For several years, WDET has participated in Giving Tuesday as a one-day fundraiser.
This year, Giving Tuesday will mark the first day of WDET’s Holiday Fundraiser – a five-day fundraising event that will come to a close on Saturday, Dec. 7, with Midtown Detroit’s 50th annual Noel Night celebration, of which WDET will be participating!
WDET is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and we couldn’t have gotten to where we are today without support from members and listeners like you. In this eventful year, WDET made significant program changes and as a result, our audience has grown. At 75, WDET is not slowing down, and we continue to strive every day to bring Detroiters the high-quality news, music and conversation they have come to rely upon over the years.
If you would like to be part of WDET’s future, consider making a gift today. Those who make a donation during fundraiser can select from a variety of thank you gifts at wdet.org/thanks and choose the amount that’s right for you.
Three new gifts will be available during WDET’s Holiday Fundraiser, including:
An Evening with David Sedaris: When you donate $100/month, you’ll receive four tickets to “An Evening with David Sedaris” on April 8 at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre, as well as a copy of Sedaris’ hilarious books “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim” and “Happy Go Lucky.”
Essential Music Tour with Ann Delisi + Rob Reinhart: For a gift of $75/month, you and a guest will be treated to brunch, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of WDET Studios with Ann Delisi and Rob Reinhart, and a live studio performance by Syrian American guitarist, pianist and composer Kareem Kanouh on Jan. 18, 2024. You and your guest will also receive an Ann Delisi T-Shirt!
NEW MEMBERS ONLY – WDET Stadium Scarf: New members who make a gift of any amount during the Holiday Fundraiser will get a limited edition WDET stadium scarf.
Help keep WDET sustainable for the next 75 years, and make your gift today!
Support Detroit Public Radio.
WDET is celebrating 75 years of people powered radio during our 2024 Holiday Fundraiser, now through Dec. 7. Become a member and invest in WDET’s next chapter of news, music and conversation.
The trainees took classes from 2022-2024. College of Nursing Professor Dr. Cynthera McNeill says the courses were part of a larger effort to break the stigma around mental health, including in communities where there’s a shortage of mental health professionals.
“Rather than just show up and collect research data, we were given the opportunity to provide education and skills that enable community members to take action and serve as a bridge between those dealing with mental health troubles and the services they need,” McNeill said.
The trainees work with community-based organizations to educate others. In August, the collegewon another $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health to focus on reducing barriers to colorectal cancer screening and opioid drug overdose prevention — which McNeil says will also include mental health first aid courses.
The trainings are being held in collaboration with African American and Middle Eastern North African (MENA) community organizations to provide culturally competent care.
Other headlines for Monday, Dec. 2, 2024:
A bill introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives would require commercial health insurance plans to cover long-term treatment for brain injuries from diseases, strokes, and falls.
Several community health centers in Detroit will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this week to assist with Medicare enrollment before the enrollment period ends Dec. 7.
The city of Detroit’s District 4 will host a charter-mandated community meeting on from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, to share updates and resources from city departments. The meeting will take place both on Zoom and in person at the Detroit Burns Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 10125 E Warren Ave., Detroit.
It’s also Older Driver Safety Awareness week. The Michigan Department of State provides resources to keep drivers educated and safe, regardless of their age.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
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WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
The city of Detroit is already donned in holiday drip following the tree lighting last month. This Saturday, holiday cheer will cascade throughout Midtown as the city’s cultural district celebrates its 50th annual Noel Night.
Produced by the nonprofit Midtown Detroit, Inc., more than 100 participating businesses and vendors will offer Noel Night activities and entertainment including live music performances, holiday shopping with special deals, arts and crafts, Christmas carols and more.
WDET — celebrating its 75th anniversary this year — is a media partner for Noel Night and will be offering tours of the station, opportunities to meet hosts, sweet refreshments and more from 3 to 10 p.m. Several Wayne State University schools, colleges and divisions will be hosting Noel Night activities across campus as well.
Maureen Stapleton, interim director of Midtown Detroit Inc., joined The Metro on Monday along with Source Booksellers owner Janet Jones to talk about what participating businesses and organizations have in store for the event’s 50th year.
Stapleton noted that Midtown Detroit is the perfect place to showcase the city’s diverse holiday traditions and culture.
“What makes me most proud is the cultural diversity of the activities of the day,” she said. “We have cultural institutions that are some of the finest in the country that are on display.”
Stapleton also pointed out that, despite being called Noel Night, many activities will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday morning. For a full schedule of events and activities, visit midtowndetroitinc.org/schedule.
Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.
More from The Metro on Dec. 2, 2024:
With Thanksgiving now in the rearview, the holiday season is in full force. Over the weekend at Eastern Market, crowds of shoppers were loading their bags with gifts and filling their pickup trucks with Christmas trees. But Christmas is far from the only religious and spiritual holiday celebrated in the month of December. Aaron Gale, an associate professor and scholar of religious studies at West Virginia University, joined the show to discuss the vastly different ways people of different faiths celebrate the season.
For many, food is more than something to excite your taste buds; it’s a container for culinary traditions, helping continue the heritage of the people who created it. In the new documentary, “Detroit: The City of Chefs,” chef, producer and award-winning director Keith Famie highlights what makes Detroit’s food scene so rich and what food can do to continue old rituals and inspire new stories. Famie joined The Metro to discuss the film.
