With the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference underway, politicians, policymakers and journalists are gathering on Mackinac Island this week to discuss major issues facing Michigan and metro Detroit. 

WDET’s Russ McNamara heard about how Michigan’s leadership is handling big issues like gridlock in the state congress, data centers and international conflict. Read some of the key takeaways from today’s interviews and press conferences. 

Gary Peters on the war in Iran 

The ongoing war with Iran has led to a substantial rise in the cost of living. Oil prices rose sharply after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz 

Michigan U.S. Senator Gary Peters says higher diesel prices are only one part of the problem. 

“You’ve got a third of the fertilizer that goes through the Strait of Hormuz. That’s why food prices are going up dramatically,” Peters said. “Farmers are scrambling to try to get fertilizer, and it’s a whole lot more expensive.” 

Peters says the U.S. will be dealing with economic fall out for a long time, and that the attack on Iran was poorly thought out and hastily executed.  

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill today that provides $150 million in state money to support upgrades to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Southeast Michigan. 

According to Peters, the money will help support a new mission for the base and unlock federal funding for further improvements.  

“The really important, exciting thing about it is that because of this seed money… we’re going to bring in nearly $800 million from the federal government,” says Peters. “So we’re going to have the best Air National Guard base in the country.” 

The base is set to get a new fighter jet and air tanker mission. The defense industry adds more than $30 billion to the state economy each year, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. 

Ranjeev Puri wants to see programs continue under next state budget

The budget process in the Michigan House is on a much better track than last year. 

House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri says the political will is there to get the budget done on time this year.  

“Last year, noticeably, the speaker dragged the budget out well past the constitutional deadline into September, October,” Puri says. “This year, I think there is a motivation to try to get it done on time.” 

Republican Matt Hall held up a lot of the process during his first year as speaker of the House, hoping to send a political message and drive cuts. The deadline to present budget bills to the governor is July 1. 

Representative Puri says Hall is motivated to get a budget done this year so legislators can hit the campaign trail. 

Democrats have a two-seat advantage in the Michigan Senate and Republicans have a six-seat advantage in the House, so a drawn out budget fight is unlikely. 

Democrats are ready to fight to keep things like the RX Kids program for infants and new moms, states Puri. “If we’ve gotten to a place in our political discourse that’s saying that newborns are waste, fraud and abuse, we’re just not going to agree.” 

Puri says another program Democrats see as a sticking point is universal free school meals. 

He praises the state for setting a standard by guaranteeing breakfast and lunch to public school students. “I think that’s something we should take a lot of pride in, just being able to make sure that kids are learning on a full belly.” 

Hall has been critical of the free meal program, and tried to have it cut last year. He targeted mostly social programs for cuts while championing a rollback of the state’s property tax and education tax as a broader drawdown of state spending. 

DTE Energy plans energy storage for data centers 

DTE Energy is using battery energy storage to help provide power for planned data centers – including one in Saline Township.  

LG Energy Solution Vertech will provide energy storage with batteries manufactured in Holland, Michigan. DTE Energy CEO Joi Harris says they’re hoping to get the project completed by the end of next year.  

“It’s not a matter of if these projects will come to fruition – it’s when,” says Harris. “And when the first data center project we’re supporting comes online, expected by the end of 2027, our intention is to pause rate increase for at least two years.” 

Harris said the battery storage facilities will be located near the data center. 

“It’s not going to be on the Saline footprint. It will be built outside the Saline area. And this is clean generation,” Harris said. “What this does is allow us to take excess electrons off the grid and dispatch them as needed.” 

Residents in Saline Township and nearby areas have largely been against the data center despite potential economic benefits. The project was approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission and has moved forward with construction after Saline settled in a lawsuit.

DTE Energy says the battery energy storage represents a $1.6 billion investment. 

New music from Ruti, Mitchum Yacoub, and Detroit group Novablood before spinning into songs from Boards of Canada, Sault, Studio and Can. 

The mix also features selections from Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Yo La Tengo, Broken Social Scene, and Spiritualized. 

