The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a key permit for a plan to update an aging segment of the Line 5 pipeline crossing the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan, waterways that tribal nations say are central to their ways of life.
The post Michigan tribes say ‘flawed’ federal review of Line 5 project violates treaty rights appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.
Three decades ago, Carl Hubbard was framed for murder and sentenced to life in prison.
The post An innocent man has spent 34 years in prison. Gov. Whitmer can bring him home appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.
An Instagram account that appears to belong to the wife of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers recently reposted a video portraying Muslims as resistant to assimilation and suggesting many view terrorism as a legitimate form of resistance.
The post Mike Rogers’ wife appears to join the anti-Muslim fear campaign ahead of Dearborn hate rally appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.
In this episode
Governor Whitmer as well as governors across the country have a decision to make regarding a federal program in connection with the Reconciliation Program. This week on MichMash…WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow unpack the details of this program. They are joined by Prof Josh Cowen of Michigan State University and Peter Spadafore who leads the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity.
Cowen is known for being the nation’s leading critics of school voucher programs, but says this program is much different and offers real opportunities for public and private school students. “Unlike any other state voucher program that I have opposed…public school students can use this and they don’t have to exit the public schools to use it, there is a real revenue stream that is definitely available to public schools. That is not true for regular voucher programs.”
Spadafore, is against public schools oppose opting in to the credits because, ” It starts with a long standing opposition to any type of voucher program and this is unequivocally a voucher program. It’s public dollars for private schools. We stand in opposition to that. We have done so along with the voters of Michigan who have twice rejected these types of schemes alongside Governor Whitmer, who vetoed an education savings program that was passed by the legislature a few years back.”
Governor Whitmer hasn’t indicated whether she would make a decision to opt in during the last months of her tenure.
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The post MichMash: Should Michigan opt in to the federal education freedom tax credits? appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.
A Highland Park activist with a track record of knocking candidates off the ballot is trying to do the same to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic nominee for governor.
The post Lawsuit seeks to remove Jocelyn Benson from Michigan governor’s race appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.
It’s said that all politics is local. But these days, that doesn’t appear to be so true. Instead, a lot of it is national because that’s where the drama is — much of it at the hands of President Donald Trump.
The Republicans who disagree with the president are more likely to lose during an election year.
That’s why Trump’s endorsements for U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers and gubernatorial candidate John James matter so much. But who are these candidates outside of Trump’s endorsement? What do they stand for? And, what do they need to do to win come November?
Dennis Darnoi is the founder of Densar Consulting, based in Farmington. He often promotes Republican candidates. Darnoi spoke with host Robyn Vincent about the Republicans advancing to the general election in both the Senate and governor’s race.
Editor’s note: Our guest mischaracterized Abdul El-Sayed’s work on medical debt. As Wayne County health director, El-Sayed launched a program that set aside $7 million to erase up to $700 million in debt for 300,000 residents, buying it from providers at a bulk discount. Bridge Michigan reported in June that about $57.4 million has been settled so far, for roughly 83,000 residents, and that El-Sayed has overstated the program’s results on the campaign trail. The program is still active. Our guest also referred to a “$40 trillion budget deficit.” That figure describes the national debt, which is approaching $40 trillion. The federal deficit for fiscal year 2026 is projected at roughly $2 trillion.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.
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The post The Metro: What Republican candidates need to do to win Michigan appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.
National Democrats are ramping up their support for Christina Hines’ campaign to flip Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, a closely watched race that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
The post Democrats boost Christina Hines in bid to flip John James’ congressional seat appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.
After more than three decades in prison, Carl Hubbard has spent nearly half of his life trying to persuade courts that he was wrongfully convicted of a 1992 Detroit murder.
The post His murder case unraveled decades ago. Now a Detroit man is asking Whitmer to set him free appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.
Michigan residents who receive SNAP benefits can now earn up to $50 a day to buy fruits and vegetables through the Double Up Food Bucks program, more than twice the previous daily limit.
