A year after the groundbreaking ceremony, MyFlight Tours is opening up their new headquarters and aviation entertainment in Detroit this weekend. The helicopter tour company is offering sightseeing flights over Detroit’s skyline.  

In a ribbon cutting press conference, Founder Sergio Troiani said this business adds to the growing infrastructure of Detroit. “Detroit is in the middle of an incredible transformation. Everywhere you look, there is new investment, new growth, world class infrastructure being built and today we’re proud to add to one more piece to that story. This is a place where people can enjoy great food, great drinks, incredible company and sit on that balcony that overlooks the airfield where jets take off.” 

The 12,000 square foot facility will be at Coleman A. Young International Airport. This opening adds to their business that’s now at 7 other locations nationwide with the addition of Detroit.  

Additional headlines for Friday, July 24, 2026

Gordie Howe Bridge to open

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is having their inauguration day today to celebrate the opening on Monday. After a 6 month delay thanks to political drama and trade tensions, the bridge is set to create a vital economic link between United States and Canada.  

After eight years of construction this bridge is open and save commuters, truckers and recreational travelers and estimated 420 hours per year according to federal and state projections. 

Before the Gordie Howe Bridge we only had the Ambassador bridge for commercial road crossing. The operators of that bridge recently reduced passenger tolls to become more competitive with its new, publicly-owned competitor. 

Sports

MLB 

Detroit Tigers are fighting an uphill battle in their American League Central division and they hope to keep moving uphill against the Kansas City Royals. They face their fellow division mate yesterday and won, 4-3. Now they have 3 other games this weekend to climb closer to the top. 

First pitch for tonight’s game is at 6:40 p.m. at Comerica Park.  

Soccer 

Detroit City FC face off against Las Vegas Lights tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Keyworth Stadium. 

Celebrating 325 years

And today is someone special’s birthday…I’m talking about our very own Detroit!

Today the once-called Paris of the West is having celebrations all over the city. Here are my top 3:

• Hudsonville Ice Cream will be at Campus Martius selling free ice cream from 6-7 p.m.
• Detroit’s 325th Birthday Bash Garden Party at The Whitney if going down today at 5 p.m.
• and nonprofit Rendez-vous Detroit is hosting a two day celebration this weekend both today and tomorrow with a list full of activities. 

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

This week, Governor Whitmer signed a law that doubles the cap on a state tax break for big development projects — from $1.6 billion to $3.2 billion. The Renaissance Center plan had been stuck for more than a year waiting on it, because the program was nearly tapped out. Now the math works.

Dan Gilbert’s company puts in about a billion dollars. General Motors puts in 250 million. The public covers the rest. Detroit’s Downtown Development Authority has already approved $75 million, and the state tax break comes on top of that — though nobody has yet said what it’s worth. It can run for 30 years.

Michael Griffie is vice president and Detroit metro leader at AECOM, a global engineering and design firm. AECOM isn’t involved in the RenCen project, but has worked on riverfront redevelopments elsewhere. He joined Robyn Vincent to make the case for what the plan could do.

Later in the show, a different view. Dylan Wegela is a Democratic state representative from Garden City who refuses corporate donations. Last year he voted no more often than anyone else in the Michigan House — 204 times. He voted no on this law, too. He told Vincent why he thinks taxpayers are getting a raw deal.

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

Eleven Detroit city parks are receiving nearly $20 million in updates and beautification projects this year. 

All upgrades were ideas suggested by residents and block clubs in the neighborhoods near the parks. 

City Councilman Scott Benson was a persistent advocate for park improvements across the city. 

“Recreation is not just a luxury; it is a vital urban asset, and it’s a competitive edge for strong, thriving cities,” says Benson. “And this is what you see here today. Vibrant parks attract families, improve mental and physical well-being.” 

New amenities at the parks include an inclusive play area at Eliza Howell Park, the city’s first BMX bike track at Dorais Park and a multi-sport court at Jane-Lasky Park. 

Additional headlines from Thursday, July 23, 2026

Loud cars driving people away from Woodward?

Cruising Woodward is a summer tradition. But many residents near the avenue say vehicles are too loud. That is why legislators hope to crack down on modified vehicles.

Natalie Price is a Democratic state Representative from Berkley. She told WDET’s The Metro on Wednesday that some people are moving away from the Woodward corridor because the noise keeps them up at night. 

“We see property values being impacted by this noise. In November, I talked to a constituent [who] did that from out of state not realizing, and now has decided that they can’t live in the area due to this excessive noise.”

Price is proposing drivers receive ‘fix-it tickets’ instead of fines for driving excessively loud vehicles. She says that would prevent people from paying a financial penalty for driving noisy cars. 

West Nile Virus in Wayne County

Wayne County Public Health has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus this summer season. The virus has only been detected in mosquito samples; no human cases have been reported in 2026.

Officials say the best way to protect yourself is to prevent bites. West Nile Virus cannot be spread person to person and most people do not see symptoms, however 1 in 5 may experience fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash 2-14 days after a mosquito bite.

To stay safe, limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, use an EPA-registered insect repellent, and empty standing water at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding sites. 

DDOT seeks council members

The Detroit Department of Transportation is seeking residents to serve on its Local Advisory Council. DDOT is recruiting people  who live in Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and an at-large member.

The Council will help plan services for senior adults and people with disabilities.

Applications can be submitted by contacting DDOT’s ADA Coordinator at 313-316-2793. 

