Today on The Progressive Underground‘s Liner Notes we dive into “Control” — the groundbreaking 1986 album from Janet Jackson that was more than a musical statement; it was a personal revolution.

Let’s rewind. Before “Control,” Jackson was known as a child actress, the youngest of the Jackson dynasty, with two lackluster albums under her belt —projects dictated by family expectations rather than artistic passion. But by 1985, at age 19, she had enough. She fired her father as her manager, annulled a brief and tumultuous marriage to James DeBarge, and took control — literally.

Enter Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, two producers fresh off their tenure with Prince and The Time. Their Minneapolis-based Flyte Tyme Studios became the war room where “Control” was crafted, far from the shadows of her family’s influence. It was here that Jackson found her voice — not just as a singer, but as a songwriter, a producer, and a force in pop culture.

Let’s kick it off with the title track — a bold, declarative mission statement that set the tone for everything that followed.

Track: “Control”

That was “Control,” the album opener and the thesis statement of Jackson’s new era. Over a bed of industrial-strength beats, punchy synths, and sharp stabs of funk, Jackson asserts her independence with the kind of conviction that turns a pop star into an icon.

Up next, the track that introduced Jackson’s “nasty” alter ego — born out of a real-life encounter with street harassment in Minneapolis. The song’s clattering percussion and aggressive funk arrangement were built on Jimmy Jam’s signature triplet swing beat, a precursor to New Jack Swing. It was brash, confrontational, and packed a feminist punch.

Track: “Nasty”

Jackson’s anti-catcalling anthem and its infectious “nasty boys” hook became a cultural touchstone, but beyond the groove, it was a battle cry. And speaking of battle cries, up next is the song that served as Jackson’s official break-up notice — not just to DeBarge, but to anyone who doubted her autonomy.

“What Have You Done for Me Lately” was originally a Jam and Lewis track for their own project, but once Jackson stepped in, she reshaped it into a no-nonsense declaration of self-worth. The punchy synth bassline, slinky groove, and icy-cool delivery made it an instant classic. Press play on this and feel the energy on this one.

Track: “What Have You Done for Me Lately”

“What Have You Done for Me Lately” reintroduced Jackson to the world —confident, independent, and with a new sonic identity.

Now, let’s switch gears. Amidst all the declarations of independence and fierce autonomy, “Control” also gave us “The Pleasure Principle.” Unlike the album’s other hits, this wasn’t a Jam and Lewis production — it was helmed by Monte Moir, another Minneapolis sound architect. The result is a sparse yet powerful track that showcased Jackson’s ability to command a song without needing a wall of production behind her.

And let’s not forget the music video — directed by Dominic Sena — where Jackson delivered an iconic solo dance performance, cementing her as one of the era’s premier visual artists. 

Track: “The Pleasure Principle”

“The Pleasure Principle” was an exercise in minimalism that still managed to hit like a sledgehammer.

Now, let’s step into something warmer, something more playful. “When I Think of You” was Control’s most carefree moment, and it became Janet’s first-ever No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The track pulsed with an irresistible groove, blending R&B and pop into something light, joyful and infectious. 

Track: “When I Think of You”

“When I Think of You” offers a reminder that even in the midst of a creative and personal reinvention, Jackson still knew how to craft a perfect pop song. The album then takes a quick detour with “He Doesn’t Know I’m Alive,” an underrated gem penned by Spencer Bernard, another Minneapolis collaborator. It’s a snapshot of youthful infatuation, serving as a brief moment of softness.

Track: “He Doesn’t Know I’m Alive”

The next track finds Jackson at her most introspective. In an era where music was becoming more sexually explicit, she took a different approach urging patience, emotional depth and genuine connection. The track’s lush arrangement, warm synths, and hushed vocal delivery made it one of the most celebrated ballads of the decade.

Track: “Let’s Wait Awhile”

“Let’s Wait Awhile” resonated deeply with audiences and solidified Janet’s ability to balance power with vulnerability.

Looking back, “Control” wasn’t just an album — it was a cultural reset. It changed the way we saw Janet Jackson, catapulting her from a Jackson sibling to a generational voice. It established Jam and Terry as the most in-demand producers of their time, influencing everyone from New Edition to Boyz II Men to Beyoncé.

The album’s impact on MTV and music video culture was seismic. With the help of a then-unknown Paula Abdul, Jackson revolutionized pop choreography, setting the template for every artist who followed — Britney, Aaliyah, and Ciara.

Commercially, “Control” spent 65 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 — a record-breaking run. It spawned five Top 5 singles, earned Jackson her first Grammy nominations, and ultimately sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Most importantly, it gave a new generation of Black women in music a blueprint for self-determination. Artists like Missy Elliott, TLC, Beyoncé, and Rihanna all stand on the foundation “Control” built. So, nearly four decades later, what’s the takeaway?

“Control” was more than Jackson’s breakthrough — it was a revolutionary act of self-creation. It was proof that taking the reins of your own destiny isn’t just empowering — it’s unstoppable. We close with the album’s most delicate moments and most atmospheric track. Unlike anything else on the release, this song was pure mood — a smoky, jazz-infused lullaby that hinted at the deeper sensuality Jackson would explore in later albums. 

