Last week President Trump threatened to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge from opening. In a rambling post on social media, Trump argued that Canada is treating the U.S. unfairly without making any specific demands.

That’s left politicians on the Michigan and Ontario sides of the new span scrambling. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says he is unaware of any attempts by the Trump Administration to contact Canadian officials over the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Dilkens says that while Canada paid to build the span, ownership of the bridge is shared.

“Canada as a federal government and the state of Michigan as a state government jointly own the Gordie Howe Bridge,” says Dilkens. “We’re 50-50 owners and we will repay the cost of construction through the collection of tolls over a period of many years, after which we will split the proceeds of toll revenue moving forward.”

Meeting with Morouns

The Windsor mayor blames the Moroun family for the President’s sudden desire to halt the bridge opening. There are reports of a meeting between the wealthy Ambassador Bridge owner Matthew Moroun and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hours before Trump threatened the Gordie Howe Bridge.

“You know I’m not sure what the billionaires are doing behind the scenes,” says Dilkens, “but we’re really interested in the families that are affected by this on both sides of the border.”

The U.S. House Oversight Committee has sent a letter to Lutnick requesting all documents related to his alleged meeting with Matthew Moroun.

Dilkens says retaliating by blocking the Ontario side of the Ambassador Bridge is not something Canada would consider, regardless of the White House’s stance on the Gordie Howe span. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority says the international span remains on track to open early this year.

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the end of Temporary Protected Status for Yemen. The designation was first granted to Yemeni nationals in September 2015 due to war in the country. TPS designation was renewed several times between 2017 and 2024.

Noem says the conditions in the country have improved, no longer warranting TPS. She says the designation was meant to be temporary.   

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services about 1,400 Yemeni nationals had TPS status as of last year.  

Secretary Noem says TPS beneficiaries who have exhausted their lawful basis for staying in the U.S. have 60 days to self-deport—that’s April 14. People are encouraged to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure for self-deportation, which includes a complimentary plane ticket and a $2,600 dollar bonus, which Noem says leaves the possibility of legal opportunities for future immigration. Those who do not leave may be arrested and deported and cannot return to the U.S.  

TPS recipients can seek out legal residency through asylum or work visas. 

Additional headlines from Monday, Feb. 16, 2026

Detroit police officers suspended 

Two Detroit police officers have been suspended for coordinating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Detroit Free Press reports that led to two people being possibly deported.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison requested the officers’ pay be suspended. Previously, Bettison told Detroit City Council members the police department does not do immigration enforcement.

On Feb. 9, a Detroit sergeant called Border Patrol when an officer requested translation services for a non-English speaker during a traffic stop, prompting an investigation by CBP who then took the person into custody. Another incident occurred in December, when an officer called Border Patrol while investigating a felony warrant.

The Board of Police Commissioners will decide this week whether to suspend the officers’ pay. Bettinson says officers have been discouraged from working with Customs and Border unless a detainer is issued and signed by a judge.  

US Immigration Customs Enforcement purchases Romulus facility

A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told CBS News Detroit on Sunday the federal agency has purchased a facility in Romulus.  

The facility is expected to bring nearly 1,500 jobs to the area, just under $150 million in economic activity and more than $33 million in tax revenue. 

Last week, Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight said in a Facebook post that the Department of Homeland Security secured a building about 6 miles northwest of Detroit Metro Airport. 

McCraight said that the detention center would be opposed by the city at all levels and he is working with legal counsel to determine what authority the city has to stop it. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley  

College Fair

The Williams Recreation Center is hosting a college fair next week. It will feature admissions and scholarship information, financial aid guidance and student and alumni engagement. Light refreshments will be provided, and it’s free and open to the public.

Call 313-628-2039 or email taylor.small@detroitmi.gov for more info. The college fair takes place on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. 

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

Blasting through the brick wall with Beastie Boys before cooling things down with new music discovery from Jill Scott, Daev Martian, Thundercat, Shy One, IZCO and much more.