Hotter Than July kicks off

LGBT Detroit’s Annual Hotter Than July Festival is back and starts today. It’s the city’s longest running Black LGBT Pride event. The event kicks off with a candlelight vigil in Palmer Park by the Blue Spruce Tree at 5:30 PM.

The festival includes a bar crawl mixer tonight at 9 p.m. on the Avenue of Fashion, an Art and Film Festival honoring Duane Belin on Friday, the Palmer Park Picinic on Saturday, strolling brunch on Sunday and more! The festival will also feature a star search competition looking for Detroit’s next Drag Star.

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

Detroit turns 325 this Friday, and there’s loads of different ways to get out and live it up this weekend! Celebrate diversity in the D with different cultural festivals, like the Chinatown Block Party or the Greek Heritage Festival. LGBT Detroit is back with Hotter Than July to welcome Black LGBTQ+ folks to get together across the next four days. 

For those looking for a slower pace, there’s gardens to tour in Wyandotte, and a lantern festival in Rochester ready to give you a chance to craft and reflect. 

Upcoming events (July 23-30)

Hotter Than July

Various locations
July 23-26
Ticket price varies by event

It’s the 30th anniversary of Detroit’s longest running Black LGBTQ+ Pride event! Join a number of events running from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26. The event kicks off with a candlelight vigil at Palmer Park, followed by a candidate forum then a bar crawl. Check the schedule to see which events stand out to you. Offerings this weekend include a picnic, an art and film fest, worship service and plenty of opportunities to party.

Detroit Historical Museum Block Party

Detroit Historical Museum
July 24
Free

On the 325th birthday of Detroit, Detroit Historical Museum also celebrates 75 years. The block party includes food trucks, a classic car show, live music, face painting and more. Note that the museum parking lot will be closed. Street parking is available, along with university parking lots and the DIA lots. Join the party anytime between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Chinatown Block Party 

Cass Ave and Peterboro St.
July 18- July 19
Free

From noon to 8 p.m., celebrate Asian-American heritage in the heart of Detroit’s returning Chinatown. There will be a food court, a film screening, a Little Dumplings kids station with crafts, games, live performances and more. 

Wyandotte Garden Walk

Downriver Council for the Arts
July 17- July 19
$15

Explore gardens across Wyandotte, from bursts of bright flowers, vegetable gardens, pollinator-friendly landscapes and more. Tickets support the local garden club and city beautification efforts. Check-in is at the Downriver Council for the Arts building at 81 Chestnut street, and the tour goes from 9 a.m. to noon.

Greektown Heritage Fest

Monroe St. in Detroit
July 25
Free

Monroe Street comes alive with traditional Greek dancers, music, vendors and the famous street-side lamb roast. The all-day event starts at noon and goes until 9 p.m. Plenty of Greek restaurants and cafes will be open and ready for business too.

Water Lantern Festival

Stony Creek Baypoint Beach
July 25
$32+

The Water Lantern Festival in Rochester is an opportunity to bring friends, family and the greater community together to reflect. Everyone gets a lantern to decorate and send off, glowing and gently floating down the river, taking your wishes and words with them. The event opens at 6 p.m. with vendors, music and a scavenger hunt. It runs until 10 p.m., with lanterns collected further down the water way to prevent pollution. Buy tickets in advance! At-the-door tickets go up to $58.

Taco Showdown

Eastern Market Shed 5
July 26
$12+

Show up and chow down at this culinary event with 12 different taquerias and restaurants representing the best tacos Detroit has to offer. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy food, drinks, dance, games and more. You receive three complimentary tacos and five margarita samples with the cost of general admission.

The 45^th annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games was held at Huntington Place in Detroit earlier this month. 

When the games began in 1981only 77 veterans gathered to participate. Now, over 500 vets compete in more than 20 events. 2026 marks the first time the games were held in Detroit and brought people from across the nation to the city.

“Detroit is proud to be home of more than 22,000 veterans,” Victoria Westbrooks addressed the crowd on behalf of Mayor Mary Sheffield. “And we are committed to supporting those who have served our nation. Hosting this milestone event is a reflection of that commitment and our city’s spirit of resilience.”

One of the many competitors was Lisa Maddox, who served in the Army for nine years. Maddox competes in many events including pickleball, table tennis, softball, basketball, field events and air pistol. She says she enjoys the wheelchairs games not only for sports, but for the unique opportunity it presents.

“There’s a camaraderie that not just having a disability but also being a veteran that is here. That is not the same in other adaptive competitions,” Maddox said.

Maddox says vets have a deep connection.

“Even though we’re different services we all went through what I call a ‘similar suck’ in BASIC training or bootcamp. It’s hell. And we all went through that BASIC training so that’s the similarity.”

William Ward served in the military for 16 years and has participated in the games for many years. At the 2026 games, he competed in the wheelchair slalom, a sort of obstacle course race.

“This is the one event that’s one of the toughest,” Ward says. “I stopped doing it for like the last two years and because it’s always a challenge, one of the hardest ones. I don’t know my results yet, but I think I did pretty good.”

 The Detroit games were the fourth for Air Force Veteran Eva De Jesus. She says the event has helped her grow as a person.

“It’s more than sports,” De Jesus says. “For me, it’s the community, the people you meet, how you see people in, sadly, worse conditions than you are and do more than you do. So, for me it’s just a learning and beautiful experience to be here.”

