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.

President Trump will give a speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, his first address before Congress since returning to office.

The speech comes as the Trump administration is making swift and dramatic cuts to the federal government, while the Republican-led House and Senate have done little to curb them.

According to the White House, Trump is expected to lay out his achievements since returning to office, and appeal to Congress to provide more money to finance his aggressive crackdown on immigration.

“It’s an opportunity for President Trump, as only he can, to lay out the last month of record-setting, record-breaking, unprecedented achievements and accomplishments,” senior adviser Stephen Miller told the Associated Press.

WDET will carry NPR’s special coverage and analysis of the president’s joint address, as well as the Democratic response from Michigan U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, beginning at 9 p.m. ET at 101.9 FM and at wdet.org.

Watch NPR’s livestream of the address below.

–Associated Press White House Correspondent Zeke Miller contributed to this report.

WDET marked a major milestone in its history Thursday night as it wrapped its 75th anniversary year with a special member-only event at Detroit’s historic Majestic Theatre.

The event brought together members, staff and hosts to celebrate the station’s deep-rooted connection to the Detroit community and reflect on the station’s rich history.

“WDET has been an essential part of Detroit’s media landscape for over seven decades, providing high-quality programming that reflects the diverse voices of the community,” said WDET Program Director Adam Fox. “The station’s commitment to local reporting, music, and culture continues to grow, and this event is a fitting way to cap off a year of reflection and celebration.” 

During the evening, WDET leadership shared brief remarks highlighting the station’s community impact and the significant results achieved in 2024, including 15% growth in listenership. 

Additionally, WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn shared an audio history project highlighting the early years of WDET, when the station was owned and operated by the United Auto Workers union. Check out the audio history below.

Listen: WDET’s Jerome Vaughn shares the origins of WDET

For more information on becoming a WDET member, please visit wdet.org/give.