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, warm 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. 

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

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.

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.

Lam will be joined by Paola Velez, author of the forthcoming “Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store“; Joe Yonan, author of “Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking“; Texan chef of Roots Chicken Shak in Dallas, Tiffany Derry; and James Beard award-winning author and cooking teacher, Andrea Nguyen.

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.

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a new online dashboard for residents to track complaints against Detroit police; a Detroit-based meat company launching a national ground beef recall due to possible E. coli contamination and more.

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

New dashboard aims to improve Detroit police oversight

The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners launched a new online dashboard this week to track citizen complaints against police in the city. The Detroit Free Press reports the dashboard will provide data including the number of open and closed complaints, type of complaints and the number of allegations attached to each incident, as well as the race and gender of the police officer and those who filed the complaint against them. The dashboard can be found on the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners website. 

Book highlights celebrity connections to Detroit

A new book highlighting various celebrities and their unique connects with the city of Detroit came out this month. In the book, titled “Motor City Famous: Celebrity Homes, Graves, and Little-Known Locales,” the author Steve Platto lists various celebrities with known ties to the city like Joe Louis, Stevie Wonder, and Eminem. He also highlights some new connections like Lucille Ball, Tony Hawk and Iggy Pop. Platto will be hosting a book signing from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Schuler Books in West Bloomfield, and at Paperback Writers & Weirdsville Records in Mount Clemens from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Detroit company recalls ground beef for E. coli risk

Approximately 168,000 pounds of ground beef products from a Detroit-based meat company are being recalled due to possible E. coli contamination. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Wolverine Packing Co. recalled both fresh and frozen products that were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide. The affected fresh products have a “use by” date of Nov. 14, 2024 and the frozen products are labeled with a production date of Oct. 22, 2024. 10 22 24. All the products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. For more information visit fsis.usda.gov.

Hope for the Holidays at Second Ebenezer Church  

The Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit is hosting a turkey giveaway for its 10th annual Hope for the Holidays event. Distribution will take place between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the church, located at 14601 Dequindre Rd, Detroit. The church will also host a food distribution event from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 6602 Walton in Detroit. 

Detroit Trivia Night

The city of Detroit Youth Affairs Team is hosting Detroit Trivia Night at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, with the city’s historian Jamon Jordan. Participants can test their knowledge of the history of Detroit. The event will take place at the Jospeh Walker Williams Recreations Center at 84331 Rosa Parks Blvd. 

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

The Michigan Supreme Court has refused to hear a case filed by a business group that wants the state to compensate its members for losses due to state-ordered COVID-19 restrictions early in the pandemic.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case leaves in place a lower court decision that the Macomb County Restaurant, Bar and Banquet Association, unlike its members, was not directly affected by COVID orders and, therefore, does not have standing to sue.

The order from the Michigan Supreme Court was unsigned, but Republican-nominated Justice David Viviano wrote a dissent. He said the question of “associational standing” in the case is worth considering. He also wrote a decision from the court could provide guidance on the limits of state powers in future health emergencies.

Viviano wrote there could be some situations where an association can represent members’ interests without requiring individual businesses to file lawsuits.

“Plaintiff has made a persuasive argument that its interest as an association is sufficient for that purpose,” he wrote. “This is a jurisprudentially significant issue that I believe warrants our careful consideration.”

It is more typical for individual plaintiffs to file lawsuits while organizations representing specific interests can file “amicus” briefs with a court.

Sam Backos is a restaurant owner and a board member of the Macomb County Restaurant, Bar and Banquet Association. He told the Michigan Public Radio Network that a legal technicality should not keep the case from being heard.

“We look at it as, what’s the difference?” he said. “We’re filing a collective argument here to seek some relief. Nobody is discussing the merits of our case. They’re saying, no, you don’t have standing, which we disagree with.”