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 February 16, 2026

• “Sabotage” – Beastie Boys
• “Excursions” – A Tribe Called Quest
• “Norfside (feat. Tierra Whack)” – Jill Scott
• “Bright Moments” – Admin
• “TRUMPETS (feat. 070 Shake)” – _BY.ALEXANDER
• “Rico Suave Bossa Nova” – Jay Dee & J Dilla
• “Babido’s Theme” – Daev Martian
• “I Did This To Myself” – Thundercat
• “Moonlight (feat. Private Joy)” – Shy One
• “Strike a Pose (feat. Camille Munn)” – IZCO
• “9th Wonder (Blackitolism)” – Digable Planets
• “BIG POPPA” – Kassa Overall
• “Vibes from the Tribe” – Phil Ranelin
• “Chantized” – Freddie Hubbard, Curtis Fuller And Yusef Lateef
• “Let Your Hair Down (feat. Hutch the Great)” – Max Sinal
• “The Creator Has a Master Plan (Live)” – Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra
• “Big Beat Bam (Remix)” – Sister Nancy
• “Sun Is Shining” – Bob Marley & The Wailers
• “Survivor” – Chronixx
• “La Piña Madura (feat. Quantic) (Violla Remix)” – Abelardo Carbono
• “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” – Baz Luhrmann
• “Get Free (feat. Amber Coffman)” – Major Lazer
• “Praise You” – Fatboy Slim
• “Melodie Is A Wound” – Stereolab
• “Give It To Me Baby” – Jarina De Marco
• “Bloodlines” – Franc Moody
• “Big City Life” – Smerz
• “Roll The Dice” – Smerz
• “Can’t Run But” – Paul Simon
• “Found A Light (Beale Street)” – BADBADNOTGOOD & V.C.R

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.

Across the country, small businesses in immigrant communities are reporting the same pattern: customers are disappearing, workers aren’t showing up, and revenue is in decline.

Federal immigration enforcement has reshaped daily life in these neighborhoods, and some business owners say it’s hitting them harder than COVID, in part because there’s no PPP loan or government lifeline this time around.

In Los Angeles County, the vast majority of surveyed businesses reported negative impacts, with nearly 50% losing more than half their revenue. In Chicago’s Little Village, business sales have dropped an estimated 50 to 70%. And the Brookings Institution estimates that 2025 may have been the first year in over half a century that net migration to the U.S. went negative.

That same predicament is playing out in metro Detroit. In Southwest Detroit, Dearborn, and Hamtramck, the small businesses that anchor entire neighborhoods are under growing pressure. Business owners along Vernor Highway describe empty storefronts, canceled appointments, and streets that used to bustle with foot traffic now eerily quiet. Community networks — WhatsApp alert groups, volunteer patrols, whistle distribution — have emerged to help residents maintain their daily routines.

Mark Lee is the president and CEO of The Lee Group, a consulting firm that works with small businesses on strategy, marketing, and growth across Southeast Michigan. He joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to talk about what he’s hearing from owners on the ground.

Listen to 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.

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

More stories from The Metro

How is the Trump administration doing overall at managing the economy? 

There are bright spots: inflation is down, unemployment is low, and the stock market is strong. But there are also concerns: Prices are still high in many areas, there’s been a hiring freeze across a number of industries, and most of the investments energy is are concentrated in artificial intelligence — not spread across a diverse range of sectors. 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is traditionally pro-free market, pro-business, and conservative leaning — and that’s also true for their partner organizations around the country.

Faye Nemer is the CEO of the Middle East North Africa American Chamber of Commerce, which operates out of Dearborn. She told producer Sam Corey that she generally likes how the Trump administration is managing the economy. She thinks the tariffs are strategic. And while Nemer realizes small businesses are hurting, she thinks that’s likely to change as national policies will trickle down to everyone else.

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

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, our in-studio guest is Shawn Colvin, who just turned 70 in January. This was originally recorded back in 2006, and is the favorite one of her appearances on our show over the years.

Also this week, another SongWriter Podcast preview, plus archives from Julie Miller, Lady Blackbird, Jack Johnson with G Love and Steve Earle with Shawn Colvin as Colvin & Earle.