The post Michigan doubles daily food assistance benefit for fruits and vegetables appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.
Michigan primaries usually come and go with most people not voting. They’re low-profile elections in August, and turnout tends to land somewhere around a quarter of registered voters.
Last night was different.
Over 1.5 million ballots were counted in the Democratic Senate primary alone. That’s more than any non-presidential Democratic primary in this state going back to at least 1998.
That race, between Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed, is the most expensive Democratic Senate primary in history. El-Sayed won the primary.
Other progressive candidates won their races too: Donovan McKinney won the Democratic nomination for the 13th District seat in the U.S. House against incumbent Shri Thanedar, and Abbas Alawieh won the primary for Michigan senate in the 2nd District.
Zach Gorchow is president of Gongwer News Service of Michigan and has covered state politics for a long time. He spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent about how this election shook out, and what it may mean come November.
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.
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The post Metro: Progressives win up and down ballot appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.
Aug. 4 is voting day for the Michigan primary. WDET will be working hard to keep you up-to-date on races and results that will determine the ballot come November.
Our journalists are monitoring local and national races, with special attention to the Democratic U.S. senate primary and the races for Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates. We’re also following U.S. House races, with a focus on districts 12 and 13.
Follow along to see election results as they are announced. Polls close at 8 p.m.
The post Michigan primary coverage continues appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.
If you’ve spent a bad week this summer wondering what you ate, you’re not alone.
Michigan seems to be at the epicenter of a fast-growing cyclospora outbreak. The state is reporting far more cases than any other — over 9,000 Michiganders have gotten sick from the parasite.
That is the story in front of us. Behind it is a harder one.
A year ago, about three-quarters of Americans said they trusted the CDC’s health advice. Today, it is half.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, fired the entire committee that advises the CDC on vaccines and replaced it with his own picks. A federal court blocked those changes, though the administration is appealing.
Meanwhile, many pediatricians did something they had never done. The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its own vaccine schedule rather than following the government’s.
So when health officials tell you how to keep your family safe from a parasite in the lettuce, there is a question underneath it now: Do you still believe them?
Dr. Céline Gounder is an infectious disease specialist, epidemiologist, and public health correspondent for CBS News and KFF Health News. She hosts the podcasts Epidemic and American Diagnosis.
Gounder worked on the ground during the Ebola epidemic in Guinea and spent years studying tuberculosis and HIV across southern Africa. She joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to discuss the erosion of America’s public health apparatus and how it’s affecting the cyclospora outbreak and public health more broadly.
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.
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The post The Metro: Why we’re getting worse at catching outbreaks appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.
Starbucks workers at a Westland store voted to unionize Monday, becoming the 20th Michigan location to join a nationwide organizing campaign that began nearly five years ago.
The post Westland Starbucks becomes Michigan’s 20th unionized location appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.
Over the past four months, northern Michigan has experienced a series of extreme weather events.
In March, an ice storm caused tens of thousands of utility customers to lose power. In April, record-breaking precipitation caused rivers and lakes to flood, ripping apart roads. Now, smoke from Canadian and Minnesota wildfires has been creating air quality alerts.
Before the smoke blew to metro Detroit, it hit northern Michigan first, choking that part of the state with a blanket of smoke.
Climate change is affecting everyone, but effects can very depending on the location. What are things like for residents of northern Michigan? And, how are they preparing for future extreme weather events?
Vivian La is a climate solutions reporter for Interlochen Public Radio and Grist. She spoke about the northern Michiganders trying to adapt to climate change — and those who are trying to maintain the status quo — 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 stream on-demand.
Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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The post The Metro: How Michiganders are adapting to extreme weather appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.
Alongside comfort classics from Talking Heads, TV on the Radio, Doves, Wes Montgomery and Abdullah Ibrahim are some of the year’s most interesting newer releases from James Blake, Benjamin Booker, pôt-pot, Nirosta Steel and others.