The holidays are a time where we hear a lot about gratitude, joy and spending time with family. But it can also be a stressful or sad time for many people, emphasizing lost loved ones or estranged relationships. To discuss the importance of mental health awareness during the holiday season, clinical psychologist Dr. Cindy Morgan joined the show. Natasha T Miller, a Michigan poet and former co-host of the Science of Grief podcast from WDET and the MSU Museum, also joined the show.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. Donate today »
On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, Australian soul artist Allysha Joy and her trio join us on their first world tour! After a decade with the 30/70 collective, Joy recently released her third solo album, “The Making Of Silk.”
Also this week, in-studio performances from Beck, Amos Lee, The Staves, Jana Mila and more.
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 Dec. 1, 2024
“Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
“Whole Damn Year” – Mary J. Blige
“No Time” – John Moreland
“Don’t Go Into The Woods” – The Decemberists
“Hope Is A Knife”– Mustafa
“Hold On Tight” – Amos Lee (in-studio performance, 2024)
“Lola (My Love)” – Madison Cunningham & Andrew Bird
“Nothing To Prove” – Allysha Joy (in-studio performance)
On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, great new music from Shara Nova (My Brightest Diamond), along with new work from Kendrick Lamar and Father John Misty.
Plus, the late Dorothy Ashby and a new Detroit artist carrying on her tradition; and lots 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 Nov. 30, 2024
“I Will Not Go Down” – Amythyst Kiah (w/Billy Strings)
“Summer’s Gone” – Father John Misty
“Imaginary Lover” – My Brightest Diamond
“Stay By My Side” – Michael Kiwanuka
“Above Water” – Nick Piunti & The Complicated men
“Luther” – Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA
“If This World Were Mine” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
“Never Too Much” – Luther Vandross
“Any Other Way” – Allison Russell & Ahya Simone
“Action Line” – Dorothy Ashby
“Mystery” – Allen Stone ft. P.J. Morton
“Beautiful Day” – Keyon Harrold ft. P.J. Morton
HOUR TWO:
“Ooh Baby” – Laura Nyro
“Easy To Love” – Aaron Frazer
“To Be Young” – Ryan Adams (Acoustic Café performance, 2000)
“Make It To Christmas” – Apropos
“At The Holiday Party” – St. Vincent
“Josh Tillman And The Accidental Dose” – Father John Misty
“The Night Josh Tillman Came To Our Apartment” – Father John Misty
“My Angel” – Allysha Joy (Acoustic Café preview)
“Going Down Swinging” – Rowan Niemisto
“Motor City” – The Satintones
“Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” – The Temptations
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.
Support the shows you love.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world.
NEW YORK (AP) — Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
The world’s fourth-largest carmaker announced that its board accepted Tavares’ resignation Sunday, effective immediately.
Stellantis noted Sunday that the process of finding a new, permanent CEO is “well under way.” In the meantime, the company says a new interim executive committee, led by chairman John Elkann, will be established.
As head of PSA Peugeot, Tavares took control of the Netherlands-based company in January 2021 — when it merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, creating an automotive giant that is the parent to several well-known brands today. Beyond Jeep, Citroën and Ram, the company portfolio includes Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, Peugeot, Maserati and Opel.
Stellantis’ North American operations had been the company’s main source of profits for some time, but struggles piled up this year, with the company citing rising competition and larger market changes. As a result of lofty sticker prices and fewer affordable options, many high-priced vehicles have been left unsold on dealers’ lots.
For its third quarter, Stellantis posted 27% plunge in net revenues, as gaps in launching new products and action to reduce inventories also slashed global shipments of new vehicles by 20%.
The carmaker reported net revenues of 33 billion euros (nearly $36 billion ) in the three-month period ending Sept. 30, down from 45 billion euros in the same period last year. All regions except South America reported double-digit dips in revenues — led by North America, which plunged 42% to 12.4 billion euros ($13.1 billion).
In recent months, Tavares had come under fire from U.S. dealers and the United Auto Workers union after the release of dismal financial performance reports. He also oversaw cost-cutting efforts that included delaying factory openings and laying off union workers — further straining the company’s relations with the UAW, which filed several grievances against Stellantis and threatened to strike in recent months.
The UAW welcomed Tavares’ resignation with president Shawn Fain calling the move “a major step in the right direction for a company that has been mismanaged and a workforce that has been mistreated for too long.” He noted that thousands of UAW members had been calling for Tavares’ firing for weeks for what Fain called the CEO’s “reckless mismanagement of the company.”
“Tavares is leaving behind a mess of painful layoffs and overpriced vehicles sitting on dealership lots,” Fain said in a statement. He added that the union looks forward to sitting down with Stellantis’ new chief executive and “will keep using all means available” to hold the company accountable.
Beyond the U.S., Stellantis has faced pressure in Italy — where lawmakers questioned the former chief executive over the company’s production plans in October, with the far-right government accusing the company of relocating assembly plants to low-cost countries. Tens of thousands of autoworkers in the country also held a one-day walkout, calling for more employment certainty and protections.
In efforts to revive sales, Stellantis previously made a number of leadership changes in October, which included naming new heads of operations in North America and Europe. At the time, the company expected Tavares to step down in early 2026, closer to the end of his five-year contract.
The company confirmed in September that it was searching for a CEO to eventually succeed Tavares, but it maintained those efforts were part of standard leadership transition plans.
