hamtramck with Phile Leslie’s silly stories and entertaining skits! This free and open to all ages event runs from 2:30-3:30 p.m.  

We See You, Girl! – The Ultimate Political Girl Brunch 

The Vinyl Society 

Oct. 3 

$15 

Former Michigan Representative Brenda Lawrence will be a guest speaker at this event alongside current City of Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Director Jade E. Mathis Esq. Are you a natural born leader, campaign professional, nonprofit organizer or advocate in your community? Engage in critical political conversation and celebrate the women in politics that uphold the foundation of democracy. This event runs Saturday from 2-3p.m. Food and drinks are provided with the purchase of a ticket. 

Adam wa Mishmish and Waheed the Dinosaur

Larsa Palace

Oct. 3

$25

The Arabic-language children’s series Adam wa Mishmish comes to town! The voices behind the series bring characters to life through music, storytelling and shared family experience celebrating Arabic language, culture and childhood. There are two showings on Saturday: one at 12:30 p.m. and one at 3 p.m.

Battle Elf Music Collective 

Mike Kelley Mobile Homestead
Oct. 3
Free

As celebration of the Sounding Room residency, music collective Battle Elf performs live in the garage of the Mike Kelley Mobile Homestead. Battle Elf will be performing a blend of krautrock and psychadelia to mark the vinyl release of Sounding Room artists from this past year, printed by Third Man. Former WDET DJ Shigeto is one of the featured artists. Get immersed in the experience of experimental sound from 3-4 p.m. 

Paula Poundstone

Flagstar Strand Theatre

Oct. 3

$40+

Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me’s Paula Poundstone is on tour, and one of her next stops is in Pontiac this Saturday. Join her for a night of laughter and plenty of personality starting at 8 p.m.

Detroit Harvest Fest 

Ralph C. Wilson Memorial Park 

Oct. 3-4 

$5 advance / $8 at the door 

Get festive this fall at the Detroit Harvest Fest! Kids can play throughout the park, gathering candy from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Meanwhile, can adults enjoy live entertainment and full bars. Food trucks are also on-site to make sure everyone has a bite to eat, plus there are costume contests and Halloween movies playing.

Zoo Boo

Detroit Zoo 

Oct. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25

$21-27 

This family friendly event grants full access to the zoo until dusk (around 6 p.m.) to visit your favorite animals before Halloween displays light up the night. Walk the brand new Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails, gather some goodies at Trick or Treat stations, and do some hands-on learning. Not to mention Halloween face painting and live entertainment with magic, puppets, and more. Zoo Boo goes from 3-8:30 p.m. Parking for the event is $8 per vehicle. 

Sketch Sessions 

The Scarab Club 

Oct. 8 

Free for members / $17.85 for non-members 

Spend the evening amongst other artists fine tuning your sketching skills! Thursday sessions focus on gesture drawing, capturing poses and motions. Engage in the 98-year-old space while mastering your craft in drawing to your heart’s content from 6-9 p.m.

New music from Stef Chura, The Tubs, Tyler Ballgame, Sam and Louise Sullivan, Aldous Harding, Westside Cowboy and many more. Plus, Detroit artist Richard Wilson stops by to talk about his favorite Stevie Wonder tracks and his adventure to NYC to see Cleo Sol at Radio City Music Hall.

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above.

In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for September 28, 2026

• “Danny” — Stef Chura
• “Who’s Gonna Love You Now?” — The Tub
• “Live It Down” — Tyler Ballgame
• “Down on Love” — Sam and Louis Sullivan
• “One Stop” — Aldous Harding
• “Miffed It” — Way Dynamic
• “Up on the Sun” — Meat Puppets
• “Days” — Television
• “Kick Stones (The Boys)” — Westside Cowboy
• “Beige Days” — SOYUZ
• “Midnight (Acoustic)” — Jessie Ware
• “Cha Cha Slide” — Getdown Services
• “Lazy Daisy” — Tara Clerkin Trio
• “If I Let You” — The Womack Sisters
• “Waiting on the Right Time” — Thee Sacred Souls
• “Enchantia” — Domenique Dumont
• “free fall” — berlioz
• “Love Is Stronger Than Pride” — Ian Fink
• “Soul Lament” — Kenny Burrell
• “Crazy He Calls Me” — Aretha Franklin
• “Like Swimwear (feat. Anna Butterss, Jay Bellerose & Josh Johnson)” — Jeff Parker & ETA IVtet
• “This Is How We Walk on the Moon (feat. Tirzah)” — Speakers Corner Quartet
• “Shadows From Nowhere” — Blue Gas
• “In The Middle of the Night” — Ronald Langestraat
• “On the Level” — Mac DeMarco
• “My Love Is On Fire (DJ Spinna Remix)” — Stevie Wonder
• “God in Disguise” — Sault
• “Can We Pretend” — Bill Withers
• “Knocks Me Off My Feet” — Stevie Wonder
• “As” — Stevie Wonder

Listen to In the Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org.