The 2026 Wheelchair Games’ opening ceremony was held on July 8 and it ended with a closing ceremony on July 14.

This story originally aired July 15, 2026.

In this episode of CuriosiD, listener Fatema Haque asks the question:

Who is playing cricket in Detroit?

The short answer

An international sport played in Detroit

Fatema Haque, a lecturer at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, wanted to know about people playing the sport of cricket in Detroit.

Haque grew up in Bangladesh, and later in Detroit, where her family still resides. 

“One of the things that I’ve been noticing is over the last few years is that during the summer there’s these group of folks who are playing cricket at Jayne Field, they’re in the full cricket regalia, and I’m wondering how this got started and who all participates in this sports activity,” she asks.

WDET’s CuriosiD series answers your questions about everything Detroit. Subscribe to CuriosiD on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Haque says she’s surprised the sport has sprung up in popularity the U.S.

“I grew up in Bangladesh, and so I saw it everywhere, but while growing up in the US, I did not see it anywhere. So to suddenly see it emerge and have a piece of my culture just out and about made me really curious about who’s organizing, who’s playing, who all is supporting this,” she says. 

Out on the field

A batsman hits the cricket ball as folks cheer on the field, kicking off the first practice of the season at the Lasky Cricket Field on Detroit’s east side.

Saiyed Ahmed works for the Michigan Youth Cricket Academy as a coach. He’s been playing cricket since he was a kid. Ahmed moved from Bangladesh to Detroit in 2002. He wanted to continue playing the sport.

“I always used to pass by the park and see these baseball fields just sitting empty, and no one utilizing them, then, but on the other hand, for us who come in from Bangladesh, and it’s a big crowd here. We want to play our sports, but we don’t have a field to play,” he shares.

He and his friends would play in the parking lot at the Detroit Library at Conant and Davison, scraping their knees during the games.

But one day he noticed city officials passing through the area and he approached them to open a cricket field. He was put in touch with Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson who represents District 3.

Benson says he was on board. 

“We had the old disc golf field, and no one was using it. And members of the cricket community approached me and said, “Well, what do you think about a cricket pitch? I said, “Well, why not? Let’s do it. So I approached the city, I advocated, talked to the Parks and Rec department at the time, talked to Mayor Duggan,” she says.

The city opened Lasky Cricket Field in 2017, after three years of community advocacy.

Just two years later, another cricket field was inaugurated at Jayne Park in Banglatown, as part of the city’s beautification and revitalization efforts. It also gave a nod to the growing presence of the city’s Bangladeshi community in the Detroit area.

A British sport, with international and local expansion

Cricket is a British sport that has been played in England since the 16^th century. It was later organized with rules in the 18^th century.

By the late 20^th Century, the sport became popularized due to televised coverage and international matches, bringing more countries to the playing field, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Back on the field, Ahmed describes how the sport works.

“So the two guys that start standing, that they’re called batters, so they will be two batters each time, and then the field, the fielding team has 11 players. So basically, just like baseball, baseball says catchers, but in cricket it says keepers; they will be behind the stump and behind that batsman, but depending on if it’s a fast bowler, he will stay back,” he explains.

Tayefur Rahman is an electrical engineer. He moved to Hamtramck in 2010. Like Ahmed, he was looking for a community of cricket players when he moved to Michigan. He now lives in Sterling Heights.

Rahman runs the Michigan Cricket Association, which began with 4 teams in 2001 and now has 106 teams.

“We have 2000 plus active players playing in that league as well,” he shares.

He also serves as the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Association, which was established in 2017.

“This is for our community base, because by the time we see our community, people are growing in Hamtramck, Warren, and Sterling Heights area, so they were thinking, why shouldn’t we do some community-based cricket, like Bangladesh cricket community,” he says.

Rahman says the international sport has expanded in Southeast Michigan.

Practices are held on weekdays, but games are played on the weekends.

“Sunday we play at least 27 to 33. (It) depends on how grounds availability,” he says.

Beyond the field

The games are now livestreamed in Michigan. 

Rahman says cricket has become a way to connect beyond the field, creating friendships and even leading to job opportunities.

“Because of cricket, these communities are bonding really good,” he expresses.

Afser Hussain is a cricket bowler who plays for the Macomb Cricket Club.

“I led this team for seven years, you know, we have several championships,” he says.

Cricket had a stint in Michigan in the late 1800s, mid 1950s, and in the early 2000s in Detroit.

Hussain says cricket has come a long way since those days.

“You can take cricket as a profession in Michigan—you have the coaches, you have the infrastructure, you have indoor nets. So, yeah, it’s a different cricket than 2006,” he shares. 

The excitement for cricket has also expanded to nearby cities like Warren, which recently allocated a cricket field at Shaw Park, and Troy, which opened a new cricket field at Boulan Park for $900,000 in May.

Many of the cricket games take place at fields across Southeast Michigan.

So next time you’re out and about in Detroit or nearby cities, you may just catch a glimpse of this international sport in your American backyard.  

We want to hear from you!

Have a question about Southeast Michigan’s history or culture? Send it our way at wdet.org/curious or fill out the form below. You ask, we answer.

The wildfire smoke that covered Michigan skies is costing the state money. According to an Analysis from an East Lansing based Anderson Economic Group, the smoke cost the state’s economy $4 billion in losses. We are second only to the state of New York which estimated a $5 billion loss. 

The firm said that Michigan had the largest impact based on the size of its economy. Proximity could be the reason why.  