In the 2 p.m. hour, pianist Michael Malis and Constantine Novotny perform their new album “Another Shore, Another Country” live in our studios ahead of their Concert of Colors performance on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Hellenic Museum of Michigan.
Malis’s original song cycle is based on the poetry of C.P. Cavafy, the seminal poet of the Greek diaspora. They will also perform traditional songs in an intimate, stripped-down setting, evoking the beauty and majesty of Greece.
Malis is a recipient of Greek America Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Award. His music has been described as “downright transcendental” and he has shared the stage with luminaries such as Marcus Belgrave, Marion Hayden, Tyshawn Sorey and many others.
Novotny is a baritone who has performed with Apollo’s Fire Singers, American Bach Soloists, Audivi, and many others. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and St. John the Divine Cathedral.
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 July 17, 2026
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.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »
The post In The Groove: Michael Malis, Constantine Novotny perform ‘Another Shore, Another Country’ live on WDET appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.
Tensions are high in Lansing among the Democrats with Governor Whitmer vetoing a series a bills from her own party. This week, on MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services’ Zach Gorchow unpack the 18 months of legal battles that led to this moment.
Then later on, David Meninga, senior vice president for Community Development Programs & Execution at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation stops by. He talks about reviving the transformational brownfield program, a state incentive that ended a few years ago but will soon come back once Governor Whitmer signs bills that passed the Legislature on July 3.
In this episode
In late 2024, as the Democratic trifecta in Lansing was about to end, several high-profile bills passed.
There was legislation prioritized by unions, a key Democratic constituency, to have have local governments, school districts, colleges, universities and other public bodies pay a greater share of their employees’ health insurance premiums. There also was legislation enabling the state’s corrections officers in prisons to gain access to the State Police pension system.
There were bills to allow for a regional property tax to provide funds for the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Historical Center, as well as relief from debt garnishment.
Gorchow said after that the bills went no where. “Mysteriously – and this has never been explained – the nine bills containing these policies were never walked over to the governor’s office and formally presented to her for a signing decision. The bills remained somewhere on someone’s desk in the Legislature.”
After 18 months of legal battles, the Michigan Supreme Court decided not to take the case, leaving in place a lower court ruling requiring the House to send the bills to the governor. About five hours later, the House complied with the courts and presented the bills. A couple hours later, the governor’s office sent out a veto letter indicating Whitmer had vetoed all nine bills.
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The post MichMash: Whitmer clashes with state Democrats after vetoing bills; MEDC revives economic development incentive appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.
The nation’s largest apartment manager is accused of illegally rejecting low-income tenants with housing vouchers at properties across Michigan as part of what a housing watchdog describes as a widespread pattern of discrimination spanning six states and Washington, D.C.
The post Undercover investigation finds Michigan apartments illegally rejecting housing vouchers appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.
In a normal year, Michigan sees about 50 cases of a parasite called cyclospora. As of July 16, over 4,000 people have been infected, with more than 100 hospitalizations. Stranger still, Michigan’s own case count is larger than the entire national total.
The parasite cyclospora causes days, sometimes weeks, of explosive diarrhea, and health officials still can’t tell you exactly which food it rode in on. Their best guess this week: lettuce.
Given all this, something feels off, not just with our salad, but with the system that is supposed to see these things coming.
Professor Barbara Kowalcyk has spent more than 20 years trying to fix that system. She came to the job the hardest way there is: in 2001, her two-and-a-half-year-old son, Kevin, died after eating contaminated food. She turned that loss into her life’s work — she helped create the blueprint for America’s last major food-safety law. Today, she directs the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at The George Washington University.
She joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to assess this moment for Americans and how it is challenging the people working in public health trying to protect them.
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.
One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.
The post The Metro: Is cyclospora outbreak a food safety reckoning? appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.
The United Auto Workers on Monday accused a corporate-backed super PAC supporting U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of misleading Michigan voters by using the union’s logo in campaign ads.
The post UAW slams pro-Stevens super PAC over ‘misleading’ campaign ads appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.
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