In a statement Sunday, Stellantis’ senior independent director Henri de Castries said that Stellantis’ success is “rooted in a perfect alignment” between shareholders, the company’s board and the CEO — but noted “different views” had emerged in recent weeks, resulting in the decision to approve Tavares’ resignation.
Elkann, the chairperson of Stellantis’ board, thanked Tavares for “his years of dedicated service and the role he has played in the creation of Stellantis” in an additional statement. He added that he looks forward to appointing a new CEO.
Stellantis did not comment further beyond Sunday’s release. The announcement arrived shortly after Bloomberg reported Tavares’ plans to step down, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
Michigan aims to set up a public network of 100,000 electric vehicle charges by 2030 to support an anticipated two million EVs on local roads. Millions of dollars’ worth of investments have entered the state in recent years to support that vision.
A report put together by some of Michigan’s trade organizations offers guidance on making it a reality. The so-called “Transportation Electrification Roadmap” includes policy and spending recommendations.
Listen: Policy experts discuss Michigan’s EV roadmap
Chase Attanasio, a policy analyst at Clean Fuels Michigan, says one suggestion is to establish a clean fuel market in the state.
“We’ve seen in California, a clean fuel standard has created a market for clean fuels that surpasses $2.8 billion in the first three years of the program,” Attanasio said.
Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council Policy Principle Sophia Schuster says building out an electric vehicles network represents a chance to improve state power infrastructure as a whole.
“We have the chance to look at electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure that support them as a solution to supporting a healthier grid,” she said.
Schuster added that Michigan’s power grid currently ranks among the worst in the country when it comes to reliability.
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WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snow of the season threatened to bury towns in New York along lakes Erie and Ontario during a hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend, while winter storm conditions could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions.
An Arctic outbreak of cold air will expand south and east and bring “dangerously cold wind chills” into the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, the National Weather Service said Saturday, while heavy lake-effect snow could make travel “very difficult to impossible” into next week.
“Temperatures will be 15 to 20 degrees below average over parts of the Northern Plains and temperatures will be about 10 degrees below average over parts of the eastern third of the country,” the weather service reported.
Cold weather advisories were issued for parts of North Dakota on Saturday and high pressure from central Canada will move south into the Northern Plains by Monday. A freeze warning will be issued over the Central Gulf Coast states to the Southeast, the weather service said.
Light to moderate snow was expected from the middle Mississippi Valley to the central Appalachians on Saturday, with similar snow conditions over parts of the Northern Plains and upper Mississippi Valley and central Appalachians on Sunday, the weather service said.
In Michigan, heavy lake-effect snow in northern parts of the state was expected to continue into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Gaylord. Some areas of the Upper Peninsula could see up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) of snow Sunday night through to Monday, National Weather Service meteorologist Lily Chapman said.
As flakes began flying Friday, New York state forecasters warned 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) of blowing and drifting snow could fall in Watertown and other areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday.
After an unusually mild fall, as much as 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) of snow were possible along Lake Erie and south of Buffalo from lake-effect bands notorious for pummeling the region with snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) per hour. Lake-effect snow happens when warm moist air rising from a body of water mixes with cold dry air overhead.
“The lake is 50 degrees (10 degrees Celsius). We’re about six degrees above where we should be this time of year, that’s why we’re seeing these heavy lake-effect events,” Erie County Public Works Commissioner William Geary said. “The outlook for the next two weeks into December, we’ll probably see some more.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency for the targeted counties, allowing state agencies to mobilize resources. Rapidly deteriorating conditions Friday caused closures along Interstate 90, and tandem and commercial vehicles were banned from Interstate 86 in western New York and much of U.S. Route 219 beginning Friday afternoon.
“There’s a considerable number of vehicles going off the road on the 219 currently,” Gregory Butcher, Erie County deputy director for preparedness and homeland security, said at an afternoon briefing.
ATVs and snowmobiles were being placed around the county to help first responders if necessary, Butcher said.
The Buffalo Bills called for volunteers to potentially shovel snow at Highmark Stadium, where over 2 feet (0.6 meters) of snow was possible before Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Last year, a major lake-effect storm forced the NFL to push back the Bills wild-card playoff home game against Pittsburgh from Sunday to Monday.
“It’s going to be slow going, there’s no doubt about that,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, adding the heaviest snow is expected to be over by kickoff.
The team, meanwhile, was preparing to play in any conditions.
“We’re trying to stay on top of it,” coach Sean McDermott said Friday.
The Bills are 9-2, their best start since 1992, and with a win Sunday they would clinch their fifth straight AFC East title.
Lake-effect snow also covered parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in a system that is expected to last through the weekend. The area was blanketed in snow by Friday afternoon, with some places already measuring more than a foot (0.3 meters) of snow.
“We’ve got this westerly, northwesterly flow regime and this chilly air mass over the U.P.,” said Chapman of the National Weather Service. “So it’s a pretty good setup for this long duration lake-effect snowfall event.”
Gusty winds, especially near the Great Lakes, has impacted visibility in Michigan and Chapman urged caution on the roads.
Joe DeLizio, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Gaylord, said visibility on roads was low but he hadn’t been made aware of any major accidents so far.
“Haven’t heard too much as far as problems, but obviously travel is pretty difficult,” DeLizio said.