Track: “Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun)”

That was “Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun),” a dreamy, intimate closure to one of the most game-changing albums in pop and R&B history.

If you love deep dives into music that changed the game, be sure to tune into The Progressive Underground every Saturday at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET. This has been your edition of Liner Notes. For the Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. We’ll see you next time. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday that she will travel to Washington D.C. soon to lobby federal officials against proposed big cuts to the U.S. Department of Education and new tariffs against Canada and other trading partners.

As a new round of Trump administration tariffs are set to go ahead early next month, Whitmer said the nascent trade war is unwelcome on both sides of the Michigan-Canadian border.

“Indiscriminate tariffs on our allies — they’re going to put Michiganders out of work,” she said. “They’re going to hit Michigan harder than any other state and drive up costs for consumers.

“I know the business community is very worried too,” she said. “They want stability and predictability — and I think all these things present a lot of challenges — and so I’m going to be in D.C. trying to lobby on behalf of the state of Michigan. I hope people continue to raise their voices because they’ve got to hear us loud and clear.”

Last week, business leaders said they were relieved with the delay in the first round of Trump administration tariff hikes but pleaded for a permanent moratorium.

“While another postponement of the White House’s proposed tariffs on automotive-related trade between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico is somewhat of a reprieve for the industry, damage has already been done,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber. “For an industry that operates in three-to-five-year product cycles, this level of day-to-day uncertainty is debilitating.”

The Whitmer administration did not immediately share a travel date or itinerary. Canada and the European Union are responding to steel and aluminum tariffs that could place a burden on U.S. manufacturing. Michigan also faces a freeze in disaster funding.

Whitmer also said she hopes to avert deep cuts to the U.S. Department of Education that would dramatically affect Michigan schools. Those could include funds to help low-income students who are struggling and for special education services.

Southeast Michigan is experiencing a rollercoaster of temperatures so far this month. 

Meteorologist Steve Considine with the National Weather Service says March is known for its unpredictable weather, but this year temperatures have fluctuated from well below freezing to highs near 70 degrees within the week.

“March is a month where we tend to see a lot of ups and downs. We’re trying to get into spring, but there are times where winter takes a while to fully get out of here,” Considine said. 

Temperatures will continue to climb through the rest of the workweek, reaching the mid-60s on Friday. 

However, the warm spell comes with a caveat. A deepening low-pressure system across the central U.S. will drive strong winds into the region, with gusts exceeding 40 miles per hour possible on Saturday. A chance of rain follows Saturday night before cooler air moves in on Sunday.

While metro Detroit is getting a taste of spring, winter’s grip isn’t fully gone just yet.

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover former Detroit Police Chief James Craig’s mayoral candidacy announcement; President Donald Trump’s nomination of Dearborn Heights mayor Bill Bazzi as the next U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia; and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

James Craig for mayor of Detroit

Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced his plans to run for mayor of the city Wednesday morning at an event at the Executive Cuts barber shop in Detroit.

“I stand before you, not as a candidate, but as someone who has walked these streets,” he said.

Craig — who served as Detroit’s police chief from 2013 until 2021 — has previously run for governor of the state and for one of Michigan’s U.S. Senate seats. He campaigned for both of those offices as a Republican.  Craig is now one of several candidates seeking the mayor’s job, including City Council president Mary Sheffield, former Council president Saunteel Jenkins, current Councilmember Fred Durhal III, pastor Solomon Kinloch and attorney Todd Perkins. 

Bill Bazzi named US ambassador to Tunisia

President Donald Trump has nominated Dearborn Heights mayor Bill Bazzi to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia.  Trump made the announcement on his TruthSocial platform. 

In the message, Trump praised Bazzi’s time as a U.S. Marine, and his career at Ford Motor Company. Bazzi became the mayor of Dearborn Heights in early 2021. He’s the second metro Detroit mayor nominated by Trump for an ambassadorship. Trump nominated Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib to become the next ambassador to Kuwait. Both Bazzi and Ghalib must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before the appointments become effective. 

Detroit casinos report revenue dip last month

Detroit’s three casinos are reporting lower revenues for the month of February. Together they posted revenues of $98.8 million.  That’s down 6.4% from the same month last year. 

MGM Grand has the largest share of the market at 47%. Motor City has 27% and Hollywood Casino at Greektown has 24% of the market. Casino profits continue to provide taxes for Detroit. The three gaming houses provided the city with $11.7 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments. The casinos also paid $7.9 million in state gaming taxes last month. 

Detroit Fire Department continues safety webinars

The Detroit Fire Department is holding another of its safety webinars at 6 p.m. this Wednesday to address fire risks associated with cooking, smoking and lighting candles at home.

The city says nearly a quarter of all home fires in Detroit are connected to cooking. Residents walking away from items left on the stove are a major problem. Webinars on other topics are scheduled for April 9, May 14 and June 11.  You can join any of those webinars at DetroitMI.gov/safetyseries. 