The fall song-a-thon on In The Groove rolls on with so many excellent selections from you. Thank you again for all the great messages and songs—this is by far the most listener-picked songs we’ve ever played on this show! 50+ and counting…

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above.

In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for September 25, 2026

• “Golden Brown” – The Stranglers (fall song picked by you!)
• “Boy With a Coin” – Iron & Wine (fall song picked by you!)
• “Out on the Weekend” – Neil Young (fall song picked by you!)
• “First Glimmer” – Paul Westerberg (fall song picked by you!)
• “October (Love Song)” – Chris & Cosey (fall song picked by you!)
• “Pass This On” – The Knife (fall song picked by you!)
• “Sunset” – Thornetta Davis (fall song picked by you!)
• “Your Song” – Elton John (fall song picked by you!)
• “Nervion” – Allison de Groot & Rich Ruth 
• “Last Train Home” – Pat Metheny Group (fall song picked by you!)
• “You Know You Know (with John McLaughlin)” – Mahavishnu Orchestra (fall song picked by you!)
• “Across the Universe” – Fiona Apple 
• “Ask Me Anything” – The Strokes 
• “Alberto Balsalm (Aquarium Drunkard’s Lagniappe Session)” – Dungen 
• “Fallen (feat. Momoko Gill)” – Matthew Herbert 
• “Train Song (Columbia Single, 1966)” – Vashti Bunyan 
• “My Love Mine All Mine” – Mitski 
• “All Mirrors” – Angel Olsen 
• “Transmission” – Joy Division 
• “It’s No Reason (Remastered)” – The Church (fall song picked by you!)
• “The Rip” – Portishead 
• “La Femme d’argent” – Air 
• “Repetitioner” – THUS LOVE 
• “Leave Your Life (Lonely Hearts Mix)” – Alex Kassian 
• “Across That Fine Line” – Nation of Language 
• “Untitled” – Interpol 
• “Plainsong” – Seefeel 
• “Pink Sky” – Loma 
• “words fell out” – Goat Girl 
• “I Don’t Know You” – Mannequin Pussy 
• “only tomorrow” – my bloody valentine 
• “ “Heroes” (2017 Remaster)” – David Bowie 

Listen to In the Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org.”

This week the city announced two initiatives to support new homes, increase neighborhood investment and expand pathways to homeownership as well as housing affordability.

The first initiative involves the city’s Housing and Revitalization Department. They are looking for development proposals for 16 city-owned parcels in the neighborhood of North Corktown. The goal is to create 20 new homes for rent or purchase.

The second initiative revolves around the city launching the 2026 Small Buildings Program
with a notice of Funding Availability. This effort would expand the opportunities for
developers to rehabilitate and build housing across the city with $2.5 million supporting the rehab.

City leaders say these programs will continue citywide efforts to increase housing throughout Detroit. There is also a desire for mixed income, high-quality housing and low income housing.

To learn more about these two efforts, visit https://detroitmi.gov.

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

Arab American Women’s Business Council to host a Nov. networking and pitch event

The Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC) is hosting a pitch competition on Nov. 19, 2026 from 5:30-8 p.m. Organizers say this competition is to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among local business owners. Participants are competing for seed funding.

The event is also meant to be a moment to share fresh ideas and network. For more information, please see the event’s information page.

Red Wings to open regular season play Friday

The Detroit Red Wings season opener is going down Oct. 2 against the New York Rangers. Puck drop is 6:30p.m. this Friday at Little Caesars Arena.

Detroit PWHL team news

Detroit’s PWHL organization announced that Hockey Hall of Famer Danielle Goyette and Stanley Cup champion Jimmy Howard have joined the team in the roles of assistant coach and goaltending coach, respectively. Their home opener happens Dec. 12 against the New York Sirens.

The Get Down returns to A2 and Detroit

The Get Down is back for a two-day music festival from Oct. 3-4 in Ann Arbor and Detroit.

The festival will be led by master drummer and composer Ali Jackson and will bring international guest musicians and world class artistry to showcase their talent.

Tickets for the musical event can be found here.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

For about a year, Mayor Mary Sheffield has seemed to be riding high. To get elected, she mounted an impressive campaign, taking 77 % of the vote. Once in office, she hit the ground running. 

The mayor has created new anti-poverty and community safety departments. Many have commented on her leadership skills, balancing confidence and intellect with openness, and a willingness to listen. 

That was true during the summer, when a number of kids were participating in “teen takeovers.” The police department imposed a curfew, but Sheffield also took the time to listen to teens, to ask them what it was that they needed and wanted from their city. 

Now, the mayor’s office is under scrutiny.

Sheffield’s ex-boyfriend, Marvin Walker, says when she was council president, she took $200,000 in kickbacks from city real estate deals. She denies that.

Walker also had private photographs of the two of them. A Detroit activist posted them on Facebook. Sheffield calls it harassment.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison called the two men and asked them to take the photos down. Weeks later, police seized one man’s phone. The city’s Inspector General is now investigating the chief of police.