How did this happen? Well, industries that rely on outdoor work like transportation and construction contributed to these losses greatly.  Outdoor events and attractions closed as well which also points to a decrease in tourism and fewer customers at businesses that depend on the outdoors.  

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources had to tell campers with reservations that they should cancel. They also waived cancellation fees and issued refunds.   

But the losses may be ending soon as it appears the smoky haze has lifted.

As of Wednesday, the Air Now’s Air Quality index showed the air quality was between 0-50 which means the air in Michigan is in a good range. At one point last week, Michigan was rated the most polluted air quality in the world with Detroit’s air quality index at 724—for reference, anything over 301 is hazardous. 

According to the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy as the weather system moves about the improvements are expected to continue.  

To stay up to date on air quality, you can check EGLE’s MiAir Quality Index Dashboard or use the US Air Quality Index called Air Now.  

Additional headlines for Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Global company joins Detroit’s downtown

A company from Japan is planting their roots in Detroit. The company Nagase America opened their Mobility Solutions office in downtown Detroit.

 According to the publicly traded company, they will provide innovative materials and components that enhance vehicle comfort, performance, and efficiency.  

In a YouTube Short video, Mayor Sheffield describes how this move will expand Detroit’s global reach.

“Today sends a powerful message that a global company with nearly 190 years worth of experience had many choices where they could go and grow and expand. You could’ve expanded anywhere but you chose our talent our downtown and our future. It speaks volume of the confidence you have in our city. Your decision brings you closer to more customers, partners and innovators while strengthen Detroit’s position as a global mobility hub.”

The company says it plans to use Detroit as a long-term strategic foundation for its North American mobility operations. 

Detroit’s 325th birthday

And the 3-1-3 is turning 3-2-5. July 24^th marks the city’s 325^th anniversary.

You might be thinking, how is that possible? America just turned 250 years old! Well, it was originally founded French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac in 1701. Detroit transitioned from French to British control in 1760, and later became part of the United States following the American Revolution. 

The Detroit Historical Society is celebrating the milestone in conjunction with anniversaries for the Detroit Historical Museum and Dossin Great Lakes Museum.  

The Detroit Historical Society will host a daylong community block party on Friday, July 24 with free admission to the museum. And the Dossin takes the baton and continues the fun on Saturday, July 25, a maritime-themed “dock” party that will also include family activities, music, ice cream, food trucks and free museum admission.

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

The sound of music and engines is synonymous with summer in metro Detroit. But that noise, specifically the kind generated by modified cars, has been aggravating some people. 

Residents near Woodward have been complaining about cars being too loud, which has prompted legislators to push for a crackdown on motorists. So, what’s in their legislation? And, could it hurt car culture in the Motor City?

Natalie Price is a Democratic state representative. Her district includes Berkley, Huntington Woods and Birmingham. She spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.

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

ADRIAN MA, HOST:

The NPR newsroom is a little smaller than it used to be. You might already know about the congressional funding cuts that hit member stations last year. Well, as a result, NPR itself has also experienced budget challenges, and that’s led recently to some of our colleagues being laid off or taking a buyout. One of them decided to retire this week, and so ALL THINGS CONSIDERED host Scott Detrow decided it was finally time to make him the story for once.

SCOTT DETROW, BYLINE: After decades on the radio and decades driving across various swing states to talk to voters, Don Gonyea is retiring from NPR. You have heard Don. You know what he does best. It’s moments just like this…

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

DON GONYEA: Does it bother you at all, though, to see these two countries that have been having this argument?

DETROW: …Where Don, almost certainly wearing a beat-up, old Detroit Tigers hat, is connecting with voters and getting them to open up about their worries, their hopes and what they think about the political moment.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

EXCELL MOORE: And I go to Canada quite a bit. I like Canada.

GONYEA: What do you do over there?

MOORE: Casino.

GONYEA: Ah. OK.

MOORE: (Laughter).

DETROW: Don has been a presence on the NPR airwaves for decades.

(SOUNDBITE OF MONTAGE)

GONYEA: I’m Don Gonyea reporting for National Public Radio.

Barack Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their young daughters, Malia and Sasha, strode onto the stage.

It’s not a huge shock that she has decided that Donald Trump is the guy, even though she has had close…

DETROW: So before Don retires at the end of this week, we had to take some time to appreciate his work. I talked to two longtime colleagues of Don’s, NPR’s Scott Horsley and former NPR congressional correspondent Susan Davis.

So, Scott, let’s start with this, remind me of the years that you two covered the White House together.

SCOTT HORSLEY, BYLINE: Well, I have to back up a little bit because, you know, in the first George W. Bush administration, Don Gonyea covered the White House all by himself.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

GONYEA: A lengthy meeting with his National Security Council yesterday.

HORSLEY: But, you know, Don – he had been a Michigan-based, you know, auto reporter and had done a lot of political coverage, but he was a newcomer to Washington when he got dropped into the White House to cover that beat.

DETROW: One of the main criticisms of political coverage in D.C. is that it’s so insular and kind of self-involved. Like, what, from your perspective, did you see about the way that Don’s background and approach to reporting influenced the way he covered the White House? Sue?

SUSAN DAVIS, BYLINE: Authenticity matters, and you can’t really fake it. And Don’s a really authentic guy. Like, he looks like a Midwest dad from Detroit, right? Like, there is certainly something about his countenance that I think is pretty friendly. He has a friendly face.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

GONYEA: There is a stick of butter in there. You see that?