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

Acoustic Café Playlist for February 15, 2026

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “You Get The Feeling” – Squeeze
• “Nothing Comes Easy” – Joy Oladokun
• “I Talk About You” – Donovan Woods
• “Best Friend” – Courtney Marie Andrews
• “Rainbow” – Jack Johnson/G Love (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
• “To Love Somebody” – Al Green
• “Summer Dress” – Shawn Colvin (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)
• “Song For The Boys” – Shawn Colvin (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)
• “Let’s Take Our Time” – Aaron Fraser & Durand Jones & The Indications
• “One For Ripley” – The James Hunter Six
• “A Friend Like You” – Milk Carton Kids
• “Like A Woman” – Lady Blackbird (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
• “Winooski” – Dorian Wood (SongWriter Podcast preview)
• “I Was Raised In Babylon” – YUSUF (Cat Stevens)
• “Heavy Measures” – Samm Henshaw
• “Broken Things” – Julie Miller (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
• “All I Want (acoustic)” – Toad The Wet Sprocket
• “Infinite Pines” – Mon Rovia
• “Please Don’t Hate Me” – Aaron Rowe
• “Hurting You” – Madi Diaz (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
• “You’re Right (I’m Wrong)” – Colvin & Earle (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
• “These Four Walls” – Shawn Colvin (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)
• “I’m Gone” – Shawn Colvin (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)

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

This week on Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music it’s our annual show filled with songs of heartbreak, betrayal, busted romance and all the things that are essential to the human experience. And the ANTI-Valentines show is even better when it’s on Valentines Day!

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 February 14, 2026

HOUR ONE:

• “Happy Valentine’s Day” – Outkast
• “Parallel Bars” – Robbie Fulks & Kelly Willis
• “No Reply” – The Beatles
• “She Used To Be Mine” – Sara Bareilles & Rufus Wainwright
• “World’s Worst Girlfriend” – Shura
  
• “So Far Down” – Sloan
• “I Snub You” – Iggy Pop
• “It Should Have Been Me” – Gladys Knight & The Pips
• “It Should Have Been Me” – Ray Charles
• “No Not Again” – The Tubes
• “Sky Blue And Black” – Jackson Browne
  
• “Phones And Radios” – Priscilla Block
  
• “IDGAF” – Dua Lipa
  
• “No No I’m Losing You” – Aretha Franklin
  

• “When Rita Leaves” – Delbert McClinton
• “Diamonds And Divorce Decrees” – Sunny Sweeny
• “I Ain’t Got The Fever No More” – Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
• “Love To Hate You” – Erasure
• “Why You Got Me Crazy (Walk Away)” – Dames Brown
• “If You Could Read My Mind” – Gordon Lightfoot
• “Somebody That I Used To Know” – Elliott Smith
• “Black Cow” – Steely Dan
• “Old Me, New Wig” – Molly Tuttle
• “Praying For Your Downfall” – Jensen McRae
• “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart” – JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound
• “Moving On” – Leonard Cohen
• “I Wanna Be Around” – Aretha Franklin

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

Mayor Sheffield is focusing on the well-being of children in Detroit with a new leadership team. During a press conference yesterday, Chanel Hampton was named Detroit’s first Senior Director of Youth and Education. Sheffield said that Hampton and Director of Youth Affairs Jerjuan Howard will work to reduce chronic absenteeism, improve transportation for kids to get to school and expand after school programs.

Hampton and her team will focus on youth up to 26 years old. During the press conference Sheffield teased an upcoming initiative to reduce absenteeism that will require City Council approval.

Additional headlines for Friday, Feb. 13, 2026

Hamtramck city leaders to hold public meeting

Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi is hosting a meet and greet with two new city leaders. New City Manager Adel Al Adlani and Acting Chief of Police Hussein Farhat will join the mayor to answer questions from the community and share their vision for Hamtramck.

This is all in an effort to create more transparency in the city and for the public to know city officials. The meeting will be held at the Hamtramck Public Library on Sunday Feb. 15 from 7-9 p.m.