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 May 27, 2026 

• “I’LL BE YOUR FRIEND” – Ruti 

• “Sleeping Ute (Nicolas Jaar Remix)” – Grizzly Bear & Nicolas Jaar 

• “Otis (2024 Remaster)” – The Durutti Column 

• “Save It for Later (Live)” – Pete Townshend 

• “This Is How We Walk on the Moon” – José González 

• “Up All Night” – Sault 

• “Nel Villaggio (Nicola Conte & Nico Lahs Afro Club Mix)” – Piero Umiliani, Nicola Conte & Nico Lahs 

• “Vitamin C (2004 Remaster)” – Can 

• “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” – Angie Stone 

• “I Used To Live In A House” – Novablood 

• “Life’s A Beach! (Prins Thomas Mix)” – Studio 

• “Tell You (Today) [12″ Vocal]” – Loose Joints 

• “It’s My House (12″ Remix)” – Diana Ross 

• “Hurtin’ (feat. Divina)” – Mitchum Yacoub 

• “Dub Je Je” – Antibalas 

• “Pawa!” – Asha Puthli & Say She She 

• “I Say a Little Prayer” – Aretha Franklin 

• “Knocks Me Off My Feet” – Stevie Wonder 

• “French Navy” – Camera Obscura 

• “Heaven’s on Fire” – The Radio Dept. 

• “The Warning” – Hot Chip 

• “Ginkgo” – I Am Robot and Proud 

• “Olson” – Boards of Canada 

• “Roygbiv” – Boards of Canada 

• “You Can Have It All” – Yo La Tengo 

• “7/4 (Shoreline)” – Broken Social Scene 

• “Carry the Zero” – Built to Spill 

• “Stars” – Hum 

• “Spread Your Love” – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club 

• “The Mainline Song” – Spiritualized  

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 Mackinac Policy Conference is officially underway. The annual event brings together politicians, policymakers and journalists to discuss issues affecting the state and Metro Detroit.

The theme of this year’s conference is “A Quest for Common Ground.” Key speakers include Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, former Vice President Mike Pence and former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Dozens of other speakers are also on the agenda.

A debate between the three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate takes place Thursday afternoon. The conference can be streamed live at detroitpbs.org.

Detroit receives rating upgrades

The city of Detroit has received two upgrades to its financial rating.

Moody’s raised Detroit from Baa1 to A3, while S&P moved the city’s credit rating from BBB to BBB+.

Detroit officials say it is the first time the city has been in the A range since 1999. Mayor Mary Sheffield says the upgrades reflect the city’s strong financial practices. Detroit has now had 11 consecutive years of balanced budgets.

Small businesses asked to leave Millender Center

Big changes are planned for the Millender Center in downtown Detroit this summer.

The Detroit Free Press reports that small businesses in the building are being told they need to move out by August. Bedrock owns the building.

The Free Press reports that the IHOP restaurant will remain, along with the building’s 338 apartments. The Millender Center opened in 1985.

Gas prices fall

Gas prices in Metro Detroit have fallen in the days since the Memorial Day weekend.

The average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is now $4.57. That’s down 17 cents per gallon from this time last week.

AAA says it expects gas prices across the country to remain elevated as consumer demand stays high. Gas prices are also being affected by continuing tensions in the Middle East.

The U.S. launched strikes against Iran over the weekend, placing prospects for a peace agreement in jeopardy.

Sheffield appoints director of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has appointed a new director of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity.

Jade E. Mathis will lead the department. Sheffield says the department plays an important role in making sure all Detroiters have access to city services and opportunities.

Sheffield also named Megan Moslimani deputy director of the department.

Roads closed for Grand Prix prep

Several downtown Detroit roads are closed as the city prepares for this weekend’s Detroit Grand Prix.

Woodward Avenue is closed between Larned and State streets. Randolph Street is closed between Larned and Jefferson Avenue, along with several other road closures in the downtown core.

Drivers should expect detours and extra travel time in the area. Race events begin Friday and continue through Sunday.

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

How much has politics changed in the last 20 years?

That was a different time — a time before President Trump and MAGA, before the wealth gap continued to expand, before the country became as polarized as it is today, and before algorithm-driven media took hold.

But how different were things, really? What can we learn from that era of politics? And what should we be glad we’ve left behind?

Jennifer Granholm was Michigan’s governor from 2003 to 2011. She also served as energy secretary under the Biden administration. Granholm is on Mackinac Island for this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, where she spoke with The Metro’s Robyn Vincent.

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.

More stories from The Metro

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects this year’s harmful algal bloom in western Lake Erie to be moderate. 

The agency monitors the lake for potentially hazardous algae growth every spring and summer.

NOAA researcher Rick Stumpf says cyanobacteria thrive in the lake’s warm, shallow environment. He also says they feed on phosphorus, a key ingredient in farm fertilizer.