Reporting by Carolyn Thompson, Associated Press. AP Sports Writers John Wawrow, Isabella Volmert and Joey Cappelletti also contributed.
On this Thanksgiving episode of MichMash, we take a look at how the Michigan Legislature falls short in their oversight of government. Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow sat down with Jim Townsend, the director of the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy, to find out why.
Does Michigan have the resources for thorough oversight?
How legislators can ensure oversight even when a member of their own party is governor
Does the Michigan Legislature need to be restructured?
Gorchow says for the past 25 years of covering state government in Michigan, the Legislature hasn’t been robust in their oversight. Townsend added that isn’t because of a lack of resources.
“Michigan stands out among many states as having more resources than any other legislature…the legislature is for all intents and purposes a full-time legislature,” said Townsend. “Unfortunately, Michigan does not take the opportunity to do in-depth oversight.”
He went on to say it’s just not a priority for the government and that it isn’t a priority because attention is diverted to other things. Townsend also emphasized the imporance of reaching across the aisle to ensure government oversight is conducted in a fair and partisan way.
“The best oversight investigations are bipartisan oversight investigations,” he said. “The credibility will be higher when both parties are involved.”
Marsha Ambrosius is a powerhouse vocalist, a lyrical genius, and a staple in the music industry — both as part of the groundbreaking duo Floetry and as a thriving solo artist.
She was born and raised in Liverpool, England, where she discovered her love for music early on. While her initial dream was to pursue a career in basketball, a knee injury changed her course, steering her towards music. Ambrosius’ journey began when she connected with Natalie Stewart, forming the iconic duo Floetry — a blend of spoken word and sultry soul that took the early 2000s by storm.
Floetry became a sensation with their signature blend of jazz, soul, and hip-hop influences. And it’s with that signature sound that we kick off this 5-on-5 with one of their most beloved tracks, which was written by Ambrosius.
5 essential tracks by Marsha Ambrosius
1. “Say Yes” – Floetry
“Say Yes” from Floetry’s 2002 album “Floetic” is a timeless slow jam that put Ambrosius and Stewart on the map. The song was an intimate invitation to unwind and connect, and Ambrosius’ silky, soulful vocals showcased her ability to blend vulnerability with strength, making her voice instantly recognizable. This track solidified Floetry’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of neo-soul.
2. “Butterflies” – Floetry
Ambrosius’ talents extend beyond just her voice — she’s also an acclaimed songwriter. And the track “Butterflies,” which she originally wrote for Michael Jackson, is a testament to her prowess behind the scenes. The King of Pop’s version became a hit on his 2001 album release “Invincible,” but the original by Floetry captures Ambrosius’ raw, heartfelt emotion. “Butterflies” became a symbol of her ability to craft songs that resonate deeply, whether she’s singing them herself or gifting them to other artists.
3. “Far Away” – Marsha Ambrosius
As Floetry’s success soared, Ambrosius continued to develop as an artist, eventually stepping into the spotlight as a solo performer. Her solo debut, “Late Nights & Early Mornings,” was both a critical and commercial success, showcasing her growth as a storyteller. “Far Away” — a deeply personal song where Ambrosius explored heartbreak, mental health, and societal pressures — is one of the standout tracks from that album.
The music video made waves for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and the impact of bullying, a brave and poignant statement that showed Ambrosius wasn’t just here to sing — she was here to use her platform for change. This track solidified her status as a solo artist who’s unafraid to address real-life issues while maintaining that soulful sound we all love.
4. “You & I” – Marsha Ambrosius
Ambrosius’ second album, “Friends & Lovers,” was another evolution in her sound, leaning into lush, intimate vibes that explore the complexities of love. “You & I” from that project perfectly captures the depth of her artistry and offers a great example of her ability to paint vivid emotional landscapes with her voice. The track is a soulful exploration of the highs and lows of a relationship, blending her smooth vocal delivery with a rich, textured production.
Over the years, Ambrosius has become one of the most sought-after collaborators in the industry, frequently lending her voice to tracks by artists like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Busta Rhymes. But even as she collaborates, she continues to evolve her own sound.
5. “Music of My Mind” – Marsha Ambrosius
The album “Casablanco” marks a new chapter for Ambrosius, showcasing her growth as an artist who continually pushes boundaries, both sonically and lyrically.
Throughout the course of her musical journey, Ambrosius has proven to be more that just an artist; she’s a storyteller, a boundary-breaker, and a voice that continues to shape the future of R&B and soul. Whether she’s collaborating with icons or crafting deeply personal solo projects, Ambrosius challenges us to feel deeply, to connect, and to remember that music — at its best — is both timeless and transformative.
If you’re into deep, soulful vibes that push the envelope, make sure you’re tuned in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday from 6-8 p.m on 101.9 WDET-FM and wdet.org.
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WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today.
Several priorities remain on the table for Michigan legislative Democrats as the clock ticks down on their time in charge of both the state House and Senate.
That puts extra pressure on lawmakers to get things done this current lame duck period before the legislative session ends and Republicans take control of the state House.
Outgoing House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) said he sees the focus of the last few weeks taking shape after the Thanksgiving break.
“Everything from, you know, how are we working or supporting working families, you know, access to health care. I know there have been conversations around road funding, along with economic development,” Tate said.
That economic development piece could include bills to reshape a state business incentive program known as the SOAR Fund.