City of Detroit to begin yard waste pickup

The city of Detroit says it will begin picking up yard waste again, beginning on March 31. Residents can place grass clippings, leaves and small twigs in paper lawn bags to be collected weekly. Branches and larger twigs should be bundled together and placed at the curb.  Yard waste in plastic bags will not be collected. Detroit’s yard waste program is scheduled to continue until mid-December, when it will take a break for the winter months. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

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

College campuses have long been wellsprings for free speech and social movements. During the Civil Rights era, they were the site of sit-ins and student activism demanding equal rights for Black Americans. During the Iraq war, students marched across campuses nationwide to protest the U.S.-led invasion and occupation of Iraq. 

Those actions had impact.

Years later, after the murder of George Floyd, most students weren’t on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But some college administrators showed their approval of the protests sweeping the nation. They held virtual vigils and declared Juneteenth a holiday. 

Today, as students protest in support of Palestinian rights amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, things look different. Since the war began in October 2023, hundreds of students demanding a ceasefire have been arrested.

At the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, police detained or disbursed dozens of student protesters and alumni. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is pursuing criminal charges against some University of Michigan protesters for several alleged actions they took during the protests. The charges represent “a pattern of excessive response by law enforcement to the campus protests,” according to the ACLU of Michigan, which filed suit against the university in February for banning protesters from campus.

Now, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University, who led pro-Palestine protests there, is facing deportation. Mahmoud Khalil was arrested without due process and detained by ICE for allegedly supporting Hamas. The Trump administration has not produced any evidence to support this claim. Khalil is a legal permanent resident and is married to an American who is eight months pregnant. 

This week, a federal judge blocked Khalil’s deportation but has not yet ruled whether he will be released from custody. 

President Donald Trump has said Khalil’s arrest represents the beginning of many more.

Shikha Dalmia joined The Metro on Wednesday to discuss this. She is the president of the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism and the editor-in-chief of The UnPopulist, a free Substack publication devoted to defending liberal democracies from the rising forces of populist nationalism.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation, beginning at the 06:50 mark.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

WDET kicked off its 2025 Spring Fundraiser last week, and we are offering some exciting incentives to encourage listeners to support the station.

Everything we do at WDET is community-focused, and without support from the community we serve, we wouldn’t be able to continue the ever important work of highlighting local, fact-based news that impacts you, uplifting Detroit artists and musicians, and keeping listeners abreast of what’s happening in the city and region.

More than 50% of our operating budget is funded by WDET members. If you are someone who appreciates and values the work we do, and haven’t made a gift of support to WDET, consider making your first donation during our spring fundraiser to take advantage of generous funding matches and other awesome incentives. All first-time donors will also receive an exclusive limited edition WDET water bottle.

Those who make a gift during fundraiser will also have opportunities to be entered into exclusive drawings during specific programs, with a focus on Detroit’s entertainment, restaurants, and unique local experiences.

The War and Treaty tickets, studio visit

Anyone who makes a gift during Ann Delisi’s Essential Music, Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, March 15, or during Acoustic Café  from 1-3 p.m. this Sunday will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to see the acclaimed country husband and wife duo, The War and Treaty at Saint Andrew’s Hall on March 29.

The lucky winners will also be invited to WDET Studios to watch Ann Delisi as she interviews Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter live at noon, the day of the show.  

Related: Ann Delisi talks with The War and Treaty for Essential Conversations

Win tickets to Movement

There will be several opportunities during various WDET programs this week to win a pair of tickets to will be Detroit’s iconic Movement Electronic Music Festival, taking place downtown at Hart Plaza on Memorial Day weekend. 

All you have to do is make a gift during The Boulevard with Waajeed from 8-10 p.m. Wednesday, March 12; during The Progressive Underground with Chris Campbell from 6-8 p.m. this Saturday, March 15, or The New Music Show with Shigeto that night from 8-10 p.m., and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win one of several pairs of tickets to Movement.

Additionally, those who make a donation during an extended In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper, from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 14, and you could win a pair of VIP tickets to Movement. Winners will also receive a Movement swag bag. 

Majestic Theatre golden ticket

Those who make a gift to WDET during In The Groove from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, March 12-13, could be among the five winners to receive 10 “golden tickets” to see any show of their choice at the Majestic Theatre or Magic Stick this year, regardless if the show is sold out.

Hamtramck Blowout and Jazz Fest

Donate during Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! from 10-11 a.m. this Saturday or during Sound Opinions from 10-11 a.m. Sunday to be entered for a chance to win a pair of wristbands to Hamtramck Blowout. The three-day music festival will showcase over 200 local bands and performers across dozens of venues and community spaces around the city, March 20-22. 

Also, those who donate during the Don Was Motor City Playlist from 8-10 p.m. on Friday could win a Detroit Jazz Fest bundle, which includes four premium front-of-stage tickets to all three days of the festival. The annual festival is held downtown on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 2.

There will be another opportunity to win a day pass to Jazz Fest during  this week’s re-air of Alternate Take with Liz Warner, from 10 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, March 15.

Stay up-to-date with the latest incentives WDET is offering during the 2025 spring fundraiser at wdet.org or by downloading the WDET app.

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

Gas and electricity just seem to be getting more and more expensive, and they could keep going up because of President Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs. 

Last month, Trump announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Then he raised tariffs on China. He then excused tariffs on U.S. automakers, plus some other Canadian and Mexican goods.