The Supreme Court order effectively upholds a Michigan Court of Appeals decision from October of 2022, which held a lower court “correctly concluded that plaintiff was not the real party in interest and was not the proper party to bring monetary claims on behalf of its members. Plaintiff made no assertion that the executive orders restricting the food-service industry affected the legal rights of plaintiff itself. That is, it failed to identify any actual controversy between itself and defendants.”

Backos said the Michigan Supreme Court order may have wrapped up the case in state courts, but is not the final word. He said his organization plans to take the case next to the U.S. Supreme and will file early next year.

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

In this episode of CuriosiD, we answer the question:

“Why are cider mills so popular in Michigan?”

The short answer

Michigan’s cider mills are more than places to grab fresh cider and doughnuts; they’re steeped in tradition. Over 125 licensed mills dot the state, offering Michiganders and tourists alike an autumn ritual that connects them to the local land and community. And while cider mill season is all about that first crisp sip, there’s more at play here: each mill blends its own unique apple varieties, adding seasonal layers to each batch of cider.

But you’re probably wondering: Which Michigan cider mill is the best? Well, it depends who you ask – most locals have a favorite they swear by.

The essence of Michigan’s cider mills

Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, emphasizes the cultural significance of cider mills:

“It’s part of the heritage,” said Smith. “Being in Michigan and having that experience in the fall of going to a cider mill, getting your apples and doughnuts, it’s something people look forward to every year.”

These mills are more than seasonal attractions; they are integral to Michigan’s agritourism, providing families with opportunities to connect with local farmers and understand the origins of their food.

Crafting the perfect cider

Operating a cider mill involves meticulous processes to ensure quality and safety. Each mill must adhere to stringent licensing regulations, including food safety training.

A key aspect of cider production is blending various apple varieties to achieve a unique flavor profile that evolves throughout the season. Smith notes that the taste of cider can change dramatically from early September to late autumn, reflecting the diversity of Michigan’s apple harvest.

Read more: Apple growers wallop averages for the third year in a row

Michigan’s apple varieties: A bounty for cider-making

Michigan’s climate and soil conditions are ideal for apple cultivation, producing popular varieties such as Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji and Ambrosia. These apples contribute to the distinctive flavors found in Michigan’s ciders.

The state’s apple industry is a significant economic driver, with apples being Michigan’s most valuable fruit crop. This industry supports not only growers but also packaging and allied sectors, underscoring its importance to the state’s agricultural economy.

A tradition that resonates

For many Michiganders, visiting a cider mill is a cherished fall activity, offering a blend of tradition, community, and the simple pleasures of the season. The state’s cider mills provide a unique experience that combines the enjoyment of fresh cider and doughnuts with a connection to Michigan’s agricultural roots. 

About the listener

This month’s question came from WDET listener Adam Danis. Danis is a Chicago native who currently lives in Midtown Detroit. After spending time in the mitten state, his curiosity grew about Michigander’s love for cider mills all across the state.

More from CuriosiD:

• Is the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library haunted?
• Behind the Scenes: Celebrating 10 years of CuriosiD
• What is the history behind the Belle Isle Boathouse?

A new “experiential entertainment” venue is coming to downtown Detroit.

Real estate firm Bedrock has partnered with Cosm to offer a “shared reality” venue to create a brand new way for Detroiters to experience sports, music and art.

The venue will feature an expansive 12K resolution dome screen — 87 feet in diameter — immersing fans in a shared virtual reality that simulates them being courtside, pitch-side, or in the front row of a concert at famous destinations.

Detroit will be the company’s fourth location, said Jeb Terry, president and CEO of Cosm.

“Detroit is a city with passionate, diverse fan bases,” he said. “When you experience the energy downtown, it’s clear that Detroit is the ideal location for our Midwest anchor.”

Cosm aims to provide a range of price points to make the venue accessible to all, ensuring it becomes a go-to destination for Detroiters. VIP experiences will be offered with amenities such as in-seat food service and exclusive views.

The new venue will be part of a multi-level market hall district by Bedrock, designed to bring 24/7 entertainment to Detroit. Cosm promises daily programming that spans live sports, music events, immersive art and more.