An automatic funding mechanism for the program is set to run out next after next year and Democrats will likely need at least some Republican support to get anything passed to replace or modify it.
But House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp) said the automatic way of funding development projects should expire.
“Every community should be represented in those votes. And if they’re such great projects for the state, then they’ll pass the House, they’ll pass the Senate, the governor will sign it. But they need to make that case on the individual projects,” Hall said during a press conference Monday.
Hall, who will serve as House Speaker next term, said he wants to focus on a road funding plan his party proposed. It would redirect some business and sales tax on fuel revenue to road repairs.
Democrats are willing to negotiate on that plan. But they could face other obstacles.
In a razor-thin majority, some Democratic caucus members could protest if more ambitious policies don’t see votes.
Tate said constituents still want lawmakers to work together.
“I think it’s for us to find those solutions not always perfect and not always ideal, but that, you know, forgive the analogy, that moved the ball forward for us to improve people’s quality of life,” he said.
Attendance among Democrats could be a factor to watch during the year’s remaining House session days.
Lawmakers are set to return to Lansing on Dec. 3.
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WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. Donate today »
DETROIT (AP) — Jared Goff threw two touchdown passes to Sam LaPorta, Jake Bates made three field goals in the first half and the Detroit Lions held off the Chicago Bears 23-20 on Thursday to extend their winning streak to 10 games.
The Lions snapped a seven-game losing streak on Thanksgiving.
The Bears had the ball in Lions territory late in the game with a chance to drive for a game-tying field goal or go-ahead touchdown, but they blew the opportunity.
Caleb Williams threw an incomplete pass as time expired from the Detroit 41 after being sacked with about 30 seconds left, allowing time to run off the clock even though Chicago had one more timeout.
The NFC-leading Lions (11-1) have their best record after 12 games in team history and their 10-game winning streak ties a franchise record with the 1934 squad.
The Bears (4-8) have lost six straight.
Detroit led 16-0 at halftime and 23-7 after three quarters and quarterback Caleb Williams led a comeback that came up short for the second straight week. Williams helped the Bears rally from an 11-point deficit in the final 22 seconds of regulation against Minnesota before losing in overtime.
Detroit opened the game with four straight scoring drives, going ahead 16-0 on Goff’s 3-yard touchdown pass to LaPorta in the second quarter and Bates’ field goals.
Chicago, meanwhile, failed to pick up a first down on its first four drives and gained a total of 32 yards on those possessions.
Goff’s second touchdown pass to LaPorta, a 1-yard toss, gave Detroit a 23-7 lead late in the third quarter. The score was set up by Jameson Williams’ 15-yard reverse, which included him hurdling Kevin Byard to gain several extra yards.
Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick overall in the draft, was 20 of 39 for 256 yards with two touchdown passes to Keenan Allen and one to DJ Moore.
Williams seemed to make his first rookie mistake of the game in the third quarter on a run, pulling up instead of going out of bounds and took a low hit from linebacker Jack Campbell.
The former USC star shook it off and on the next snap, threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Allen. William connected with Allen for another score, throwing a 9-yarder to him.
Detroit had a chance to add to its cushion, but Bates missed a 45-yard kick after starting his NFL career 19 of 19 on field goals on a drive that was stunted by Jameson Williams’ 15-yard penalty for tossing the football at a Bears player on the sideline.
Caleb Williams took advantage, throwing a 31-yard touchdown pass to Moore to pull within three points with 5:36 remaining.
Injuries
Bears: RB Roschon Johnson left the game with a concussion. … Bears G Ryan Bates (concussion) and DB Elijah Hicks (ankle) were inactive.
Lions: DE Josh Paschal (knee), DL Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) and DL Mekhi Wingo (knee) where hurt during the game, potentially more blows to a position hit hard by injuries, including Aidan Hutchinson’s broken leg. … Lions PR/WR Kalif Raymond (foot) was put on injured reserve Wednesday and was replaced by Maurice Alexander, who was signed from the practice squad. … CB Carlton Davis (knee/thumb) and OT Taylor Decker (knee) were inactive.
Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday aims to divert some of the attention away from Amazon and large chain stores.
The annual national campaign focuses on encouraging shoppers to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season, and businesses in metro Detroit are ready for the love.
The Detroit LGBT Chamber of Commerce distributes a list of its retail and service members the Wednesday before Small Business Saturday each year.
“To let them know that these organizations are LGBTQ owned, operated and or friendly, and they are open for business on Saturday,” said LGBT Chamber Founder and President Kevin Heard.
Heard says customers will see some new businesses on the list like the Twisted Soap Bar — which sells out of Eastern Market — and the Filipino bakery JP Makes and Bakes, which opened on Woodward earlier this month.
Many small businesses around metro Detroit are offering special events and/or discounted pricing for Small Business Saturday. Fantazma Market & Cafe on Trumbull Street is hosting a Small Business Saturday celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30.
Held in partnership with the Southwest Detroit Business Association and Corktown Business Association, the event will feature giveaways and exclusive shopping, live entertainment, special performances, and a chance to take family photos with Santa Claus. Admission is free and shuttle transportation will be available to and from the event, located at 1211 Trumbell St., that will connect the shopping districts in Southwest Detroit and Corktown.
The nonprofit Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation will also host a free Small Business Saturday celebration, Holidays on Grand River.