Stumpf says rain can wash phosphorus from farm fields in northwest Ohio into the Maumee River, which runs through Toledo.

“It is most of the water into the western basin of Lake Erie, where these blooms form,” he says. “It warms up quickly, which these algae like, and it allows the phosphorus to stay at a fairly high concentration, which favors them.”

Early rain provides a clue

Based on the amount of phosphorus already in the lake, Stumpf projects this year’s bloom will range between mild (2.5) and severe (5.5) on a scale of 1 to 10. Last year’s bloom was mild (2.4). At its peak, it covered more than 400 square miles.

Lake Erie has not experienced a severe bloom since 2019.

The key to controlling harmful algal blooms is reducing the amount of phosphorus that feeds them.

Stumpf says injecting the chemical directly into soil instead of spreading it on top could make a big difference.

“Injecting phosphorus into the soil help keeps it on,” he says. “There’s also a big push on testing because if there’s enough phosphorus in the soil, you don’t need to add it.”

Blooms can be toxic

Cyanobacteria can produce microcystin, a toxin capable of sickening people and pets. In 2014, microcystin contaminated Toledo’s municipal water system. That left more than 400,000 people in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan without drinkable water for several days.

Stumpf says pets are especially susceptible to microcystin poisoning. Many dogs who ingested contaminated water have died.

He advises people to keep their pooches out of the lake if they see a bluish-green scum or something like sawdust floating on the surface.

“Keep in mind its mouth is going to be right in the water, and then they often lick their fur when they’re done,” he says.

Stumpf says if the water looks fine, don’t worry about it.

NOAA updates its harmful algal bloom projections every week.

This week on Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music we celebrate MOVEMENT with some extended electronic music sets… plus a couple legends turning 80, new music from Arlo Parks, Jalen Ngonda, TOMORA and more!

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

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for May 23, 2026

HOUR ONE:

• “Meditation Four” – Carl Craig
• “In The Air” – Hot Since ’82
• “TRY” – sillygirlcarmen
• “Universal Soldier” – Depeche Mode
• “Atlantis” – Donovan
• “Doctrine Of Love” – Jalen Ngonda
• “Luck of Life” – Arlo Parks
• “Wannabeher” – MUNA
• “666” – Bon Iver
• “I Believe In Ghosts” – Kacey Musgraves
• “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” – Cher

HOUR TWO:

• “Glory” – Dames Brown
• “Tantor” – Danny Brown
• “Coming In Heavy” – Eli Brown & Pan-Pot
• “All My Friends” – Barry Can’t Swim
• “Let It Ride” – DJ Minx
• “Lazy Nina” – Greg Phillinganes (Yacht Rock Cruise, 6/7!)
• “You Need A Hero” – Pages (Yacht Rock Cruise, 6/7!)
• “Hold Tight” – ROZZI (at The Leon Loft)
• “Gone With The Wind” – Brother Wallace
• “Stay In Your Lane” – Courtney Barnett
• “After All This Time” – Joe Jackson
• “A Wonderful Life” – Carl Craig

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org

Listen to “MI Local” with host Jeff Milo Tuesday nights from 9-10 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET.

Stating the obvious feels unavoidable: David Bowie, even 10 years after his passing, remains one of the most influential artists of all time. So, it feels like a silly question when I ask what motivated local musicians to arrange and then perform a tribute show to the late great chameleon of genre and aesthetic, doubly so when it’s spearheaded by a Detroit-based performance artist who, himself, has spent his 40+ year career creatively developing a particular alter-identity for the stage: the blend of punk, burlesque, rock and vaudeville in one white greasepainted package: Satori Circus. 

The artist behind Satori Circus has amassed several friends and collaborators over the years, including guitarists Rick Browarski, Jeffrey Cantwell, and Brandon Trenz, the latter of which actually did a lot of the rounding-up of additional musicians to form an ensemble, back on January 10, that performed a tribute show to Bowie at the Tangent Gallery (on the anniversary of his death). Now, this Saturday, they’re reforming, as Lads Insane (a play on Alladin Sane) for The Rise and Fall of Lads Insane, performing the entirety of Bowie’s iconic The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust. 

During our interview, we talk a lot about Bowie, of course, and about the rest of the musicians rounding out this group, including saxophonist Johnny Evans, drummer Bill Henrikson, and percussionist Jay M. Jones. The group will also be performing a few other choice cuts from Bowie’s 70s canon at the Tangent, along with other featured performers from the visual and performing arts scene. This is an all ages show, and you can find more info here. 