Sports

NBA

All Star Weekend is upon us as Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren represent the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons head into all star weekend with 40 wins, leading the Eastern Conference. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder have a better record.

You can see both Cunningham and Duren play in the NBA versus World All. Star Game on Sunday Feb. 15 at 5 p.m.

Winter Olympics

American Ice Dancers Madison Chock from Novi and Evan Bates from Ann Arbor won silver in the free dance. Both skaters voiced that they believed they delivered a gold medal performance with their matador and bull themed routine.

This is a bounce back from the Beijing Games where they missed the podium completely. It is unclear whether Chock and Bates, who have been partners for 15 years and are married, will retire or return for another Olympic cycle.

High school sports

DPSCD’s Public School League girls basketball semi-final champions are Mumford’s Lady Mustangs. They beat Cass Tech 58 to 38 yesterday. DER’s High School Sports Correspondent Lex Walker was wearing a different hat at that game – she was on the court. But she told us why the win was important.

“We’ve been striving to get to where we are today…We for sure became more competitive after this losing streak we’ve been on for like 5 games. It’ll motivate us to play even better knowing that we didn’t put in the work for nothing. Now we know we just have something more competitive to look forward to on Sunday.”

The Lady Mustangs go on to the PSL basketball championships Sunday. The boys basketball championship matchup will be determined by games today. Cass Tech plays Douglass; King takes on Western.

Valentine’s Black romance author Q+A

The Detroit Public Library is hosting “Author Talk: Valentine’s Day Black romance writers panel.” The event features moderator Ebony Evans, and authors Katrina Jackson, Sylvia Hubbard, and Aliza Mann.

Copies of the panelists books will be available for purchase but admission is free. Seats will be first come first serve. This is all going down at the Detroit Public Library on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. For more information go to detroitpubliclibrary.org.

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

We’re back with another Valentine’s Day show, featuring listener picks from Lauryn Hill, Outkast, Stevie Wonder, John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman, Imogen Heap, Mazzy Star, and Frank Ocean. Today’s show spreads love and warmth with every dedicated song, making Valentine’s Day feel extra special for everyone listening 

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 February 13, 2026 

• “Another Baby!” – Dijon 

• “17 Days (Piano & a Microphone 1983 Version)” – Prince 

• “Single Soon” – Selena Gomez 

• “These Boots Are Made for Walking” – The Supremes 

• “Merry Go Round” – The Equatics  

• “Intimate Friends” – Eddie Kendricks 

• “Never Never” – Little Dragon 

• “Gettin’ In the Way” – Jill Scott 

• “Nothing Even Matters (feat. D’Angelo)” – Lauryn Hill 

• “Don’t Get Me Wrong” – Pretenders 

• “It Must Be Love” – Madness 

• “Is There Any Love?” – Trevor Dandy 

• “Give Me Back My Loving” – Leo Nocentelli 

• “I Just Want To Talk To You” – Charles Brown & Sleepy Creek 

• “I’d Have to Be Crazy” – Willie Nelson 

• “Lost Cause” – Beck 

• “Madness” – Muse 

• “Come Closer” – Boy Harsher 

• “Happy Valentine’s Day” – Outkast 

• “Ribbon In The Sky” – Stevie Wonder 

• “Lush Life” – John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman 

• “True Love Will Find You In the End” – Daniel Johnston 

• “Anyone Else But You” – The Moldy Peaches 

• “Goodnight and Go” – Imogen Heap 

• “Fade Into You” – Mazzy Star 

• “Moon River” – Frank Ocean 

• “You Are Mine” – Jay Robinson 

• “You” – Marvin Gaye 

• “Strange Love” – Mary Wells 

• “Ruler of My Heart” – Irma Thomas 

• “Do I Move You?” – Nina Simone 

• “Pretty Thing” – Bo Diddley 

• “Feels So Bad” – Junior Kimbrough 

• “As” – Stevie Wonder 

• “If You Really Love Me [Danny Krivit Mr. K Edit / Radio Edit]” – Stevie Wonder 

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

Documents recently released by the Justice Department may show a connection between a Detroit-area school and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.  