But that’s not the end of the story, because our trading partners are still retaliating. China announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agriculture exports that will hurt farmers in Michigan.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also announced that the province will charge 25% more for its electricity, which 1.5 million Americans use, including here in Michigan.

Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission — which regulates utilities including gas and electricity — joined The Metro on Tuesday to help us understand how much gas and electricity prices might increase as a result of the tariffs. 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II’s entry into the 2026 Michigan governor race; an upcoming panel highlight jessica Care moore, Tiff Massey and other women building connections between hip-hop, design and culture; and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Gilchrist makes bid for Michigan governor

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist declared his candidacy for governor today.
Speaking live on WDET, Gilchrist said he’s the best candidate because he’s delivered for Michigan residents on issues such as housing.

“When I talk to people all across Michigan, including in the city of Detroit, who said that we didn’t have enough affordable housing and that there were not enough people who could afford homes in the city of Detroit, in the state of Michigan, I pushed millions of dollars of funding into our state’s housing trust fund that’s brought 60,000 new housing units online.”

Gilchrist says he’s proud of the work he’s done alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who can’t run again due to term limits. Asked what he would do differently, he said Michigan needs a leader who can make technology such as artificial intelligence work for the people, not victimize them.  He joins Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the race for the Democratic Party nomination.

Reporting by Pat Batcheller, WDET

Panel to highlight women connecting design, culture and community

Panel on hip-hop and design Hip Hop Architecture Lecture Series is celebrating Women’s History Month

The University of Detroit Mercy will host a panel discussion celebrating Women’s History Month next Wednesday, March 19, as part of Michael Ford’s Hip Hop Architecture Lecture Series.

Detroit Poet Laureate jessica Care moore, Avalon Village Founder Mama Shu, interdisciplinary artist Tiff Massey, hip-hop artist Mama Sol, Hip-Hop Architecture Fellow Asia Williams, and Hip Hop Architecture Founder Michael Ford will participate in the discussion — which will center around women at the intersection of hip-hop culture and design.

The event, sponsored by Michigan Central, will begin at 6 p.m. with “Bites and Beats,” followed by the panel discussion at 7 p.m. inside U of D’s School of Architecture and Community Development. 

Pulitzer on the Road coming to Michigan Central

A group of Pulitzer Prize winners will gather at Michigan Central later this month to talk about the state of cultural criticism. Journalist, historian and Dean of Columbia School of Journalism Jelani Cobb will moderate the discussion. Detroit Free Press restaurant critic and 2023 Pulitzer finalist Lyndsay Green, film critic Justin Chang from the New Yorker and NPR’s Fresh Air, and New York Times pop culture critic Wesley Moore will be panelists. The free event — part of the Pulitzer on the Road will take place on Wednesday, March 26. The panel discussion starts at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a reception at 7:30 p.m. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

What’s happening Detroit? This week on The Progressive Undergound, my Pick of the Week comes from Carmen Johnson — aka Sillygirlcarmen — a promoter, producer, singer and DJ.

Johnson is a globetrotter, introducing notable venues everywhere to her brand of electronica steeped in the aesthetic and vibe of Detroit’s rich history with electronic music. She has a new single in collaboration with internationally-renowned DJ and producer Hallex M coming out March 14.

The pairing has produced a track that is sure to light up dance floors around the world. Let’s check out the track “Cold & Lonely” — my Pick of the Week.

“Cold & Lonely” officially releases on Friday March 14, 2025. Listen to a preview on Sillygirlcarmen’s Instagram or use the media player above to hear the full track.

If you dig electronic delights like this one, tune into The Progressive Underground where we take you through the worlds of deep house, future soul and more every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org. For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. See you next time.

More from The Progressive Underground:

• Tears for Fears’ sonic manifesto of the 1980s turns 40
• Pick of the Week (Mar. 1): ‘Your First Time’ by Erogenous
• The woman who gave soul its second wind: Remembering Angie Stone 

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

You’ve probably heard the saying “small businesses are the backbone of the economy.” 

It’s true, and they’re also so much more, including places to connect with the community.

Locally-owned businesses can only succeed if people shop local. Nowadays, that often means choosing not to shop for convenience or bottom dollar bargains from mega-stores and companies like Amazon, Walmart or Target.

With all this in mind, some people are using their wallets to show where they stand. The grassroots group The People’s Union USA urged people to participate in an “economic blackout” last week, with the goal of uniting Americans to ​​regain control of the economy, the government and the country’s future, according to its website.

Today on The Metro, we’re talking to local small business owners about the importance of supporting local economies and independently owned stores. 

Guests: 

• Catharine Batsios: Member-owner/community programmer at Book Suey Bookshop Co-op in Hamtramck.
• Rachel Lutz: Founder/owner of The Peacock Room, a place where you’ll find dresses, accessories, jewelry and so much more in inclusive sizes.
• Dan Radomski: He leads Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University. The program supports small to mid-sized manufacturers and people creating hardtech – products that combine hardware and software to solve a problem.

We also asked listeners:

“How often do you shop at locally-owned businesses? Is it a question of cost, convenience, or something else?”