Also on the show, I played songs from five of the top 10 contenders for our Sounds Like Detroit Showcase! We recently announced the 10 local artists that WDET listeners will be voting on, to see who goes on to perform at our celebratory showcase at Batch Brewing on August 13, and you can find more information here. Voting goes live on June 3, but for now, on this week’s show, you can hear tracks from Laurie Love, Vahn Black, Rose St. Germaine, Illajide, and Michelle Held. 

Also on this week’s show, new music from Issac Burgess, who has an album release party at the Ghost Light on June 10, along with new pop-punk sounds from Haley & the Crushers, and a tender ballad from Kate Peterson, who you can see at this summer’s Sonic Lunch series in Ann Arbor. 

Today we celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of Miles Davis, an artist whose influence continues to ripple across nearly every corner of modern music. Throughout the show, we weave in selections from the jazz giant, celebrating a catalog that helped redefine jazz and continues to shape generations of musicians. 

Elsewhere, today’s playlist moves through new music from Gabriels, Max Sinal, and The Rolling Stones, alongside tracks from Tyler, The Creator, Sonny Rollins, Ted Lucas, Bob Marley, and KAYTRANADA.  

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 May 26, 2026 

• “In Loving Memory” – Gabriels 

• “I Only Have Eyes for You” – The Flamingos 

• “Zealots” – Fugees 

• “HEAVEN TO ME” – Tyler, The Creator 

• “Let Your Hair Down (feat. Hutch the Great)” – Max Sinal 

• “Jesus Going to Clean House” – Lee Tracy & Isaac Manning 

• “In the Middle of the Night” – Ronald Langestraat 

• “Page 3 (Dām – Funk Re – Freak Mix)” – Steven Julien & Kyle Hall 

• “In a Moment Divine” – Freak Heat Waves & Cindy Lee 

• “Someone Like You” – Matthew Herbert & Momoko Gill 

• “Siesta Freestyle (Frisco version)” – Lewis OfMan & Alicia te quiero 

• “All Blues” – Miles Davis 

• “Valsa” – Fabiano do Nascimento & Vittor Santos e Orquestra 

• “Waiting On a Friend” – The Rolling Stones 

• “Asiatic Raes” – Sonny Rollins 

• “Freddie Freeloader” – Miles Davis 

• “Flamenco Sketches” – Frank Minion 

• “Saana” – Ebo Taylor 

• “Passed You By” – Chicano Batman 

• “Slow Motion Ocean (Of Love)” – Ted Lucas 

• “Get It Up for Love” – Ned Doheny 

• “Fruits of My Labor” – Lucinda Williams 

• “A Change Is Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke 

• “San Franciscan Nights” – Gabor Szabo & The California Dreamers 

• “Love and Happiness” – Monty Alexander 

• “Sun Is Shining” – Bob Marley & The Wailers 

• “Shy Dub” – Hollie Cook 

• “Intimidated (feat. H.E.R.)” – KAYTRANADA 

• “Pretty Big House” – Jarami 

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. 

Eid Al-Adha starts Wednesday. The three-day holiday commemorates the sacrifices of the Prophet Ibrahim and marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

After the attack on a San Diego mosque earlier this month, Eid celebrations are a focus of heightened security and interfaith solidarity.

The Michigan Multifaith Clergy Rapid Response Network is inviting Christian clergy from across the state to gather outside the Dearborn Civic Center from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday to stand in solidarity with members of the Islamic faith.

The Rev. Shannon Jammal-Hollermans, an organizer of the event and pastor of First Congregational Church of Christ in Lowell, says Christians are called to show public support for the Muslim community at a time when anti-Muslim sentiment is high and could increase during election season.

A coalition of Muslim congregations has granted permission for the gathering. Christian clergy planning to attend are asked to register. 

Additional headlines for May 26, 2026

Study finds most Michigan firefighters have average PFAS blood levels

A Michigan Department of Health and Human Services study finds that most firefighters in the state have average levels of PFAS concentration in their blood.

Firefighters have been thought to be at greater risk of PFAS-related health effects because the chemicals are found in firefighting foam. However, the study indicates most Michigan firefighters have similar PFAS blood levels as the general population.