The phone number of Meadow Montessori in Monroe appears multiple times in emails between Jeffery Epstein and one of his associates, Lesley Groff. The emails date from 2011 with one reminding Epstein to call ‘Catherine Calder’ at the same number publicly listed for the school. According to the school’s website, Catharine Calder is the founder and head of Meadow Montessori. 

WDET called the number listed and asked to speak with Calder about any connection she or the school had to Epstein, who died in 2019. The person who answered declined to comment. 

WDET has confirmed that Calder attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts in 1967, the same year Epstein went to camp there.

Another document shows an email from earlier in 2011 between a redacted name and Epstein where Calder is described as a “very old friend” of the late convicted sex-trafficker. 

Additional reporting by WDET’s Sam Stround.

Chinese Lunar New Year is upon us once again, and with it comes a celebration that won’t be forgotten. Make sure to take a stroll down by the riverfront this weekend to catch the festivities and take a dive into Chinese culture.

Upcoming events (Feb. 12 to Feb. 19)

Lunar New Year Celebration 

Robert C. Valade Park 

Saturday February 14th  

  Free with an RSVP

Experience a Lunar New Year Celebration with the Michigan Taiwanese American Organization. There will be a festive parade, dances, arts and crafts, performances by a Chinese orchestra, temporary tattoo stations, and opportunities to learn Mandarin. The event will be held from 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. 

Reflections of Our Ancestors Behind Glass 

Arab American National Museum

Sunday February 15th

  Free with an RSVP

Learn about the acquisition and legacy of Egyptian and Nambian artifacts that inhabit U.S. museums through a series of performances and discussions with the founders of the HERitage emBODYment artist ensemble. The event will be held from 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m

Butterfly Bones: Ceramic Sculptures by Genevieve VanZandt 

Detroit Shipping Company (2nd floor) 

Opening reception, Thursday, February 19th  

Free

Take a stroll over to Detroit Shipping Company to check out Michigan artist Genevieve VanZandt’s solo exhibition of ceramic art reflecting time, change, and the overlap between strength and vulnerability through a series of 3D collages. The gallery’s opening reception will take place between 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Paczki Party

Detroit City Distillery 

Saturday February 14th  

Free admission

Pop into Detroit City Distillery on Valentine’s Day for an afternoon of live music from the Crampton Brothers, ice sculpting, unique Paczki Day cocktails, Polish delicacies, and of course… the shot ski. The event will be held from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 

Outdoorama 

Suburban Collection Showplace 

February 19th– 22nd

Adults: $12, Children: $6, Multi-Day: $18

Take a trip out to Novi for the Outdoorama outfitters expo to shop for an array of hunting, fishing, boating and camping gear. In addition, there will be snake handlers, an indoor trout pond, deer processing demos, interviews with some of last season’s most successful deer hunters, and the opportunity for Commemorative Bucks of Michigan to score your buck free of charge. 

Julius Caeser 

Hilberry Gateway

February 12th-15th

$15-25 

Peek into ancient Rome through Wayne State’s production of Shakespeare’s gripping political drama about the tyrannical rise and treacherous fall of dictator Julius Caesar.  

Sip and Stroll 

Detroit Opera House  

Thursday February 19th

$35

Take a tour through music history at the renowned Detroit Opera House and enjoy a glass of wine with snacks while you’re at it. This event is 21+, doors open at 5:30 p.m., and refreshments will be served at 6:10 p.m. 

The Jazz Room: A Tribute to Soul 

The Gem Theater 

Sunday February 15th  

$38

Embark on a journey through the history of soul music with an hour-long live performance of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding and more. This event is 21+ and takes place from 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. 

Beethoven, Bignamini and Weilerstein 

Orchestra Hall 

February 13th-15th  

$25+

Renowned cellist Alisa Weilerstein performs a two-hour concerto written for her by Joan Tower, co-commissioned by the DSO. The performance is inspired by Weilerstein’s time growing up in South America, as well as the likes of Beethoven, whose Fourth Symphony will end the concert. The event will be held from 8 p.m.- 10 p.m. 