Alberta in Detroit said: “My first priority is to shop Detroit and to shop Black Detroit. Anything else is akin to cutting my nose to spite my face. We must support where we live.”

Use the media player above to listen to the full conversation.

Also on The Metro, we revisited conversations with local businesses in Detroit: 

• Source Booksellers owners Janet Webster and Alyson Jones Turner joined the show in January to talk about the bookstore’s programming, author discussions and other events where avid readers and new readers can connect. Listen to the conversation below at the 01:41 mark.

• Temple Bar owner George Boukas joined The Metro to discuss the restoration process after the popular community spot partially collapsed in May. Temple bar reopened in December.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

A movement to protest outside a Tesla showroom near Grand Rapids appears to be gaining steam after a second week.

On Monday afternoon, about three dozen people stood outside the showroom on 29th Avenue in Kentwood to protest Tesla CEO Elon Musk. It was not a huge crowd, but it was the second week in a row for protesters. And now there are plans to continue the demonstration on the coming Mondays.

Elizabeth Jenkins said she accidentally became the organizer of the protest after looking into protests at other Tesla dealerships nationwide, and deciding that West Michigan should have its own protests.

“Last week I told my mom, ‘I accidentally signed up to make a protest, do you want to come with me?’ And I thought it was just her and me.”

Instead, dozens showed up. And since there was interest to do it again, Jenkins said she planned a second event, with more to come after this week.

Jenkins’ mom, Eileen, said she didn’t expect the small protest to make a big difference, but it’s important for her to make a statement.

“I don’t think that it will affect Elon Musk very much,” Eileen Jenkins said. “I think he looks at us as minor. But I do think that money is the only thing he understands, and this is the only way we can — I don’t know — make a money statement.”

Protesters have been making statements at Tesla showrooms around the nation in recent weeks, including regular protests at the Tesla showroom in Ann Arbor.

They oppose deep cuts made by a new government agency known as DOGE, spearheaded by Musk. Eileen Jenkins said Musk had taken the purse strings from the government by slashing programs without oversight from Congress.

The protests at the showroom just outside Grand Rapids started later than others around the nation, and so far have been smaller than some seen in other cities.

But Monday’s demonstration drew some who’ve not been part of protests in the past.

Tom Northway said he was a former Republican who hadn’t gone to a protest since he protested against the Vietnam War.

He said he’s been increasingly alarmed by both Trump and Elon Musk, and he was inspired watching an interview with Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa, a journalist in the Philippines whose outlet, Rappler, pushed back against the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, despite facing prosecution. Still, Northway said initially he wasn’t sure if he wanted to join Monday’s protest. He followed along with the event plans on social media.

“I looked up and saw there was only five people, and I thought, ‘Eh I don’t think I’m going to do that,’” Northway said. “And then there were 10 last Saturday night, and then yesterday afternoon I looked and it was 140. I said ‘Okay, I got a couple hours that I can spare and I got nothing else to do.’”

On Monday, he stood across the street from the Tesla showroom with his dog Jagger and held a sign that said, “Elon Musk is a Nazi,” a statement he said he felt comfortable with after seeing Musk give a gesture that appeared to some to be similar to a Nazi salute following a speech in Washington D.C.

“I have no problems carrying this and thinking I’m correct,” Northway said. “If somebody doesn’t stand up and say this is wrong, if everybody sits back on their couches, then nothing gets done.”

A Kentwood police officer at the front of the showroom said staff did not wish to comment on the protest.

Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II wants the top job in state government.

He has declared his candidacy for governor in 2026, seeking to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. She can’t run again because of term limits.

Gilchrist is seeking the Democratic Party nomination. He’s the third Democrat to enter the race. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are also running.

He’s already had a taste of the job

Gilchrist carries out the governor’s duties whenever she leaves the state on official business. He says that experience, plus his background as an engineer, set him above other candidates.

“People are hungry for results,” Gilchrist said. “I’m a problem solver who’s created solutions.”

He cited Michigan’s housing crisis as an example.

“I pushed millions of dollars in funding into our state’s housing trust fund that’s brought 60,000 new housing units online,” Gilchrist said.

More: Jocelyn Benson launches campaign for governor

COVID response shaped his first term

Michigan confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 10, 2020. The disease has killed more than 40,000 people statewide, but those numbers have fallen steadily over time.

Whitmer picked Gilchrist to lead a task force on COVID’s disparate impact on people of color. He says he’s proud of the work they did.

“We set up 23 new neighborhood health centers in every region of the state,” he said. “That approach helped Michigan be the only state that even tried to deal with the disparity, let alone the state that actually solved it.”

Looking back, Gilchrist says he would have communicated pandemic information more aggressively.

“We got results when we did that,” he said.

Will he be different?

When reporters asked then-Vice President Kamala Harris how she’d be different from President Joe Biden, she initially said she couldn’t think of anything. Pundits have said that’s one reason why she lost the 2024 presidential election.

Gilchrist says he’s proud of the work he’s done alongside Whitmer but insists he won’t be a clone.

“I have different experiences and different relationships,” he said. “We’re going to build on that to make sure Michigan can lead the country and the world.”

An ally?