The data does show airport firefighters have significantly elevated PFAS blood levels compared to those who work at residential departments. MDHHS researchers say more work is needed to determine exactly why that is.

More than 1,000 firefighters from departments across Michigan were tested to compile the data.

Two candidates disqualified from Michigan’s 13th Congressional District race

The Wayne County Clerk has disqualified two candidates in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.

Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett says neither Democrat John Goci nor Republican Raphiel King gathered enough valid signatures to qualify for the August primary ballot.

That means incumbent Democrat Shri Thanedar’s only challenger will be state Rep. Donavan McKinney. The winner will face the only GOP contender, T.P. Nykoriak, in November.

Detroit’s Spirit Plaza reopens after renovations

After six months of construction, Detroit’s Spirit Plaza has officially reopened.

The downtown space underwent a $2.9 million renovation and celebrated its redesigned space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 23.

The plaza now includes a new playground, a covered stage, more green space and an improved seating area. An official grand opening will be held June 6.

Access to mental health care for young people is an issue gaining more attention in the U.S.  Studies show social media use has changed the landscape for many adolescents.

Sarah Masad is a therapist at My Mental Wellness, a free mental health clinic located inside the Islamic Center of Detroit.

She says many girls come in with body issues stemming from social media usage.

“There’s a lot of depression that comes with that, a lot of family issues that come with that, feeling misunderstood, ” she explains.

She sees clients between 7 years old and 27 years old from Arab American and South Asian communities.

Masad says the clinic offers the option of incorporating faith-based therapy into sessions. 

“I do see that identity struggle a lot too, figuring out what they believe in, what their values are, with what they want to do, and then that struggle is like what they want to do versus what their family says, or what society says,” she shares.

Masad says a lot of people are also turning to ChatGPT, when they don’t have access to their therapist. She says this can be harmful for people who may be dealing with extreme delusions or other mental health issues. As a therapist, she tries to play a supportive role.

“I think that it’s like the struggle with dealing with the AI and social media, and being young, and then also trying to be their therapist, and make sure that they know that I’m with them and not against them, have some sort of like authority trying to make you a better person.” 

“The best thing I think for trauma is meeting them where they’re at, and also giving them autonomy.”

She works with clients to provide different strategies that may work for each client.

“Every single person is different…even if that person is dealing with these very, very similar trauma. The way that they are dealing with it and the way that they are coping with it is not the same.

Creating access to faith-based mental health care

The Islamic Center of Detroit opened the My Mental Wellness clinic in 2024 as a fully staffed mental health clinic to provide free services and remove stigma and barriers to accessing care. 

Masad says she was drawn to work in this space.

“I felt more fulfilled and allowing me to have the space to do support groups was another big thing, and creating these events for my clients, curating events for my clients, so that there’s a thing for everybody,” she says.

Previously, she’s held peer groups for young professionals who are the children of immigrants, exploring the toll it may take on people and their daily lives, and future career choices. 

She’s also starting a Sisters Stroll, a guided meditation with nature walks for people to meet new people and go outdoors together. 

“I have a deep passion for nutrition and health in the world, and teaching people how to take care of themselves even when they’re at their low point,” she explains.

Masad says she’s trying to teach people more about the connection between gut health and mental health. She says a lot of older clients come into therapy with physical symptoms of mental health. 

“I’m trying to fill that gap, trying to see how do I approach this with people who feel hopeless and helpless, and it’s not about solving, it’s about getting through whatever situation that they’re going through,” she explains.

Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET is bringing the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference directly to you.

Each year, the Mackinac Policy Conference gathers influential politicians, industry leaders, and changemakers to shape Michigan’s future. This week, WDET will be broadcasting special coverage from Mackinac Island—featuring interviews, news stories, and insights that connect you to the ideas and agendas shaping metro Detroit and beyond.

Special coverage begins with All Things Considered starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, and runs through Thursday, May 28.

WDET live at MPC

Tuesday

4-6 p.m.

All Things Considered Detroit Live at MPC
Host: Russ McNamara

Wednesday

9-10 a.m.
Morning Edition-Detroit live at MPC
Host: Jerome Vaughn
10 a.m. – noon
The Metro live at MPC
Host: Robyn Vincent
4 – 6 p.m.
All Things Considered-Detroit live at MPC
Host: Russ McNamara

Thursday

9-10 a.m.
Morning Edition-Detroit live at MPC
Host: Jerome Vaughn
10 a.m. – noon
The Metro live at MPC
Host: Robyn Vincent
4 – 6 p.m.
All Things Considered-Detroit live at MPC
Host: Russ McNamara

Watch the MPC main stream

WDET’s Mackincac Policy Conference coverage made possible in part by:

According to AAA Michigan, about 1.3 million state residents will hit the roads this weekend. The auto group says this is the second highest state number on record for the holiday weekend. This follows a national trend, with estimates setting up a new national record, topping last year’s numbers by 1%.   