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: Yep.

DAVIS: He’s got a nice smile. I think that that is just part of maybe his natural existence. I’m not sure you can learn those sort of things. It’s about who he is. And I think that, look, you have to be genuinely interested in people and their lives. Like, that is a very hard thing to fake over a journalism career. And I do think he is, generally speaking, a people person. He likes people.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: I’m hoping my friends are listening down here. We’ll see.

GONYEA: Including the Cape Girardeau Republicans.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: Including all of them, yes.

GONYEA: After Missouri…

DETROW: Here’s the thing about Don – though he earned his paycheck covering politics, his heart was in the arts pieces he sometimes got a chance to do. He worked hard to look for that culture and that music wherever he was.

HORSLEY: A piece of advice that he gave me – and I think he’s given this to you and to others – is, you know, when you are traveling with the president, when you’re in this bubble, this moving circus parade, try as much as you can to sneak off for half an hour and just wander around the city. And because of that, I think he always, you know, was able to bring a little more flavor to the stories, wherever he was. He was traveling with Barack Obama early in the Obama administration. They went to Prague. Don got to the venue early, and there was a warm-up band that was just kind of entertaining the audience. And it was this Czech bluegrass band.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

GONYEA: This was classic American music, country music, played by five guys who could’ve stepped right out of Austin, Texas – that is, until they started to sing.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

DRUHA TRAVA: (Singing in Czech).

HORSLEY: (Laughter) Then Don realizes that they’re seeing covers of Bob Dylan tunes, but in Czech (laughter). But he recognized the tune, of course, because, you know, Don is, if not the biggest Bob Dylan fan in America, he’s at least in the top 100, I’m sure.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

GONYEA: A confession here – I’ve probably spent a lot more time listening to Bob Dylan than your average, well-adjusted human being.

HORSLEY: Of course, naturally, he turned this into a delightful little postcard, and you think it’s sort of a one-off. But then, fast forward two years, and Don is on the campaign trail in Iowa. And he’s in Cedar Rapids, and he sees a poster that this same Czech bluegrass band is playing the community center in Cedar Rapids (laughter).

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

GONYEA: On this U.S. tour, Druha Trava is promoting its first-ever English-language CD. This song is called “Shuttle To Bethlehem,” but there are also old favorites, including The Rolling Stones.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH”)

DRUHA TRAVA: (Singing) I was born in a crossfire hurricane. And I howled…

DETROW: Other than the Czech Bob Dylan band, do you have a favorite Don Gonyea piece that sticks in your mind?

HORSLEY: (Laughter) Well, of course, there’s a piece he did. I think he was guest hosting on one of the weekend shows. Don was a DJ for a country station at one time.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

GONYEA: Bobcat Friendly Ford (ph) time is 15 before 10 o’clock. Wayne, you’re back from the fair.

HORSLEY: As part of his working for this country station, he had an opportunity to interview Johnny Cash at a time when, you know, Don was probably in his early 20s and had a very sort of adenoidal voice.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

GONYEA: How you doing, Johnny?

JOHNNY CASH: Hi. How you doing?

GONYEA: Welcome to Monroe.

CASH: Thank you.

GONYEA: I’m from WBMO, the radio station here in town.

HORSLEY: I remember Don – one of his questions was, how’d you become the Man in Black, Johnny?

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

GONYEA: How’d you get to be the Man in Black?

DETROW: (Laughter).

HORSLEY: And, Johnny says, well, it’s…

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

CASH: For one reason, it’s a little more slimming, and…

HORSLEY: It’s very slimming (laughter).

DETROW: Don always encourages everybody around him to be curious.

DAVIS: If you’re in Chicago, if you’re in rural Iowa, if you’re in Texas, like, figure out what he would call the local treasures of the place. Like, every place has something that makes it special, and find that place.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

GONYEA: Right ahead of us are the Detroit Industry frescoes, one of my very favorite places in the whole world.

DAVIS: You know, sometimes you’re driving down a highway, and you see these random signs, and it said, world’s largest popcorn ball, three miles ahead. And I think my pre-Don Gonyea life, I don’t think I would’ve stopped…

DETROW: You don’t need to see that. Yeah.

DAVIS: …To see the world’s largest popcorn ball. But I was like, you know what? I am stopping to see the world’s largest popcorn ball. And I have my picture outside of it, and I’m glad I stopped.

DETROW: That is the thing about Don. His enthusiasm for life, for people, for the craft of radio is always infectious – to people who have known him for years and to people who have just met him. In fact, just a few weeks ago, Don was reporting a piece in Detroit, and he was telling a producer about one of the buildings in that city he found so fascinating.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

GONYEA: Right in front of us is, hands down, my pick for the coolest building on the planet. It’s the Guardian Building. It…

DETROW: And as he did this, Don started to draw a crowd.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR CONTENT)

MARTY WELLS: I’ve only seen it from the outside.

GONYEA: Oh, OK. Well, you should…

WELLS: And I’d love to see it from the inside.

GONYEA: You should come in with us then.

WELLS: Yes.

GONYEA: But tell me your name.

WELLS: Marty Wells.

GONYEA: Marty, I’m Don Gonyea.

WELLS: Don…

GONYEA: Go. Go in. Well, just like, look at the elevator doors and look up at the tile work on top too.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #3: Well, so the sharpness here of the light above the elevator.