Cosm is expected to open in 2026.

Jonathan Peregrino never thought the reaction to his shop would be so warm.  That was until Filipinos and others from around southeast Michigan flocked to his bakery —  JP Makes and Bakes. 

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

They were craving his ube cookies and other baked goods they remembered from their childhood. The Metro’s Producer Sam Corey sat down with Peregrino in his shop along Woodward in New Center. 

Peregrino is a first generation Filipino American and he went to the Philippines to learn the art of pastry . 

“I was just looking for somewhere to study pastry for a little bit of a shorter program, that was also financially feasible for me,” Peregrino said. “But with my parents and my grandparents all being from the Philippines, I’m first generation Filipino American, so I wanted to sort of go back as an adult and sort of see how it was.”

Use the media player above to hear the full interview with Peregrino.

More headlines from The Metro on Oct. 24, 2024: 

• A new innovation is helping Detroit tackle a public health problem. University of Michigan Professor and co-founder of BlueConduit Eric Schwarts joined the show to discuss how his company is using artificial intelligence to find lead service lines in the city.  
• Black Tech Saturdays, in partnership with Rocket Community Fund, recently passed out $120,000 in grants to help close the digital divide. The goal is to make sure everyone has access to the internet and other technologies. That money is also meant to bolster the growing tech field and help local residents create their own jobs. CEO of Ecosphere Organics Brittanie Dabney, one of the grant recipients, and Co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays Johnnie Turnage joined the show. 
• The election is two weeks out and today on the show, we bring you a conversation with 36th District Court candidate William Burton Jr. It’s the second of three conversations you’ll hear on the show this week with candidates running for the two open seats in the court.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Oftentimes, when we think of the immigrant story, we think about people coming to a new country for better opportunities and a safer place to grow a family. 

It’s often a scary and intimidating process, but that’s why the Patchwork Culinary Project exists. Created by a soviet immigrant, the nonprofit restaurant and education program aims to train new Michigan residents in the culinary arts. 

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

It’s not just kitchen training and certification that goes on at the Patchwork Culinary Project. The space doubles as a restaurant and it’s also a kitchen many people in the program will work at.   

Nick Sanchez, founder and lead chef at Patchwork joined The Metro on Tuesday to share more about the project. He says the idea was born from his own personal experiences and wanting to help others find success in the U.S. 

“It came from being an immigrant myself, and starting a restaurant at a young age, and you know — learning how to deal with all the impediments and hassles of opening up a restaurant,” Sanchez said. “So I just figured we have an influx of folks coming into this country, so why not try to set them up for success?”

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation with Sanchez.

More headlines from The Metro on Oct. 22, 2024: 

• The new Editor-in-Chief of Outlier Media, Erin Perry, joined the show to talk about her goals for the publication. Perry has worked at Outlier since 2021. She’s also a practitioner-scholar and uses her knowledge to make journalism more accessible. 
• It’s a pivotal time for Detroit Public Schools Community District. The results of the November election could change the makeup of the school board as over 20 candidates are vying for three open seats. If they’re elected, new board members could disrupt the current harmony on the board and make it more difficult for Superintendent Nikolai Vitti to achieve his goals. Proposal S would make a huge financial difference for the DPSCD if voters approve it. The proposal would pay off the school district’s debt and help make new investments. Robyn Vincent, co-host of The Metro, spoke with DPSCD Superintendent Nikolai Vitti about Proposal S and the school board election.
• The U.S. presidential election is just a few weeks away and while our focus is usually on how the election will impact us here in the United States, our neighbors in Canada are also watching the race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris closely. So closely, in fact, that Canada’s national broadcaster, CBC Radio, teamed up with NPR’s The Middle and WDET to host a live call-in special from WDET on Sunday, featuring Jeremy Hobson — host of The Middle — and Ian Hanomansing, host of CBC’s nightly news program The National and Cross Country Checkup. Stephen Henderson spoke with Hanomansing ahead of the broadcast to discuss the relationship between Canadian and U.S. politics. 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

This has been a pivotal year for WDET.