Those are a lot of details. So what do we actually know?

Detroit Free Press investigative reporter Violet Ikonomova has been looking into this. She spoke with The Metro’s Robyn Vincent.

The Metro invited Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield onto the show. Her office has not responded.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts. Have thoughts? Email the show at metro@wdet.org.

More stories from The Metro

DDOT bus riders will soon have more places to sit as they wait for a ride.

Mayor Mary Sheffield says the city will work to install more than 200 new benches at bus stops over the next year. Workers will also install or upgrade more than 200 bus shelters to improve customer service.

Additional Headlines for Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2026

Detroit Legacy Business Grant applications closing soon

Applications close soon for the Detroit Legacy Business Grant.

Small businesses that have operated in the city for 30 years or more can apply for grants ranging from $5 to $50,000. Money can be toward projects including signage, inventory, building repairs, renovations and professional services.

Applications close Oct. 5. For more information, email DetroitLegacyBusiness@degc.org. 

Ives Field restoration celebrated in Highland Park

Highland Park leaders celebrated the revival of Ives Field today. The city used almost $1 million in state and county funds to install new playground equipment, a pickleball court, a covered picnic shelter, and improvements to the baseball field and walking path.

Mayor Glenda McDonald and others cut the ribbon at the park on Pitkin Street this afternoon. 

Volunteers wanted on Halloween in Chandler Park

The Chandler Park Conservancy is looking for a few good hands to help with its Halloween Night festivities.

The annual Trunk or Treat Halloween Party will be held at the Chandler Park Fieldhouse and include games, candy, food and Halloween activities.

Volunteers, candy donations and people willing to pass out candy from their own decorated vehicles are needed. Donations are being accepted at the Fieldhouse at 12300 Chandler Park and at the Samaritan Center at 555 Conner Street until Oct. 28. 

Those interested in volunteering can email aallen@chandlerparkconservancy.org or fill out this form.

Ethiopian cooking classes continue in Midtown

Konjo Me is offering another round of Ethiopian cooking classes. Participants will learn to cook an authentic vegetarian dish, an authentic meat dish and will learn about Ethiopian spices and cooking techniques.

The class is Thursday, Oct. 15 at Konjo Me’s Detroit Shipping Company location at 474 Peterboro. Registration for the event can be found here.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

As the Iran war continues, gas prices hit a weekly average of $4.88 in Metro Detroit. The average price of diesel is $2 more than that.

The stock market is strong, but inflation is at least 1% higher than the federal reserve’s target. And the U.S. is in a trade war with Canada. 

This hasn’t caused a recession. But all of this does make it harder for small businesses to operate, like the corner bar on your street, and the auto repair shop in your suburb.

Mark Lee runs The Lee Group, where he’s been advising small businesses in this region for nearly 20 years. He explored answers to these questions with The Metro’s Sam Corey

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts. Have thoughts? Email the show at metro@wdet.org.

More stories from The Metro

This week on Visions, I play a lot of newly released music. You’ll hear the Kris Davis Trio, Jeff Parker, Brandon Seabrook, Emma Dayhuff, Josh Johnson, Detroit’s Marcus Elliot, Andrew Toombs, Marty Ehrlich, and Benny Green.

I also play classics from Detroit’s Wendell Harrison, Sam Rivers, Cannonball Adderley, Emily Remler, Trio 3, Woody Shaw, Muhal Richard Abrams and Gary Bartz.

Happy listening!

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Visions Playlist for September 28, 2026

• “Libra” – Gary Bartz Quintet
• “Miles’ Mode (feat. Chris Speed, Kaveh Rastegar & Aaron Steele)” – Jeff Parker
• “Where Does That Tunnel Go? (feat. Robert Hurst* & Johnathan Blake)” – Kris Davis Trio
• “Planet Earth” – Cannonball Adderley Sextet
• “The Wind (feat. Isaiah Collier, Jonathan Pinson, Corey Wilkes, Paul Cornish, Akenya & Andrew Renfroe)” – Emma Dayhuff
• “Where Am I?” – Wendell Harrison*
• “Reece” – Josh Johnson
• “Star-Crossed Phantasms (feat. Bill Frisell, Rashaan Carter & Marcus Gilmore)” – Brandon Seabrook
• “Palmer” – Marcus Elliot*
• “The Goat And The Archer” – Woody Shaw
• “Revue” – Marty Ehrlich
• “The Slot (feat. Makaya McCraven, Junius Paul & Marquis Hill)” – Andrew Toombs
• “Helix” – Sam Rivers
• “Cedar Would (recorded live at Dizzy’s Club in New York City on April 18, 2026) [Live]” – Benny Green
• “Hymn To the East” – Muhal Richard Abrams
• “In A Sentimental Mood” – Emily Remler
• “Wha’s Nine (Live)” – Trio 3

* indicates Detroit artist