To avoid peak travel times, AAA suggests travelling between 9 p.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. on Friday. Those traveling on Sunday will have little to no traffic, but those traveling on Monday will get the worst of it between noon and 5 p.m.    

Memorial Day Weekend travel is costing more across the country this year on average due to rising gas prices. The increase is connected to the War in Iran and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. This year, gas prices average $4.74 per gallon in Michigan. Last year the average was $3.13.    

Additional headlines from Friday, May 22, 2026

Local Catholic churches face restructuring

Local Catholic church members are bracing for change as the Archdiocese of Detroit begins a restructuring process.

According to a report from the Detroit News, about 22 churches could potentially no longer hold weekend masses in the foreseeable future. These changes could be connected to finances and dwindling church attendance.    

Listening sessions across the archdiocese are expected to take place this spring and early summer to consider plans.    

Sports  

MLB  

The Tigers are facing a 6-game losing streak as face the Baltimore Orioles this weekend. Detroit is at the bottom of the American League Central and hopes to turn things with a three-game series against the Orioles. 

First pitch for tonight’s game is at 7:15 p.m. at Oriole Park in Baltimore.   

Soccer  

Detroit City FC is facing Loudoun United FC  tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. Detroit has won their last two games and hopes to get their third victory tomorrow. The faceoff will take place at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia.   
   
Final Four ticket lottery

The Final Four is coming to Detroit and here is your chance to get some tickets. There is a lottery system you can enter for an application fee of $25. Fans who apply will be charged up front for the number of tickets they are requesting. You can only get up to 4 tickets. The available tickets are in the upper bowl at Ford Field and cost about $400 each.   

The deadline to enter the lottery is Sunday, May 31. Winners will be notified in the Fall.    

NBA   

And I know the NBA season is over, but there is news heading into the 2026-2027 season.    

The Pistons announced that they’ve reached a new television rights agreement with Scripps Sports. This move brings Pistons basketball to over‑the‑air television for fans throughout Michigan. The Pistons and Scripps Sports plan to collaborate on a direct-to-consumer streaming application in the future.   

Movement music festival

It’s Memorial Day Weekend so there is Movement in Detroit. The longest-running electronic dance music event in the world return for its 20th year.

From Saturday to Monday, you have access to witness more than 115 artists perform on a variety of stages.  Many performances and set pieces have been curated in order to celebrate the twenty years of existence. Three day VIP passes are sold out but single day, VIP  and general admission passes are still available.  

For more details go to movementfestival.com.

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

Tomorrow, Detroit turns its attention to Movement Music Festival, so for our final show before the weekend, we’re setting up the energy accordingly. We revisit our conversation with beloved Detroit photographer Patricia Dorsey, better known as “Grandma Techno,” who has become a cherished part of the festival’s culture and a familiar presence at Hart Plaza since first attending the festival in 2005. 

Closing out the show, In The Groove welcomes Detroit producer and DJ Kyle Hall into the studio for a special live set. A longtime force in the city’s dance music scene, Kyle has built a reputation for blending house, techno, jazz and soul into a sound that feels distinctly Detroit. Catch his set on Saturday, May 23 at 3 p.m. at the Star Gate Stage at Hart Plaza. 

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 May 22, 2026 

• “Fishbrain” – Mount Kimbie 

• “I Wanna Be Adored” – The Stone Roses 

• “Mind’s a Lie” – High Vis 

• “So U Kno” – Overmono 

• “Cos-Ber-Zam Ne Noya (Daphni Mix)” – Daphni 

• “Katmandu (Jazzanova Remix)” – Ivan Conti 

• “better” – Joy Orbison & Léa Sen 

• “oh baby (lovefingers remix)” – LCD Soundsystem 

• “Leave Your Life (Lonely Hearts Mix)” – Alex Kassian 

• “Peter and Sylvie” – Michael Andrews 

• “Boy Moves the Sun” – Michael Andrews 

• “Paradise Valley” – Jay Daniel 

• “Blind (Frankie Knuckles Remix)” – Hercules & Love Affair 

• “The Whistle Song” – Frankie Knuckles 

• “Home is Where The Hatred Is (feat. Lisa Fischer) [Main]” – Brian Jackson, Masters At Work, Kenny Dope & Louie Vega 