Not only have we heeded the calls from our members and listeners for more local music programming, we have doubled down on our investment in robust, local journalism — expanding our local music and news shows by a whopping 40%.

Read more: WDET announces new programming in 2024 with more local shows 

This investment in more local programming has come with a financial cost. But what has cost us financially, we have gained in the many connections we continue to build by reflecting the stories, music, art, and culture that makes Detroit and the people who live here so special.

There are plenty of great reasons to support WDET, from helping to fund fair and accurate political coverage during a critically important election year, to helping us bolster the rich music history of our city and region — allowing us to lift new artists and reflect the evolution of Detroit music.

WDET has been a legacy cultural asset of Detroit for 75 years, and now, we need your support to help us keep that momentum going.

The fall on-air fundraiser is the perfect time to become a WDET sustaining member or a first-time giver — not only because 50% of our operating budget is funded by donors, but also because our team has come up with some awesome incentives for listeners who choose to donate during fundraiser.

Win a trip for two to Morocco

Now through Sept. 22, listeners who donate will automatically be entered into a drawing for two tickets to WDET’s 15-day Colors of Morocco trip, taking place Sept. 4-18, 2025.

A more than $13,000 value, this once in a lifetime trip will feature a visit to the ancient markets and medinas in Fes — one of the holiest cities in the world — as well as an unforgettable visit to a luxury desert camp in the Sahara Desert and a taste of Moroccan culture with a cooking class in Marrakech.

The winner will be selected on Sept. 24. Visit wdet.org/event/wdet-travel-morocco-2025 for more trip details.

Have lunch with the WDET News team

Listeners who make a gift during Morning Edition from 5-9 a.m. weekdays or Weekend Edition from 8-10 a.m. on weekends throughout the Fall Fundraiser will be entered into a drawing for a catered lunch and conversation about current affairs with WDET’s news team at the studio.

Five winners will be selected.

Win a year of shows, events at Spot Lite

Listeners who donates to WDET during In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper from 12-4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday this week will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to all events or performances at Spot Lite Detroit for a full year. 

Enjoy charcuterie and conversation with WDET reporters

Listen to All Things Considered with host Russ McNamara this week from 4-6 p.m. for your chance to have dinner with Russ and WDET news reporter Quinn Klinefelter on Oct. 1 at The Rind in Berkley! All you need to do is donate to the 2024 WDET Fall Fundraiser during the show.

Earn a tour of Detroit history, books from Source Booksellers

Listeners who make a gift during Created Equal with Stephen Henderson from 9-10 a.m. weekdays before Sept. 20 will be entered into a drawing for a special historical tour of the city with Jamon Jordan, a long-time friend of the show and Detroit’s first official historian.

The winner will also receive six books from Source Booksellers, curated by Stephen Henderson himself.

Earn tickets to Dearborn’s Yalla Eat! food tour

Listeners who donate to WDET during The Metro can win two tickets to the Arab American National Museum, as well as two tickets to the museum’s Yalla Eat! Culinary Walking Tour, which takes guests along a curated food tour in East Dearborn. They will also take a home a book of poetry signed by Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer.

Win a family membership to MOCAD

Listeners who donate to WDET during The Metro from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. can win a family membership to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit for two adults and up to four minors, providing free admission to galleries, most programming at the museum and members-only events.

Earn a Dearborn Music Stones package

Tune in to The Detroit Move with Mike Latulippe Tuesday from 8-9 p.m. and make a gift of any amount for a chance to win a limited edition Rolling Stones “More Hot Rocks” 2LP Glow in the Dark Vinyl ($70 value); a $40 gift certificate to Dearborn Music and a WDET tote bag zip up.