GONYEA: But he pointed out something I’d never noticed. The bank was United Trust. Here’s a U, and there’s the T. I’ve never seen that before.

WELLS: Wow. Yeah. It’s hidden in there.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND”)

BOB DYLAN: (Singing) How many roads must a man walk down…

DETROW: Don Gonyea is saying goodbye to NPR, but if you miss him, just keep an ear out the next time you’re in a museum or a concert or a baseball game or really anywhere in the vicinity of a retro neon sign because there is a good chance you will run into him there. Make sure you say hi.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND”)

DYLAN: (Singing) The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.

The Detroit Department of Construction and Demolition gave city council an update on the removal of the contaminated dirt in the city on Monday. 

The Department has replaced tainted backfill in more than 100 properties. That’s out of the 450 lots that were identified. The average cost of the fill removal and replacement is about $36,000 per site. 

Department Director Tim Palazzo says they have tightened up process for approving construction fill materials over the last several months. “The first thing is that we collapsed the number of sites and sources from which we receive fill material down to seven public pits. These only excavate native sand, gravel, soil from longstanding operations.” 

Palazzo says they inspect those sites on a monthly basis and send their staff—as well as a third-party environmental consultant—to oversee operations at the sites. He says they have also started sampling the fill before it even leaves the source site.

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Community discussion about ICE

The Southfield Neighbors Action Committee is hosting a community discussion Wednesday about ICE enforcement in Southfield. “What Does It Mean To Be A Good Neighbor When ICE Moves In?” will be moderated by Kermit Williams, political director of Oakland Forward.

Panelists include Elida Reyes from Community Action for Empowerment, Lauren Fink from Southfield Neighbors Action Committee, Dr. Patricia Talley from Mexico Negro and U.S. House Representative Rashida Tlaib.

The event is Wednesday from 6:30- 9 p.m. in Room 115 at the Southfield Pavilion at 26000 Evergreen Road.

Good Food for Michigan

Dearborn Public Schools has received a state grant designed to bring more Michigan-grown food to its cafeterias. The Good Food for Michigan Project is giving the district more than $460,000. Dearborn schools serve more than 3 million meals to around 20,000 students at more than 30 sites. 

The Good Food for Michigan Project is a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, the Center for Good Food Purchasing, and the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.  

Detroit Riverfront hosts art exhibit

People visiting Detroit’s Riverfront and Southwest Greenway can now take in a little bit of the DIA’s art collection. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting the museum’s Inside Out project featuring large-scale reproductions of 7 works. The pieces will be in place until October.

Girls soccer clinic

The Hamtramck Parks Conservancy and the city’s recreation department are partnering to offer a girls soccer clinic on August 17. Women coaches and trainers will work with girls between the ages of 10 and 17 years old. Balls, nets and pennies are provided.

The clinic runs from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Veterans Park Soccer Arena at 8684 Joseph Campau. 

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

The banality of life is hard to capture in a song.

My New Band Believe makes it seem easy with their latest track, “Love Story,” a stunning multi-dimensional ballad from former Black Midi bassist Cameron Picton. It’s from their debut self-titled out now on Rough Trade.

There’s an urge to compare to the past when something new comes out. That’s fine. In this case, the closest I can come to is the earnestness of the Zombies’ “The Way I Feel Inside.”

It’s all within the delivery, the production and vocal similarity. Picton has got a bit of the Zombies’ Ron Argent in his throat. I can’t think of any other group that matches the sonic sensibilities of My New Band Believe. Contemporary Zombies? Yes, please.

It’s in the lyrics and storytelling that “Love Story” soars. It feels like you’re in the head of someone stuck at work, fantasizing about how much they love their partner that they’re excited to get home to. 

This fantasy is poetic, grand and elegant (much like the solo piano that opens up this track), but this is just a Tuesday night; not some anniversary dinner. This is finding the romance in everyday life spent doing the dishes and cooking dinner with someone you could spend the rest of your life with. 

I’m not sure it gets any more romantic than that.

You are the love of my life
Nothing compares to
A lonely minute with you
Pull me close in the night
Two knots you tie
To keep me on your side
I’m in the back of your mind
Always beside you
When you feel left behind
You want potatoes or rice tonight?
Pick up some onions
I’m making dinner

It’s a safe bet that this song (and ultimately entire album) will end up on many end of year best of lists. Deservingly so, but it will exist far beyond a critic’s pick for 2026.

The magic of this track is the snapshot of banality that it pins against churning orchestral elements, a soft-handed vocal delivery and lyrics that are so specific that you can’t help but relate to the romance of caring for someone day in, day out – even when it’s trash day and you’ve got to be the one to take out the garbage.

This story was originally published on Midbrow.

Looking to experience music and culture from around the world? Or maybe take in the sights and sounds of a Formula 1 car? This week’s Metro Events Guide has you covered with some of the best of what Metro Detroit has to offer this weekend. 

Upcoming events (July 15-19)

Concert of Colors 

Various locations
 July 15- July 19
Free

Concert of colors one of the longest-running and largest free global music festival in the country. Each summer, musicians from around the world come to Midtown for a community event showcasing music and culture from around the world. This event is free and family friendly. WDET is a proud partner of Concert of Colors.

Ann Arbor Art Fair 

Downtown Ann Arbor
July 16- July 18
Free

The Ann Arbor Art fair is a three day event featuring work from nearly 1,000 artists. Taking place in downtown Ann Arbor, the event features live music, family-friendly art activities, local food vendors, and more. This event is free to the public.  