• “Lady Day & John Coltrane (feat. Rahsaan Patterson) [12″ Version]” – Brian Jackson, Kenny Dope & Louie Vega 

• “Can’t Stop (Dennis F’s Falling 4 U Mix Edit)” – Reel People, Angela Johnson & Dennis Ferrer 

• “Sidepoint” – Vlad Caia 

• “NoLov4Me” – So House 

• “You Are Love (Jose Carretas Son Liva Mix)” – Glenn Underground 

• “Down” – Kyle Hall 

• “Echoes In The Dust (Vinyl Preview)” – MICHELE MANZO 

• “I Can’t Believe I Loved Her” – Peven Everett 

• “Thank U” – Julio Navas & David Amo 

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. 

Public access to the Wayne County Airport Authority’s monthly meetings has changed, according to officials and an inside source. The move follows public opposition to the use of Willow Run Airport by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation-related flights earlier this year.

In February, the WCAA ended an option for the public to attend monthly meetings remotely while keeping the option available for some employees.

Officials say the decision to end remote attendance is meant to prioritize those who attend the meeting in-person and is a part of a broader shift to the Authority’s pre-pandemic policy. However, an inside source says the change is a reaction to strong public opposition against the use of Willow Run Airport for ICE deportation flights.

An anonymous whistleblower shared internal communication with WDET that shows while the public will be barred from attending public meetings remotely, some employees will still be offered the option. Those employees must first be vetted by the officials before receiving a unique, traceable link to attend. 

The source also tells WDET that public comment had previously been moved to the end of each monthly meeting, raising concerns that the change will limit public input before major decisions are made. 

Under the Freedom of Information Act, WDET requested all flight activity records, agreements, contracts, communications, and financial records related to the use of Willow Run Airport by ICE.

The airport authority is charging WDET $7,991.68 for the information.

Nearly 2 million Muslims will make the greater pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, next week.

Imam Steve Mustapha Elturk is President of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA). He says this year, Hajj is different due to the ongoing war between Iran, the United States and Israel. 

“Many of our congregations are asking, ‘is it safe to go this year?’ It is very safe,” he says.

Elturk says the U.S. bases are far away from the holy cites in Mecca and Medina. 

“Saudi Arabia really does a great job in terms of safety and security. I’ve been going there for a dozen years, and I see it with my own eyes to make sure that the pilgrims are safe and secure,” he shares.

He says the systems have also changed from people booking Hajj travel through an agency to using the Nusuk app, which can be confusing for users.

“Then they offer you the packages. They ask me if I’m going or taking a group. I have not taken a group in the last few years since they launched the Nusuk… ” It’s different,” he reflects.

He says about a half dozen people are going to Hajj from his congregation this year, but he expects that more people are going from nearby suburbs of Detroit.

Elturk says, although he’s not going to Hajj this year, he provides spiritual guidance for his congregants if asked.

“I have had throughout the years, since some from our community who have gone there call me on the phone, say ‘we just finished this. I don’t know what should I do next, or I did this, is this correct?’ And I try to guide them over the phone sometimes at 3 o’clock in the morning because of the time differences,” he explains.

Hajj takes place during the eighth through 13th of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, following a lunar calendar. Pilgrims do specific tasks while they are in Hajj, what Elturk describes as an opportunity for repentance.

“Hajj is all about repentance, and the Prophet said, peace be upon him, ‘whoever performs Hajj, his or her pilgrimage is accepted, returns as the day he or she was born—in other words, sinless,'” he shares.

Pilgrims will perform Hajj from May 25-30.

Life is becoming less affordable for Michiganders. And in Lansing, despite the constraints they face, many believe lawmakers are not doing enough to change that for residents. 

With state Senator Erika Geiss term limited out of her seat, two Democrats are now vying to improve life for residents in parts of Detroit and Downriver.

Justin Onwenu is running as a Democrat for District 1’s state Senate. He spoke about what he wants to change with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.

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, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

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

With less than six months until the midterm elections, independent candidate Mike Duggan has dropped out of the race.

This week on WDET’s MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss the factors that led the former Detroit mayor to make his decision and the reactions from both Democrats and Republicans.