Progressives have criticized Whitmer and other party leaders for taking a centrist approach to dealing with far-right politicians. Moderates and conservatives argue that Democrats are too far to the left for mainstream voters. They suggest that topics like climate change and transgender rights turn off voters who care more about the economy and whether it’s working for them.

Gilchrist says he will always support the LGBTQ+ community, but added he wants to be a governor for everyone.

“They’re not interested in labels,” he said. “Too many Michiganders didn’t feel like Democrats across the board were pissed off enough about what’s happening in the status quo.”

The Duggan question

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running for governor as an independent, breaking with the Democratic Party. He says most Michigan voters want someone other than a Democrat or a Republican.

That statement doesn’t square with history. Independent and third-party candidates rarely win elections but sometimes win enough votes to be spoilers.

More: Duggan will run for governor as an independent

Gilchrist wouldn’t comment on Duggan’s campaign. But he will reach out to independent voters.

“Whether you live in a county that Donald Trump won or a county that Kamala Harris won, you’re still a Michigander,” he said. “My job is to serve you.”

The Ontario government announced it’s charging an extra 25% on all electricity exports to the U.S. Monday.

The provincial government says that’ll impact 1.5 million homes spread across Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. Ontario said that could cost up to $400,000 each day the surcharge is in place, blaming tariffs from the Trump Administration for the move.

Despite Ontario naming Michigan in its announcement, state regulators expect the move could more likely be felt on a regional scale.

“While the vast majority of Michigan’s electricity is either produced by the electric utilities or purchased under long-term power contracts, the imposition of these tariffs could have some impact on prices in the regional energy markets, though the ultimate impact on Michigan customers is likely to be small,” a written statement from the Michigan Public Service Commission read.

The agency cast doubt on whether any utilities in the state actually purchase electricity from Canada to begin with.

In a written statement, DTE Energy, one of the state’s largest utility companies, said it was prepared to mitigate any pricing concerns.

“DTE continues to monitor the evolving tariff policies with Canada.We self-generate the majority of electricity required to serve our customers’ needs, with the small amount that we do purchase coming from the United States.” DTE Energy said.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) said “the vast majority” of the state’s electricity is produced by the state’s utilities themselves or through long term contracts.

The MPSC is warning, however, that Michigan’s electric grid is tied to several other states and one Canadian province, Manitoba. It said Michigan’s regional operator and Ontario’s regional operator coordinate that flow of electricity.

“Any action to limit or disrupt these flows would remove a layer of protection and make all of us – Canadians and Americans alike – more vulnerable to grid-scale outages,” the MSPC statement said.

Brandon D. Morris is with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which operates Michigan’s electric grid.

“MISO is still reviewing Ontario’s recent decision to apply an export tax on electricity, which will be collected on the Canadian side of the border,” Morris said in a statement.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) issued an advisory this week warning people of a possible travel ban by the Trump administration for Arab, Muslim-majority countries and others.

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The advisory says nationals from Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela or Yemen should not leave the U.S.

If people need to travel, they should check with an immigration attorney before traveling. The advisory also says individuals living or traveling in one of those countries should return to the U.S. immediately, saying U.S. citizens may be able to reenter but may undergo a vetting process.

People can contact ADC’s legal intake hotline at 844-ADC-9955 for further assistance.

Other headlines for Monday, March 10, 2025:

• A Detroit Youth Mobility Summit is planned from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. March 22 at Newlab, Michigan Central.
• The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) is looking for volunteers to join a network that collects and shares surface water quality data throughout Michigan.
• Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says nearly 60,000 students are receiving the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, saving families $252 million in tuition costs.
• The charity organization Mercy-USA for Aid and Development is hosting its second annual book drive, Lanterns for Literacy. Last year, 8,000 books were donated to families in Detroit through the program. The organization is looking for book donations, volunteers or financial gifts to create literacy kits.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

This week on Liner Notes, we step into the sonic universe of “Songs from the Big Chair,” the 1985 masterpiece from Tears for Fears that captured the complexities of human emotion, social unrest, and the shifting tides of the 1980s.

Formed by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, Tears for Fears emerged from the UK’s post-punk scene with an intellectual and emotionally raw take on pop music. Their debut album, The Hurting, introduced audiences to their psychologically introspective lyricism and synth-driven sound, but it was their sophomore effort, Songs from the Big Chair, that launched them into global superstardom. Drawing from Arthur Janov’s primal therapy theories and weaving in grand, cinematic production, the album blended new wave, pop, and progressive rock into anthems that defined a generation. Let’s dive in.

We begin with an anthem—both personal and political.

Track 1: “Shout”

Shout is more than a chorus-friendly singalong; it’s a primal call to arms against oppression and stagnation. Written by Orzabal, the track was initially about primal therapy, but it evolved into a broader message of resistance. That massive drumbeat? A mix of live drums and a LinnDrum machine, creating an industrial thunder that propels the track forward. Released as a single, Shout became a global phenomenon, cementing Tears for Fears as master songsmiths of cathartic pop. 

As Shout fades, we descend into “The Working Hour,” a track drenched in melancholic grandeur.

Track 2: “The Working Hour”

With a sultry saxophone intro by Mel Collins (of King Crimson fame) and dreamy piano chords, “The Working Hour” meditates on the soul-draining nature of corporate life. Orzabal’s soaring vocals, coupled with the track’s progressive structure, create an almost hypnotic journey.