Win a gift certificate to Ripe Records

Listeners who donate to WDET during MI Local with Jeff Milo from 9-10 p.m. on Tuesday can win a $50 gift card to Ripe Records in Grosse Pointe Park. 

Check back for updates on incentives planned for WDET’s fall on-air fundraiser. Or, tune in to WDET at 101.9 FM to hear the latest incentives being offered before our Fall Fundraiser ends Sept. 24.

An increase in Michigan’s minimum wage and required sick leave is set to take effect in February. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow sit down with Chris White, Michigan director of the Restaurant Opportunities Center; and Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association; to share their positions on the new law.

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

In this episode:

• How the new minimum wage law will affect employees and businesses
• How 9/11 influenced the Restaurant Opportunities Center
• Concerns the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association has with the rate of increase

Following the recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling connected to the state’s new minimum wage and sick leave laws, the legislation is slated to take effect early next year.

Michigan’s $10.33 minimum wage will climb above $12 by February 2025 — and to $15 an hour by 2029. Additionally, the law will require all Michigan employers to offer up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per year to their employees, and end the tip credit system.

White says the law changes are necessary for progress.

“They don’t make enough money. They are essential workers. The cost of living is going up, so wages should go up with that cost of living,” he said.

However, not all Michigan residents and business owners agree that the changes will be beneficial to the state, and especially for small businesses.

“I think the rate and the speed by which we increase the minimum wage is important to the industry, like it would be any small business operator,” Winslow said. “But for the restaurant industry specifically, the tip credit really means life or death for a lot of folks; service, restaurants, dine-in restaurants.”  

Stakeholders are now urging the Legislature to amend the laws set to take effect in February.

More from WDET:

• How Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling on minimum wage, sick leave will affect workers and businesses
• 2024 bringing boost in state minimum wage to $10.35
• Michigan appeals court ruling reverses minimum wage increase, paid sick leave revision

More from Gongwer:

• Groups push to preserve tipped wage; Singh hopeful for deal

There are a lot of great eats around Detroit. But there’s one food that rises above the rest.  

Detroit is known for its iconic square pizzas. Whether it’s Supino’s, Buddy’s, Pie Sci or Amar, there are many great choices.  

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

But one spot in the metro Detroit area got a lot of recognition recently. Loui’s Pizza in Hazel Park was recently named No. 1 on Yelp’s Top 100 Midwest Pizzas.

To discuss what makes Loui’s so great, we’re joined by owner Nyk Sulkiwskyj. 

Sulkiwskyj says his grandfather started Loui’s and has had his hands in shaping Detroit’s pizza history. He immigrated from France to West Virginia, worked as a mason and bricklayer, before getting a call from his grandmother’s uncle who was running Buddy’s Pizza at the time. 

“So my grandma, grandfather just came on over to Michigan and dropped everything to help out. So from there, my grandfather worked up to kitchen manager, lead pizza cook, stuff like that, and eventually moved on from Buddy’s Pizza, started Shield’s Pizzeria, and then from there started Loui’s Pizza.”

Loui’s puts great care into ingredients and how their pizzas are crafted, Sulkiwskyj said. 

“What makes the Loui’s pizza so great is our attention to detail. We don’t skimp around any technical processes,” Sulkiwskyj said. “Everything is done by hand. It’s an art form.”

Use the media player above to hear the full interview with Sulkiwskyj.

More headlines from The Metro on Sept. 9, 2024: 

• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has helped Democrats through several legislative accomplishments over the last few years, but she hasn’t been able to get everything done that she said she would while campaigning for office. ProPublica reporter Anna Clark joined the show to discuss what Whitmer’s still got left on her agenda and how likely she is to pass certain policies.
• At the end of last month, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan created the city’s first Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity department. We spoke with the Director Justin Owenu about what kinds of plans he has in store to create more job opportunities for city residents. 
• For its third year, If the River Could Sing: A Celebration of Writing and River with InsideOut is happening at Robert C. Valade Park in Detroit on Sept. 12. The evening will culminate with a sunset showcase of music and poetry. The program’s MC and Executive Director of InsideOut Literary Arts Suma Rosen joined The Metro to discuss the event.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Judgmental looks and invasive questions at the grocery store checkout are common experiences for some people in Michigan who receive food assistance benefits. That’s according to a new report from the University of Michigan, which found that the stigma associated with receiving government assistance can lead some individuals to forgo purchasing groceries or seeking help.