Cuffing SZN (R&B and Dance Music) 

Big Pink

February 13th  

$23 

Dance all night at Big Pink as DJs Olea and Completd play a mix of H.E.R, Usher, Mary J. Blige, SZA and more. The event is 21+, the first 600 tickets are free, and doors will open at 10 p.m. 

In this episode: 

• How the Gordie Howe Bridge affects both Canada and the United States.
• Republicans and Democrats react to Trump’s Truth Social post about the Gordie Howe Bridge. 
• Governor Whitmer’s administration’s final budget of her tenure. 

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

As the Gordie Howe International Bridge sets to open this year, President Trump signaled he may stop the opening in a Truth Social post. This week on MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben discuss how lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are reacting to this surprising development.  

This announcement from Trump blindsided many as the bridge is set to open later this year. Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, who helped broker the deal for the bridge during his tenure as governor, wrote an op-ed in the Detroit News asking Trump to reconsider including a point by point demonstration as to why the President was wrong.  
Trump said the bridge is a bad deal but Synder disagreed saying American consumers will be hurt the most if the bridge remained closed.  

Later in the episode, Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press Reporter, discusses the Whitmer administration’s final budget. 

Whitmer’s 88-billion-dollar budget is an increase from the budget signed into law last year. Egan describes the economic picture leading up to this release as uncertain. “The economy is showing many signs of weakness amid tariffs… you also have the federal government, making significant cuts… on top of that, you also have, soaring health care costs, which is another major, major problem that they had to tackle and putting together this budget.” 

The budget addresses other things such as colleges and universities, a rainy day fund, and transportation. Of the new funding for 2027, 69% will support local road projects and 10% will support transit and rail programs, according to budget documents. 

• More from WDET:

  Michigan Democrats push back on Trump’s Gordie Howe Bridge threat

  MichMash: Budget battles and ballot changes in Michigan

  Whitmer opposes Trump’s tariffs and ICE actions

Non-profit organization Black Leaders Detroit is known for its mission to provide access to capital for Black entrepreneurs. Now the group is extending those services to developers in the city. The program is a response to residents’ complaints of seeing development in the downtown area, but not in the neighborhoods.  

Dwan Dandridge is the CEO of Black Leaders Detroit. He says the goal is to make sure Detroiters who have stayed in the city for generations can benefit from the city’s resurgence.  

“We are aware that there have been and there are others that desire to be developers, that want to take on the challenge of making sure that development is happening in the neighborhoods. So, we’re just looking to empower them, right? Because the capital is missing in that space.” 

The program offers zero-interest loans of up to $150,000 to rehabilitate a single family homes or up to four-unit multifamily property. The loan is only open to developers looking to invest in Detroit neighborhoods.   

Dandridge says there are restrictions put in place to help protect neighborhoods from speculators looking to take advantage of the program.  

“One of the requirements is that you either completed the project and brought it to a finish, to finish at least one and meaning that property is renovated. It’s either you sold it or you’re renting it out currently, and if you have not completed at least one project, you’ve gone through Building Community Values program that’s put on by Chase Cantrell.” 

Dandridge says one of the ways the organization raises support for the program is through donations. The group is looking for people who wish to donate one dollar a week to support the program. Dandridge says he hopes to reach 1 million people to make that commitment.   

For more information visit blackleadersdetroit.org. Applications for the loans open on April 1.  

Additional headlines for Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026

Henry Ford Museum celebrates Black History Month

The Henry Ford is celebrating Black History Month with the theme “A Century of Black History Commemoration.” The museum has a series of events including a guided tour called “Three Cheers for Black History” which shares the untold stories of Black innovators. Visitors can also see the Equality exhibit, which tells the story of the first African Americans to compete in the national spelling bee.

There will also be a Black entrepreneurs vendor market that is free to the public, as well as multiple author talks on books on Harriet Tubman and the Civil War. Visit thf.org for all special events and programming.  