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation is hosting a holiday pop up from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The holiday pop-up will feature shopping from at least a dozen local businesses and food truck rally; live music performances by Maraj Virtuoso & Kevin Christian: The Better Things Collective; a poetry and Christmas book reading presented by InsideOut Literary Arts; a Santa’s workshop featuring activities from Arts & Scraps; photos with Santa Claus; Christmas tree lightning and more. The event will take place from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday at the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, 19800 Grand River Ave., Detroit.
In Dearborn, the American Arab Chamber of Commerce is kicking off the holiday shopping season with a Women Only Winter Bazaar from 4-10 p.m. next Friday, Dec. 13, at the Saline Intermediate School. The event was created in collaboration with United Humanitarian Foundation and the Saline Intermediate School Student Council.
American Arab Chamber Executive Director Bilal Hammoud says its members offer unique cultural gifts for the holidays.
“If you want some of the best Yemeni coffee or tea, get a gift card from one of the many Chamber members that we have that are coffee shops — Haraz, Qawah House, Shibam, they are phenomenal places to send people,” Hammoud said.
He says the American Arab Chamber plans to release its own holiday shopping guide soon.
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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is pushing ahead with criminal cases against Republicans accused of falsely presenting themselves as presidential electors in an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The allegations say it was part of a scheme to try to switch Michigan’s 16 electoral votes to Donald Trump even though Joe Biden won the state. The charges allege the false electors sent forged certificates to state and federal authorities.
“The fraudulent certificate of votes was falsely made, forged or counterfeit. First, it was not, as it purported to be, the certificate of electoral votes for Michigan,” says the state’s argument. “The Republican elector nominees for 2020 were not (and never became) the 2020 presidential electors for Michigan.”
The state’s filings, urging a judge to move the cases to trial, take aim at the argument that the false electors were only standing by in case the results of the 2020 presidential election were thrown out by courts. By the time the Michigan’s electors convened at the state Capitol on December 14 that year, there were no legal challenges pending. The filing also relies heavily on recordings and messages shared between the false electors.
The false Trump electors showed up at the state Capitol, where they were turned away. The group also sent signed-but-invalid elector certificates to state and federal officials, which was the basis for the forgery charges.
Messages left with some electors or their attorneys and the Michigan Republican Party were not returned.
This round of motions was filed in the first six cases against a total of 13 defendants, but an Attorney General’s office spokesperson said similar requests should be filed in all the cases before the end of the year. The defendants will also be allowed to file responses to argue why the judge should dismiss the charges.
False electors in other states are also charged with similar crimes. Trump won Michigan in this year’s election. A federal judge has dismissed charges against Trump of attempting to overturn the 2020 election because it would be unconstitutional to prosecute a sitting president.
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In 1934 the Detroit Lions played the first pro football game ever held on Thanksgiving. They lost to the Chicago Bears.
Nearly a century later, the Lions face the Bears again on Thanksgiving.
But this time Detroit takes the field as one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
Detroit Football Network founder Justin Rogers has reported on the Lions for more than a dozen years.
He told WDET the team is primed to win its first Turkey Day game since 2016.
“They’re well coached, they’re aggressive, they’re mentally strong. It just doesn’t seem like anything fazes this team, physically or mentally.”
—Justin Rogers, Founder of the Detroit Football Network
Listen: Justin Rogers
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Justin Rogers, Detroit Football Network: This Lions team under Head Coach Dan Campbell is kind of about ending streaks, they’ve ended several negative streaks under him, So it only makes sense that they knock another one off here on this holiday.
Quinn Klinefelter, WDET News: They’re heading into this game with a bit of a banged-up roster, especially on defense And this is a short week with only four days between games. How do you think that’s going to impact the Turkey Day contest?
JR: Every time they get an injury you wonder if the attrition is going to catch up to this team. They’ve suffered so many this year and so many big names, obviously, with star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson being at the top of that list. But remarkably, they just seem to continue to get better. They currently rank second in the NFL in points allowed, despite all these different guys that they’ve lost. And so, it’s going to be another puzzle for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to figure out. But I don’t know what more to say about the job that he’s done this year. He’s put himself firmly on the head coaching track. He was on it anyway but really needed the results to accentuate his resume. With overcoming these injuries, it’s a no-brainer for some team to give him that shot.
QK: The Lions defense is facing a quarterback who’s had a little bit of an up-and-down year so far, which you would expect for a rookie, even a No. 1 overall pick like Caleb Williams. But he seems to have been really pulling it together the last couple of games, since they got a new offensive coordinator for him with the Bears. Do you think he can take another step in this particular game against the lions?
JR: That’s the thing with rookies, right? It’s all about finding the level, finding consistency. And the good signs for Williams is that the last five games, he hasn’t thrown at interception. Turnovers are often a problem that plague young quarterbacks. He’s got quite a bit of weapons around him. They put him in a very good position to succeed as a rookie and it seems like he is taking to his new offensive coordinator. They’ve only been together for two games. It’s a very small sample size. It’s tough to judge exactly what that means. But we saw what happened when Detroit’s rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold was out this week and they had to go to a backup. It was probably the only weak point on the defense. If they have to go back to that, it could be problematic. But development isn’t linear for young players. Williams could have another good game or he could absolutely tank. And neither one would be surprising. This is going to be his first taste of a short week in the NFL, his first taste of Thanksgiving and the national exposure that comes with that. It’s going to be a storyline, how he handles these variables that he’s not experienced before.