Even though Duggan faced an uphill battle running as an independent, the general consensus was that if anyone could win in that position, it would be him. Kasben said the current political climate did not allow for that possibility.

Later in the episode, we discuss earmarks, a way to secure funding for local government projects. Following a decision from the Michigan Court of Claims, what lawmakers consider an earmark could change. Gorchow and Kasben also discuss how the evolution of this type of funding led to current criticisms. Patrick Wright, vice president for legal affairs at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, joins the conversation to help explain the decision.

Wright said the Mackinac Center felt it was the right time to file the lawsuit that led to the Court of Claims decision.

“We thought the grant process was being abused because the voting threshold wasn’t being met,” Wright said. “We looked at the constitutional history and we tried to put a stop to it.”

The Mackinac Center’s challenge focused on two specific grants: one for a minor league baseball stadium in Lansing and another for a baseball stadium in Utica.

• More from WDET:

  MichMash: What are earmarks? A breakdown of the 2026 state budget

  Detroit Evening Report: Mike Duggan drops out of Michigan governor’s race

  MichMash: Why the MEA is withholding its endorsement; Inside Michigan elections

Money is getting tighter.

The cost of life can be even more daunting if you have a kids. Children are expensive — diapers, food, clothing, and so much more. 

We don’t have paid family leave in Michigan, but a public-private partnership has tried to ease the cost burden. Rx Kids provides unrestricted cash to mothers who are at least 16 weeks pregnant or to guardians who have a child who is six months or younger. 

It began in Flint two years ago. Now, Rx Kids has expanded to dozens of communities across Michigan. 

What have the impacts been for moms and kids? And, why is Rx Kids popular among people and places across the political spectrum?

Nushrat Rahman is the Economic Mobility Reporter at the Detroit Free Press and BridgeDetroit. She spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.

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, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced the end of his independent campaign for Michigan governor. Duggan said he aimed to ease “the toxic two-party atmosphere in Lansing that’s holding this state back.”

At a press conference in Detroit, Duggan said the two biggest components of the race that held him back were dropping poll numbers and a lack of funding.

“The truth of the matter is, when you’re down 11 points and you’re down in the fundraising, the path is not realistic,” Duggan said.

Duggan launched his campaign in December 2024, one month after Donald Trump won the state in the presidential election.

Duggan said his plan at the beginning of his campaign was to earn 20% of Republican votes and 20% of Democratic votes. This idea, he said, was based on polls that showed 65% of both Republicans and Democrats in Michigan were open to supporting an independent candidate.

“There is a national clamor for someone who will stand up and say ‘I’m tired of these two parties fighting with each other’,” Duggan said.

According to Duggan, his fundraising team raised “more money than the major party candidates,” and 94% of it came from the state of Michigan. However, he said that national funding for independent candidates is still in its infancy. He believes that person will need to be an independent – and independently wealthy.

“Somebody is going to break through, but I’ll make a prediction. It’s somebody who’s got the wealth to be self-funded,” Duggan said.

Duggan’s advice for the remaining partisan candidates is to make sure their platforms are not based on attacking the other side. Having “something that you stand for positively,” he said, is what will make an impact on voters.

“There are people in this state who want change and are willing to work for it, and I’m hoping you’ll see the Democratic and Republican candidates reach out and embrace those folks,” Duggan said.

Reactions roll in

Duggan was a frequent target of criticism from the Michigan Democratic Party, but Chair Curtis Hertel’s tone was more conciliatory.

“As we look ahead, we welcome Mayor Duggan’s supporters into our growing coalition as we work to elect a Democratic governor this November who will continue to move Michigan forward,” Hertel said.

The Detroit Regional Chamber was one of Duggan’s earliest champions, as well as a source of campaign contributions. The Chamber’s president and CEO Sandy Baruah said the organization is still appreciative of the ex-mayor’s efforts.

“Obviously, I am disappointed that Mike Duggan’s campaign for governor is ending, but we are thankful for his leadership for Michigan and driving a critical conversation about how to move our state forward,” Baruah said.

What comes next for Duggan

Concerning his next steps, Duggan said he planned to spend time with his family before he thinks about endorsing candidates who match his beliefs.

“If there are candidates in this state that take up the message of fixing the schools, fixing affordable housing, getting the jobs of the future by working together, I’m going to be open to endorsing them in the fall campaign,” Duggan said.