The Hustle returns

The Detroit Historical Society is launching its second round of The Hustle, a community engagement and exhibition program. The program was designed to spotlight Black entrepreneurs through photography, oral interviews, exhibits and more.

The society is looking for nominations from the community on who to spotlight next. Visit detroithistorical.org/hustle to nominate a business or business owner. Nominations will close on April 26.  

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

For today’s Valentine’s Day show, listener picks include Amy Winehouse, Stan Getz & João Gilberto, Anita Baker, Jon Dixon, Waylon Jennings, Queen, Thee Sacred Souls, Art of Noise, and Mannywellz. Callers are invited to dedicate songs to someone special, creating a mix of personal messages, soulful grooves, and timeless love songs. 

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 February 12, 2026 

• “(There Is) No Greater Love – Amy Winehouse 

• “Prisoner of Love” – Gabrielle Cavassa 

• “The Girl from Ipanema” – Stan Getz & João Gilberto 

• “Só Quero Viver” – Tiago Caetano 

• “No Others” – Momoko Gill 

• “Same Ole Love (365 Days a Week) – Anita Baker 

• “Close (To The Edit) – Art of Noise 

• “Want it (feat. Amp Fiddler & Dames Brown) [Jon’s 6 Mile Edit]” – Jon Dixon 

• “Lyk U Use 2 (feat. Andres)” – Moodymann 

• “Tea Leaf Dancers” – Flying Lotus 

• “My Funny Valentine (Mixed)” – Big Muff 

• “I Couldn’t Love You More (Jam Master’s Deep Rework)” – Sade 

• “Everything and Nothing” – SOFT PLAY 

• “In Spite of Me” – Morphine 

• “The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don’t Want to Get over You)” – Waylon Jennings 

• “I Don’t Want to Get Over You” – The Magnetic Fields 

• “Hewlett’s Daughter” – Grandaddy 

• “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Queen 

• “She’s Got You” – Patsy Cline 

• “Suzanne” – Bermuda Triangle 

• “Ouu wee (brown)” – Mannywellz 

• “Loso Na Madesu (feat. Natanya) [Lewis OfMan Remix]” – Brian Nasty 

• “It Hit Me” – Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul 

• “Since I Had You” – Marvin Gaye 

• “New Beat” – Toro y Moi 

• “Home” – Gloria Barnes 

• “Multi-Love” – Unknown Mortal Orchestra 

• “Otis” – The Durutti Column 

• “Baby Forgive Me (Young Marco Remix)” – Robyn 

• “It’s Only” – Herbert 

• “Future Lover” – Thee Sacred Souls 

• “Cigarettes and Coffee” – Otis Redding 

• “Black Coffee” – Sarah Vaughan 

• “10:03” – Doves 

• “I Think I’m in Love” – Spiritualized 

• “Shot Shot” – Gomez 

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. 

Research shows that people who frequently socialize are more likely to participate in politics — to vote, attend meetings, and financially contribute to a cause.

So what does it actually take to get people out into the world and enjoy each other’s company? What are the barriers, and what breaks those barriers down?

Ian Solomon is an artist, journalist, and organizer. He’s the founder of Amplify Outside, which works to get Black Michiganders into outdoor spaces. Ian also hosts the PBS series “Ian Outside” on Great Lakes Now and recently joined Planet Detroit as its outdoors reporter. He joins the program to discuss what it looks like to build community power.

Rube Foster was a pioneer in American baseball. His efforts in the early 20th century to organize Black baseball teams sparked professional Negro Leagues. The league’s style of play, the players, and the business model would go on to arguably alter the course of U.S. history. 

Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, joined the show. He describes how Foster’s grit and business savvy tactics turned a fractured era in baseball into a lasting pillar of America’s favorite pastime.

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

This week’s pick comes from the powerhouse vocal trio of Athena Johnson, Teresa Marbury and LaRae Starr, better known as Dames Brown. They’ve delivered a long-awaited debut album that blends gospel, soul, house, funk and more into one rich musical gumbo.