2026 Detroit Lit Summer Writers’ Institute 

The LOVE Building
July 18- July 19
Free

The Summer Writers’ Institute offers workshops, resources, and professional growth opportunities for the Detroit literary community. Events in this year’s program include Finding Your Voice: A Non-Fiction Workshop, Landing a Book Deal: Navigating the Query Process, and more. All events are free with RSVP. 

Blake’s Lavender Festival

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill | 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada MI 48005
July 17- July 19
$12-14

It’s lavender season and that means it’s time for Blakes’ Lavender Festival. Eventgoers will have the opportunity to pick their own lavender, enjoy lavender flavored food and drink and shop lavender inspired gifts from over 200 artisans. 

Red Bull Showrun Michigan

3 Parklane Blvd, Dearborn MI
July 18 | 1 p.m.
Free

Formula 1 comes to the streets of Dearborn with driving demonstrations showcasing the power of a F1 vehicle along with interactive racing experiences for the whole family to enjoy. This event is family friendly and free.

 

This week on The Shake Out: no themes, just discoveries. Rare soul, rhythm and blues, calypso, funk and more – all on 45rpm vinyl. Hear the 60s soul record from a teenager in Tennessee who grew up to be in
the Channel 7 newsroom with Bill Bonds, plus forgotten gems from La Lupe, Jean Knight and Detroit’s Cynthia & the Imaginations.

Tune in Tuesday at 8 p.m. for an all new episode of The Shake Out with Dave Lawson on 101.9 WDET.

Episodes of The Shake Out are available to stream for two weeks after airing. New episodes air on 101.9FM Tuesdays at 8 p.m., with re-airs Friday at midnight.

The Shake Out playlist for July 14, 2026

• “Shake” – Shadows of Knight
• “Shake It” – The Groundhogs
• “Funnel of Love” – Wanda Jackson
• “Do You Still Love Me” – Cookie Jackson
• “Yeah!” – Louis Carpenters’ All Stars with Mad Man Jones
• “Big Ole Good Thing” – Little Caesar and the Euterpeans
• “Tightrope” – Inez and Charlie Foxx
• “Hard Nut to Crack” – Aaron Neville
• “Fish Head” – Slim and the Soulful Saints
• “Hey Boy (I Love You)” – Cynthia and the Imaginations
• “When You Look in the Mirror (You’re Looking at the One I Love)” – Joe Haywood
• “Love” – Jean Knight
• “Sheba” – The Shan-Tones
• “Dance with Me” – El Torros
• “Besame Mucho (part 1)” – The Coasters
• “Besame Mucho (part 2)” – The Coasters
• “Fever” – La Lupe
• “I Got My Eyes on You” – The Marvelows
• “Africa Caliente” – The Beachers
• “Get Up (If You Want to Be Somebody)” -McKinley Sandifer
• “Come on Wit It” – Hank Ballard
• “Southside Funk” – Soul Seven
• “Lovin’ Lies” – The Third Guitar
• “Walk That Walk” – David Clayton Thomas
• “You’re My Favorite Waste of Time” – Marshall Crenshaw
• “The Dump” – Soul Vibrations

Houses of worship may soon be added to the list of sensitive locations where certain advertisements are not allowed within a 1000-foot radius. 

Councilmember Scott Benson says posting ads for things like alcohol and cannabis near a house of worship is inconsiderate. “You have your church, and then 30 feet from your church is a probably a 40 by 20 sign advertising King of Bud, just a level of disrespect and a level of just insensitivity to what we have here.” 

The Public Health and Safety Committee approved the changes to the amendment today. City council will choose whether to enact the changes at the next formal session. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Gordie Howe toll deal

We’re learning more about the deal to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27. CBC News and other media report 50% of toll profits over the bridge’s first 15 years of operation will go into a U.S. development fund. President Trump had said he would not let the bridge open unless Canada agreed to share toll revenue.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told CBC’s Power and Politics while the deal may look like a win for Trump, the U.S. won’t get much out of it. He said it could take longer than 15 years for Canada to recoup the cost of building the bridge before it would share revenue with Michigan. 

Canada spent almost $6.5 billion to build the bridge. The U.S. paid nothing. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Freedom Tour Detroit

High school students are invited to apply for the Freedom Tour Detroit 2026. The four-day program explores advocacy, civil rights, justice and Detroit history.

The Michigan Coalition for Human Rights, the City of Detroit’s Office of Veterans Affairs, Wayne State University and the American Civil Liberties Union are working together to offer in-person seminars and guided field trips between July 30 and August 2.

Applications are due by Sunday, July 19.

Summer Games at the Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center’s After Dark series is back with “Summer Games” on July 24. This event offers those 21 and over a chance to explore science, sports and a little friendly competition.

The Penske Planetarium will offer a one-night only show featuring the “Olympians of the Night Sky,” Detroit City FC will be in the house with giveaways and photo ops, former Piston and President of the Motor City Cruise Durand “Speedy” Walker will speak, and adult games—including a 50-foot inflatable obstacle course, Warrior Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em and something called Hippo Chow Down.

National Coney Island is bringing classic and veggie coneys and there will be signature cocktails from the Byrdie Bar.

Michigan Science Center After Dark Summer Games is Friday July 24 from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $35 for members, $45 for non-members and $30 for designated drivers. Learn more at mi-sci.org. 