Fun fact: This was one of the first tracks recorded for the album, setting the tone for its sophisticated sonic textures. 

Track 3: “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”

What happens when existential dread meets the perfect pop hook? “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” — an instant classic.

The song almost didn’t make the album, but producer Chris Hughes pushed for its inclusion. Its shuffle beat and shimmering guitar riff make it one of the most instantly recognizable songs of the 1980s. Beneath its breezy sound, the lyrics reflect Cold War anxieties, political greed, and the insatiable thirst for power. The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains an enduring cultural touchstone, appearing in countless films, shows and even video games. 

Now, we shift gears into the percussive urgency of “Mothers Talk.”

Track 4: “Mothers Talk”

Inspired by the UK government’s Cold War-era “Protect and Survive” campaign, “Mothers Talk” is a jittery, high-energy warning of nuclear threats. Featuring unconventional vocal effects and layered synth textures, it was Tears for Fears at their most experimental. The track was actually released as a single a year before the album dropped, with a reworked version later appearing on the U.S. release.

After the storm of that track, we arrive at one of the album’s most intimate moments.

Track 5: “I Believe”

“I Believe” strips away the dense production for a raw, emotionally rich ballad, showcasing Orzabal’s love for jazz legend Robert Wyatt. The minimalist arrangement allows the vocals to shine, a stark contrast to the grandiosity of the album’s other tracks. It’s a moment of vulnerability in an otherwise epic album, proving that sometimes, simplicity is the most powerful tool. 

Now we move into the shortest track on the album. 

Track 6: “Broken”

“Broken” is a sonic bridge between past and present. Originally written during “The Hurting” sessions, it serves as an instrumental prelude to the next track, with pulsating synths and haunting guitar lines setting an ominous tone. This seamless transition showcases the band’s ability to weave interconnected narratives within their albums.  

We now get into a defining moment of “Songs from the Big Chair” — “Head Over Heels,” an emotional whirlwind wrapped in cinematic production. Lyrically, it’s a story of obsession, desire, and longing, played out over grand piano chords and layered harmonies. The track’s soaring chorus and dramatic structure made it an instant fan favorite, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Track 7: Head Over Heels / Broken (Live Reprise)

Released on Feb. 25, 1985, Songs from the Big Chair was a commercial and critical triumph. It topped the U.S. Billboard 200, went multi-platinum, and spawned some of the most iconic tracks of the decade. But beyond the accolades, the album stands as a testament to Tears for Fears’ ambition, artistry, and ability to translate deep psychological themes into universally relatable music.

With its fusion of introspection and anthemic power, “Songs from the Big Chair” didn’t just define the sound of 1985 — it became a timeless reflection of human nature, the struggle for control, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world. Even today, its themes resonate, making it a cornerstone of both new wave and pop history.

We close with Listen, an atmospheric, meditative piece that dissolves the boundaries of traditional song structure.

Track 8: “Listen”

Ethereal synths, ghostly vocals, and an almost cinematic feel give “Listen” a haunting beauty. Lyrically sparse but emotionally charged, it leaves the listener in a state of reflection — a fitting finale to an album that explored the depths of human emotion and societal tension.

If you love deep musical dives like this one, tune in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET.

SELMA, Ala. (AP) — Charles Mauldin was near the front of a line of voting rights marchers walking in pairs across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965.

The marchers were protesting white officials’ refusal to allow Black Alabamians to register to vote, as well as the killing days earlier of Jimmie Lee Jackson, a minister and voting rights organizer who was shot by a state trooper in nearby Marion.

At the apex of the span over the Alabama River, they saw what awaited them: a line of state troopers, deputies and men on horseback. They kept going. After they approached, law enforcement gave a two-minute warning to disperse and then unleashed violence.

“Within about a minute or a half, they took their billy clubs, holding it on both ends, began to push us back to back us in, and then they began to beat men, women and children, and tear gas men, women and children, and cattle prod men, women and children viciously,” said Mauldin, who was 17 at the time.

Selma on Sunday marked the 60th anniversary of the clash that became known as Bloody Sunday. The attack shocked the nation and galvanized support for the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965. The annual commemoration pays homage to those who fought to secure voting rights for Black Americans and brought calls to recommit to the fight for equality.

For those gathered in Selma, the celebration comes amid concerns about new voting restrictions and the Trump administration’s effort to remake federal agencies they said helped make America a democracy for all

Speaking at the pulpit of the city’s historic Tabernacle Baptist Church, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said what happened in Selma changed the nation. He said the 60th anniversary comes at a time when there is “trouble all around” and some “want to whitewash our history.” But he said like the marchers of Bloody Sunday, they must keep going.

“At this moment, faced with trouble on every side, we’ve got to press on,” Jeffries said to the crowd that included the Rev. Jesse Jackson, multiple members of Congress and others gathered for the commemoration.

Members of Congress joined with Bloody Sunday marchers to lead a march of several thousand people across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. They stopped to pray at the site where marchers were beaten in 1965.

“We gather here on the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday when our country is in chaos,” said U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama.