QK: On the other side of the ball, Detroit’s offense has seemed almost unstoppable sometimes, running up huge scores. But they are facing a Bears defense that seems to have one of the better, if not best, secondaries in the entire league at the moment. That might make it a bit of a tough challenge for quarterback Jared Goff and his various receivers. How do you see that shaping up?
JR: I think it’s the matchup that’s going to dictate how this game goes. Detroit’s offense is probably the best in franchise history at this point, certainly the best of three really good years under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. They’re averaging over 30 points a game, we’ve seen them put up at least 40 four times this season, and 50 twice. They are incredibly explosive and incredibly versatile. The beauty of their offense is they can do everything. They can run the smash mouth game and pound it on the ground or they can play the finesse game. They have players that are really good in speed and space and so, you never know what you’re going to get when you’re game planning for this Detroit offense. As good as Chicago’s defense has been, and it’s been very good, they’ve got a lot of continuity there, they’re getting a lot out of talent at all levels, Detroit will have an answer. It’s just a matter of whether they’ll be able to execute. We saw two weeks ago in Jacksonville, that everything Detroit drew up worked to perfection. We saw last week in Indy they looked a little bit clunkier, some good drives, some bad drives. But they still walk away with 24 points. I think if you can score in that ballpark, in the upper 20 points, it’s going to be enough to beat a Chicago offense that just isn’t clicking it near that level this season.
QK: You’ve been covering the team now for a long time. Some Lions fans still have this fear in the back of their minds once in a while that Detroit will get close and then they’re going to just find a way to not have it work. Yet over this last three, four years, suddenly the Lions seem to be one of the best teams in the NFC. In fact, they are maybe the best at the moment, by a lot of experts predictions, as well as the only NFC team that’s never been to the Super Bowl. People talk about “grit” and stuff like that, but to you, what’s really been the change between the Lions being league doormats not that long ago and now maybe favorites for the Super Bowl?
JR: It starts with talent. If you’re not talented enough, you’re going to really struggle. Because in the NFL, the way it’s set up, all the teams are relatively equal in talent. So the margin for error for the Lions was always so small. Every time something minimal went against them, a bad call from an official, a bad bounce, a dropped pass, it was enough to tip the scales in an otherwise balanced game and cause them to lose. Now they’re in the upper echelon of talent and so when they have these things that go against them, which inevitably happens in the course of football, human error is part of the game — whether it’s officiating or other players. You have a game where Jared Goff throws five interceptions and the Lions still win. That’s not enough to derail you? It’s unbelievable.
They’re well coached, they’re aggressive, they’re mentally strong. It just doesn’t seem like anything fazes this team, physically or mentally. They’re very comfortable facing adversity, staring it down and running it over. I understand that mentality of some Lions fans and why it’s lingered for so long. Because this team has hurt you, I don’t know if there’s a better way to put it. But right now is not a mirage.
Last year it became very apparent that this was a good football team. The 2024 Detroit Lions are a better football team. They have more confidence. They know even more what it takes. They went a little bit harder this off-season, added a few more veteran pieces. And they are every bit the Super Bowl contender people think they are. I think you could even call them the Super Bowl favorites. And I know that’s a weird thing to hear, but it is an appropriate and accurate description.
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Under Senate Bills 1145 and 1147, all Michigan school districts would incorporate curriculum on the histories and contributions of communities of color within their classrooms. The “Teach MI History” legislation, introduced by Sens. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), and Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), would also require cultural competency training for teachers and create a “cultural advisory board” within the Michigan Department of Education.
State Reps. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) and Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield) are expected to introduce companion bills in the House next month.
“This is not just about teaching history — we are fostering empathy, cultural awareness, and the critical thinking skills our students need to thrive in an interconnected world,” said Puri. “This curriculum is about ensuring that every student sees themselves in the story of our country and is equipped to build a more inclusive future.”
With Republicans taking control of the state House in January, Democratic lawmakers don’t have much time to pass legislation and have it signed into law before the end of the year. This legislation aims to build upon last year’s efforts, when state legislators included funding in the 2024 state budget for inclusive history curriculum pilot programs and a toolkit for MDE to assist school districts in those efforts.
Other headlines for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024:
Seven affordable housing programs in Detroit are receiving funding from a nearly $18 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis — the most grant money the bank has ever invested in the state.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit District and the Great Lakes Water Authority are holding a public meeting from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2 at East Lake Baptist Church, to discuss the Southeast Michigan Flood Risk Management Study. Sessions will also be held on Dec. 4 in Dearborn, Dec. 9 in Waterford, Dec. 10 in Sterling Heights and Dec. 16 in Grosse Pointe.
The Detroit Fire Department is planning to install 5,000 smoke alarms in city homes over the next year. To request information or to request fire alarm installation for your home, email communityrelations@detroitmi.gov.
The Propitious Spot is looking for vendors for its Dec. 21 holiday event, Santa’s Spot: A Warm Winter Gathering. Confirmed offerings for attendees include photos with Santa, S’mores, a hot chocolate bar and holiday music. Interested vendors can email info@kmproseries.comfor more information.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
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A local nonprofit is working to transform a former school property in Corktown into a community hub that will house an early childhood education program, host artist residencies and more.
