Reporter Quinn Klinefelter has been inducted into Ball State University School of Journalism and Strategic Communication Hall of Fame.

Klinefelter graduated from BSU in 1986 with degrees in journalism and political science.

During the ceremony, Ball State faculty highlighted Klinefelter’s “deep ability to connect with people from all walks of life and reveal their shared humanity.”

Ball State’s journalism program is one of the most well-respected in the country.

He was inducted alongside longtime Voice of America reporter and anchor Navbahor Imamova.

In his speech to colleagues, family, faculty, and alumni, Klinefelter highlighted the need for journalism now more than ever – while still finding ways for people on the vast political spectrum to find common ground.

A well deserved honor

WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn—who has worked with Quinn for more than two decades—was thrilled by the news of Klinefelter’s recognition.

“Quinn is one of the most dedicated and hardest working journalists I know. He has connections everywhere from the presidential candidates, down to the owner of the gas station around the corner. He’s great at talking to people, everyday Detroiters that he meets on the street. And he can get them to talk in authentic, heartfelt ways that few other can. It’s really a gift.

“Quinn has often worked the big story in Detroit over the years, whether it’s presidential candidates coming through the state, or a national story like the conviction of former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, or even leaving a tour with then-Texas Governor George W. Bush to go cover a threat to public safety elsewhere in town.  

“But Quinn’s not just a breaking news guy. He uses his witty writing, his curiosity and natural sound to lure listeners in and create stories that stick in their minds for years,” Vaughn said.

WDET General Manager Mary Zatina echoes those same sentiments.

“WDET listeners recognize Quinn’s voice immediately and they know the reports that follow will be well-researched, true, balanced and illuminating. This Hall of Fame recognition is well deserved and makes all  WDET listeners around the world and around metro Detroit very proud,” Zatina said.

We talk about the roads often on The Metro. From reducing truck traffic in Southwest to the impact of I-375 on Detroit’s historic Black neighborhoods, yet, who’s making sure these roads and highways are clean of trash? 

In 2022, According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, it cost taxpayers in the state nearly 8 million dollars for crews to pick up trash along state roads. And according to MDOT the price tag would be higher if it were not for programs like Adopt-A-Highway and dedicated volunteers to clean stretches of highway.

So what does it look like when a young artist gets involved and brings the community with him to clean up roads in Detroit?

All Notes is a creative and community platform blending music, social impact, and digital media founded by Detroit-based artist TommyPAPI.

Through the initiative, the Afro-Caribbean musician hosts livestream performances, neighborhood cleanups, and resource drives, connecting artists of all disciplines through support.  

Tommy received the spirit of Detroit for The Highway Cleanup project in September 2025. He joined The Metro to speak about the award and giving back to the community he calls home. 

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