Sewell, a Selma native, noted the number of voting restrictions introduced since the U.S. Supreme Court effectively abolished a key part of the Voting Rights Act that required jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination to clear new voting laws with the Justice Department. Other speakers noted the Trump administration’s push to end diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and a rollback of equal opportunity executive orders that have been on the books since the 1960s.

In 1965, the Bloody Sunday marchers led by John Lewis and Hosea Williams walked in pairs across the Selma bridge headed toward Montgomery.

“We had steeled our nerves to a point where we were so determined that we were willing to confront. It was past being courageous. We were determined, and we were indignant,” Mauldin recalled.

He said the “country was not a democracy for Black folks” until voting rights. “And we’re still constantly fighting to make that a more concrete reality for ourselves.”

Kirk Carrington was just 13 on Bloody Sunday and was chased through the city by a man on a horse wielding a stick. “When we started marching, we did not know the impact we would have in America,” he said.

Dr. Verdell Lett Dawson, who grew up in Selma, remembers a time when she was expected to lower her gaze if she passed a white person on the street to avoid making eye contact.

Dawson and Mauldin said they are concerned about the potential dismantling of the Department of Education and other changes to federal agencies.

Support from the federal government “is how Black Americans have been able to get justice, to get some semblance of equality, because left to states’ rights, it is going to be the white majority that’s going to rule,” Dawson said.

“That that’s a tragedy of 60 years later: what we are looking at now is a return to the 1950s,” Dawson said.

Reporting by Kim Chandler and Safiyah Riddle, Associated Press

Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig is filing paperwork to run for mayor in this year’s election.

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He filed a “Chief James Craig for Mayor” candidate committee on Monday, allowing him to collect donations for the August primary.

Craig was appointed as the 42nd Chief of Police in 2013. Serving in the role during the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations, the department was scrutinized for excessive force against protestors — accused of using tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, mass arrests and more without probable cause. The protestors ended up filing a lawsuit which resulted in a $1 million settlement with the city.

Craig retired as Detroit’s chief of police in 2021 and then ran for governor in 2022 on the Republican ticket, but was taken off because of alleged fraudulent signatures on his nominating petitions.

Craig joins a seemingly ever-growing list of candidates, including Mega-church pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., City Council President Mary Sheffield, City Councilman Fred Durhal III, former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins, Joel Haashiim and Jonathan Barlow, who are both local businessmen, and attorney Todd Perkins.

Other headlines for Friday, March 7, 2025:

• The Detroit Fire Department is looking to educate residents on fire safety at an upcoming Safety Series Webinar, taking place virtually at 6 p.m. March 12.
• Women in Robotics Michigan is hosting an informal gathering of women interested in robotics at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 16, at Michigan Central. Organizers say it’s an opportunity to network, share ideas, and learn from others in a relaxed setting.
• Next Thursday, March 13, is 313 Day, and there are a ton of events planned to celebrate.
• WDET launched its 2025 Spring Fundraiser on Thursday. All new members who make a gift during the Spring Fundraiser, which ends Sunday, March 15, will also receive a limited edition WDET skyline water bottle.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

There are 10,000 kids in Michigan’s foster care system. About half of them are placed with a relative, known as kinship care. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently piloted a program with 16 kinship care support workers, or caseworkers, across nine counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Grand Traverse, Lenawee and Ingham. 

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel says when children are not able to stay with their parents safely, the state prioritizes placing them with a relative. 

“We’ve been able to create some specialized programs and positions to work with family members to make sure that they have all the supports and resources that they need to feel comfortable to take that child in on behalf of their relative,” she said.

Hertel met with kinship caregivers, advisory council members, and support staff this week at the MDHHS South Central Wayne Office in Detroit to discuss the state’s commitment toward children and kinship caregivers.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed a $24.4 million budget to expand a pilot kinship care support program next year. 

The expansion would provide 70 additional kinship care support workers and family resources, Hertel said.

“Outside of just the concrete physical supports, the emotional and behavioral health supports as well,” she said. “So if children are needing therapy sessions or psychiatry, that we work to make sure that we’re connecting services to the family, not just the child, but everyone involved.”

The next step is expanding the pilot statewide. 

“We’ve been really lucky that we’ve had such support from the governor and from the legislature that they believe that this program is effective, and I’m really optimistic that we’ll be able to see an expansion next year,” Hertel said.

The money will also go toward kinship care support resource centers.

According to the MDHHS’s website, kinship care can include biological relatives or family friends caring for children through a placement by MDHHS’s foster care program, or arrangements made outside the welfare system. 

Hertel says the resource centers support all families. 

“We also support kinship care resources so that other families who may not be involved in the system have a place to reach out to,” she said, such as the Kinship Care Resource Center (KCRC) at Michigan State University.

Hertel says these caseworkers are specialized to work with families who take in foster youth who are placed with relatives.  

“In places where we have seen implementing this pilot, we are seeing an increase in some of those areas, in placements with family members,” she said.

Hertel says it’s a priority to place kids in the foster care system with next of kin whenever possible. She says this usually reduces trauma, provides more stability for children, and reduces the time they are in foster care.

The funding is part of a larger proposed $90 million budget going toward helping kids stay safe.