Co-founded by Paul Spiegelman and Hamsa Daher, Kintsugi Village aims to offer a “unique blend” of educational opportunities for Detroit families, from arts and culinary experiences and a community garden to events and programming promoting wellness and personal growth.
The initiative will be located in the former St. Vincent Middle School in Corktown, with plans to open the early childhood center by September 2025.
Spiegelman and Daher joined The Metro on Wednesday to discuss the project and what inspired it.
“After going through a really tough personal time about a year and a half ago, we sat around at the DIA one day and talked about maybe doing something new, and Hamsa was ready to take on a new challenge as well,” Spiegelman said. “We thought maybe there’s a way we could help in Detroit and help in a local neighborhood, bring the community together. And that’s where the inspiration started to pull all these initiatives together.”
The pair will hold a community meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at McShane’s in Corktown to discuss their plans for the community hub and share additional details about the early education program and tuition costs.
Use the media player above to hear the full conversation with Spiegelman and Daher.
More stories from The Metro on Nov. 27, 2024:
State Rep. Dylan Wegela and Downtown Detroit Partnership CEO Eric Larson joined the show to discuss GM and Bedrock’s redevelopment plan for the Renaissance Center and its $1.6 billion price tag.
Filmmaker Tom Brown was diagnosed with HIV when he was just 18 years old. His 2016 feature film “Pushing Dead” — a dark comedy about an HIV-positive struggling writer — is inspired by his own personal journey coping with the disease for decades. Brown, who recently moved to Detroit, joined The Metro to talk about a screening of the film he’s organizing for World AIDS Day at the Senate Theater this Sunday.
The way we string our sentences together with the metaphors or similes that we use to enrich a conversation can often change an individual or move a nation for better or for worse. Detroit’s poet laureate, jessica Care moore, joined the show to talk about reaching people where they are in the community or with their personal growth.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
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WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. Donate today »
Tune in to WDET over Thanksgiving weekend for special holiday-themed programming from In The Groove, The Splendid Table and more.
From 10 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, The Metro will be pre-empted to present The Splendid Table’s annual Thanksgiving show: Splendid Table’s Turkey Confidential.
Award-winning food journalist and host of The Splendid Table, Francis Lam, will be taking calls throughout the program and coming to the rescue of Thanksgiving cooks, kitchen helpers, and dinner guests during one of the biggest cooking days of the year.
Join the conversation by submitting your Thanksgiving question on The Splendid Table’s website, or by leaving a message at 800-537-5252. The show will re-air on Friday, Nov. 29, from 3-5 a.m.
In The Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper will also have special themed programming from noon to 3 p.m. both on Thanksgiving Day and on Friday, Nov. 29, featuring plenty of throwbacks to give listeners that cozy holiday feeling — whether you’re running errands or spending time with family and friends.
On Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, The Metro will revisit the stories shared by WDET’s own Quinn Klinefelter and Robyn Vincent at Detroit Story Fest, an event held last month featuring performances and personal stories from some of Detroit’s top journalists.
WDET announced a refreshed programming schedule this week, with changes informed by input from our community of listeners and members. Sixty percent of the new schedule will feature local programming — up from 51% — including more daily local coverage of news, arts and culture, with more input and call-in dialogue from our listeners on an expanded two-hour version of The Metro.
Listeners can view the updated program schedule here or by going to wdet.org/schedule. For more information about the recent programming changes, visit wdet.org/changes.
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It’s another exciting week on MI Local, packed with exclusive premieres of new tracks by local artists!
The Codgers are a Celtic-roots folk ensemble full of longtime players and poets, and we heard a new track, “A Love Song,” from the new full-length album “Sweny’s Remedies.” The Codgers will play an album release party on December 14th at the Gaelic League in Corktown with Don Duprie, Alison Lewis, and Ryan Dillaha doing a songwriters-in-the round.
Bandeau is a new project from singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Chad Thompson, blending electro-pop and new-wave; we heard “Momentary Need” from the forthcoming album “Spirit Fingers“ (out in January). Another new project is the indie-rock sextet, The Starlings, who have an EP on the way (January) — we heard a yet-to-be-released track titled “Try To (Have A Good Time).” Meanwhile, singer/songwriter Emily Rose also has a new album, available on cassette (but also digitally, on Dec. 6), titled “The Parlor Tapes,” and we heard its opening track, “Wyandotte.”
Also of note this week, we looked ahead to R&B singer/songwriter Isis Damil’s upcoming performance at Eva’s Speakeasy (Dec. 6-7), and also checked in on shows to catch before and after Thanksgiving, including artists like The Macpodz, Double Winter and more!
See the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.
MI LocalPlaylist for Nov. 26, 2024
Momentary Need – Bandeau
Try To – The Starlings
A Love Song – The Codgers
Wyandotte – Emily Rose
Jelly Donut – Double Winter
Sista – Isis Damil
Cities, Highways – The Macpodz
Voices of the Night – Adam Bradley Schreiber
Starfish Power – Evan W
FMPM – Eddie Logix
Let’s Talk – Shigeto, Kesswa & Ahya Simone
Get Me In The Zone – Waajeed ft. Miles Bonny
Bull In The Heather (Sonic Youth Cover) – Sponge
Hard Feelings – The Matthew Teardrop Orchestra
Share Your Love – Waunband
Support the shows you love.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world.
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