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

Detroit’s Cadillac Heights neighborhood was once a thriving Black middle-class community. Today, parts of it are more industrial than residential.

One company—Crown Enterprises—has acquired almost every parcel surrounding its Kronos Concrete plant on East McNichols Road near Conant Street. Most of the homes in that area have been demolished. Of the few that remain, the people who live in them blame the owners of the concrete plant and the city for the noise, the dust, and the traffic they deal with every day.

Bridge Detroit and ProPublica spent more than a year investigating what’s happening in Cadillac Heights.

WDET’s Pat Batcheller spoke with Bridge Detroit’s Jena Brooker. She says residents are used to living next to industry, owing to old zoning laws that still exist dating back to the 1940s. But she adds that more recent developments have worsened things.

The following interview has been edited for clarity.

Pat Batcheller: What was Cadillac Heights like before the concrete plant started operating?

Jena Brooker: Residents were used to living next to industry to a degree in this neighborhood. And there was even a truck depot on this lot where the concrete plant is that the Morouns have owned since 1966. But then when the concrete plant went in in 2022, residents said that the neighborhood really changed. There are streets that used to have houses on them and nicely maintained lawns and trees. And those whole streets now are completely empty, and the lots are vacant.

PB: You mentioned the Moroun family, which owns the Ambassador Bridge. Do they also own Kronos Concrete?

JB: Yes, and then they also have another concrete operation by the Ambassador Bridge on the riverfront. They own several other concrete plants throughout Southeast Michigan, and they’re expected to open one soon in Toledo, Ohio, and in Windsor.

PB: How did they end up owning so much property in Cadillac Heights?

JB: They bought this central lot where they owned a truck depot and operated it since 1966. And over the decades, they acquired some properties in this neighborhood. They have property across the city, so that’s not unusual. By 2019, they had about 80 properties.

Then in 2019, Detroit had this historic land swap deal where they wanted to give land to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to open the first new car plant in 30 years. To do that, the city orchestrated this deal where they were shifting around different land.

The Morouns, who own Crown Enterprises, gave up a lot on the east side. In exchange, they were given 34 [Detroit] Land Bank [Authority] parcels in this neighborhood. And from 2019 until now, we also saw at least 16 private individuals sell their properties to Crown. That land swap deal also gave Crown first rights on any properties that enter into the Land Bank until 2034.

PB: How has the concrete plant affected the neighborhood?

JB: Residents say that it’s been dirty and noisy, and just a general nuisance in their everyday lives. We submitted many Freedom of Information Act public records requests, and we found that more than 80 complaints have been submitted to the city and the state regarding dust.

Residents described literal whiteout conditions, having to go inside when they were doing yard work. One of the families we featured had two kids under five and had just had a baby. They were concerned about how the dust was affecting their development. Another resident has COPD, and so the dust is a major concern, coating cars and entering people’s homes. Then there is the noise, the increased truck traffic, and the bright industrial lights from having this industrial operation right in the middle of a neighborhood.

PB: Have these operations broken any kind of laws or regulations?

JB: When the concrete plant was first set up, Crown did not have a permit to do so. They had applied for a permit. They hadn’t gotten it yet, but then they put it up. The city ordered it to be taken down, and then what we saw after that was the city giving special allowances to Crown to operate this whole thing. You’re not supposed to be able to get permits from the city if you have outstanding blight tickets, but we saw that happen in multiple instances. We also saw that they participated in the Wayne County tax auction and were able to purchase a house, even though they had outstanding blight tickets.

PB: How has the city responded to complaints from the neighbors?

JB: The city says that inspectors go out three times a week. The company was required to submit a fugitive dust plan of how they will control dust from exiting the site and going into the neighborhood. That includes things like watering around the plant daily, filtering the dust on the site, and reducing the speed of traffic. When Mayor [Mary] Sheffield took office, she directed the city to install some more air monitors around the plant. But the concern is we have so many air monitors across the city. What’s the next step once we have this data that the air quality isn’t great?

PB: How has the company responded?

JB: The company has said that they’ve increased fugitive dust protections by watering the site every day – they have a water truck that goes around the plant and wets the streets to keep the dust down – that they have never NOT been compliant with city laws and ordinances, and that this represents the biggest investment in the neighborhood in in recent memory.

PB: What promises did they make, and which ones, if any, have they kept?

JB: They promised to create a vegetative buffer and plant trees. In renderings that they publish online, it shows brand new sidewalks around their properties. And when you go out to the neighborhood today, it looks maybe worse than what it looked like before.

PB: How long did it take you to research and report this story?

JB: I’ve been working on this story for a few years. We had published a few articles in Bridge Detroit. But since July 2025, I really took the time to work with ProPublica for the whole year, looking at what this neighborhood used to be like.

Going back to one of the people I feature the most, her family built the first homes in this neighborhood in 1917. It took a long time to get a picture of what this neighborhood was like and how it’s transformed throughout the decades with the help of the city and the state, and the presence of Crown Enterprises.

PB: What do you think the next chapter in this story is going to be?

JB: I plan to continue to follow up. I was recently in the neighborhood dropping printed copies of the story off, and it was dusty. It’s still an issue. They recently got tickets for the dust, but they weren’t fined because of this special agreement they have with the city. There are still some residents left there, and they deserve to be protected and continue to focus on environmental justice stories in Detroit.