The group was mentored by the late Amp Fiddler, who produced and recorded the project in his home studio in Detroit’s Conant Gardens neighborhood. His spirit runs through this album in a powerful way. But understand something, this is not a record that mourns him. It extends him. You can hear the belief he had in them being realized in real time. What really makes the album soar is the discovery that this is not a group with one lead singer, but three commanding voices coming together as a unit. Let’s check out the title track, “Take Me As I Am.” It’s my Pick of the Week.

That was Dames Brown with “Take Me As I Am,” the title track from their debut album, coming straight out of the Motor City.

If you love music that moves between soul, house, funk and deep dance textures, tune in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org. For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. We’ll see you next time.

Exploring Bobby Womack’s catalog and his contributions to Sly and the Family Stone, plus new music from Nourished by Time and the excellent new voice Minna.

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 February 11, 2026

• “Volume” – Caribou
• “Thrown Around” – James Blake
• “My Love” – Metronomy & Nourished by Time
• “9 2 5” – Nourished by Time
• “Offering” – Gabriels
• “California Dreamin’ (Live) – Bobby Womack
• “Family Affair” – Sly & The Family Stone
• “Floating Parade” – Michael Kiwanuka
• “Just A Western” – Nilüfer Yanya
•  “motorway” – Goat Girl
• “Kill Me – Indigo De Souza
• “Welcome 2 Detroit” – Jay Dee & J Dilla
• “Yall Ain’t Ready” – Jay Dee & J Dilla
• “As Serious As Your Life (Jay Dee Remix) [feat. Guilty Simpson]” – Four Tet
• “Bring the Pain (Chemical Brothers Remix)” – Method Man
• “Rock Steady (Sure Is Pure Remix)” – Aretha Franklin
• “Got ‘Til It’s Gone (feat. Q-Tip & Joni Mitchell) [Ummah Jay Dee’s Revenge Mix]” – Janet Jackson
• · “Find a Way” – A Tribe Called Quest
• “Players” – Slum Village
• “Sometimes (feat. Q-Tip) [Ummah Remix]” – Brand New Heavies
• “Love” – Erykah Badu
• “If You’re Here” – Cornelius
• “C + F” – Sam Prekop
• “Savage Night at the Opera” – Destroyer
• “Untitled” – Interpol
• “Plainsong” – Seefeel
• “Weather Report (Live At Shinjuku Riquid Room / 1997)” – Fishmans
• “Only In Dreams” – Weezer
• “Nothing To Me” – Minna

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.

In a rambling post on Truth Social this week, President Trump threatened the Gordie Howe International Bridge — saying he won’t allow the bridge over the Detroit River to open until Canada compensates the U.S. for all it has given them. His exact demands are unclear.

The bridge has been expected to open sometime early this year. It’s meant to support a trade network that sees around $150 billion USD worth of goods cross between Detroit and Windsor annually.

Listen: Politicians react to Gordie Howe Bridge threats

In a statement, the Michigan Democratic Party called out the president, saying blocking the span from opening would amount to economic sabotage.

State Rep. Helena Scott represents the state’s 8th house district — including northwest Detroit, Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge. She argues the US isn’t owed anything for the new bridge.

“Michigan did not fund the construction,” says Scott, “Canada did. Canada financed nearly all of the projects after the US declined to put federal dollars into it. There is nothing owed back to the US.”

Trump’s criticism of the bridge comes despite issuing a joint statement in 2017 with then-Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, endorsing the Gordie Howe project. Construction of the span began during Trump’s first term in office in 2018.

Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell is shocked the president is now criticizing a project he once celebrated, in a state that voted for him.

“President Trump won Michigan,” says Dingell, “so why is he now turning around and screwing the workers who voted for him?”

Dingell says the owner of the Ambassador Bridge, the Moroun family, met with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick before Trump’s threat. The Moroun’s fought to stop construction of the new bridge for years.

In a statement to WDET, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority says the new span remains on track to open in early 2026. They say the Gordie Howe International Bridge benefits both countries, by encouraging investment, helping to maintain and create thousands of jobs, and generating new business and tourism opportunities.