“Discrimination and stigma related to the use of food assistance programs was incredibly pervasive,” said Feeding MI Families report lead Kate Bauer. “And one of the primary barriers to people fully using the food assistance that’s available to them.”

Drawing from the experiences of 1,300 people across the state, the study found that many people do not want to be seen using an electronic benefit transfer card (EBT).

“The EBT card that holds food stamps in Michigan, the bridge card, is bright orange and over and over, parents are like, ‘Oh my god, I pull out this bright orange card, and I’m so embarrassed,’” explained Bauer.

Even though recipients can use their EBT card to purchase food from online retailers, Bauer says study participants preferred to go to the grocery store because they have the option to select items they want.

“They would say: ‘I love grocery shopping. I want to do it with my children. I want to go in and see the produce and be able to pick the freshest items,’” said Bauer.

Some participants recounted experiencing discrimination during their interactions with caseworkers at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

“I’ve lost jobs because I’ve needed to take time off to take a child to the hospital for a procedure, and then my caseworker tells me, ‘You didn’t try hard enough.’ It hurts,” stated participant Deanna Riggs in the report.

Despite the presence of Double Up Food Bucks , a state program that offers $2 for every $1 spent on fresh fruits and vegetables, the study reveals many struggle to find stores that accept the benefits.

Bauer says she heard from a mother who would drive around to multiple stores looking for fresh food at an affordable price.

“She doesn’t want to spend the only time she has with her kids, driving store to store, an hour in each direction,” she said. “She wants to be able to go to her local store. She wants to be able to buy local produce.”

Even though food assistance benefits can be used to purchase any type of edible items, the study found that food benefits don’t necessarily increase for individuals with specific dietary needs.

“Specifically, many parents talked about the food allergies, intolerances and dietary needs of their family members,” the Feeding MI Families report stated. “They described how these specific dietary requirements were expensive, rarely accommodated for by the charitable food system and sometimes not covered by food benefits program.”

With food prices and housing costs rising over the past year and pandemic relief benefits ending, the study found that the proportion of Michiganders experiencing food insecurity is now higher than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Michigan, more than 1.3 million people rely on government benefits to afford groceries.

It’s apple season in Michigan, and farmers across the state are ready for another good harvest.

The Michigan Apple Committee says growers expect to produce about 30.5 million bushels this year. This would be the third straight year that the apple crop has been above average.

Apples are early this year

Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, says this year’s crop is ahead of schedule.

“I don’t remember us ever really being 10 days early like this,” she said. “I think they’re starting on galas, which is unheard of. We usually start on galas after Labor Day.”

Smith says warmer than normal temperatures in late winter and early spring caused apple trees to bud earlier than usual. But that should not hurt the quality of the fruit.

“We should have some really good sugar content in the apples this year,” she said. “We had some really good warm days, and we’ve had some really cool nights, which lends to that flavor profile that you expect out of Michigan.

Smith says this year’s apples should also be larger than usual due to the early growth.

Apples are big business in Michigan

Michigan has almost 15 million apple trees and more than 700 family-run apple farms, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Smith says the state grows about a dozen kinds of apples commercially.

“We have, of course, the galas and honeycrisp,” she said. “But we also have some newer varieties that people might not know about, like ambrosia and evercrisp.”

Michigan is the second or third largest apple producing state, depending on the year.

“We kind of flip back and forth with New York state,” she said. Washington produces the most apples in the country.

Smith says consumers can buy Michigan apples at about 200 farm markets and cider mills across the state, and more than 12,000 retail groceries nationwide.