The city of Detroit fired its chief bus safety officer Wednesday after he blew the whistle on a top Department of Transportation official for allegedly showing up drunk at a transit center, berating employees, assaulting a security guard, and driving off in a city-issued car.
Usually, they are found in school gymnasiums or church fellowship rooms. Voting booths are among the most intimate spaces in American democracy.
The process is typically quiet and quick, and it is supposed to be equal. But this is not the case for people with disabilities. A new report published by Detroit Disability Power documents just how often there are barriers at the voting booth, and why it keeps getting worse.
Detroit Disability Power has now audited more than 1,000 polling places across metro Detroit. Trained volunteers have visited precincts during early voting, primaries, and on Election Day, carrying a checklist and a mission: ensure the law is being followed.
Bakpak Durden is a Detroit-born artist, disability advocate, and one of the people who actually show up to do the audits — at roughly 100 polling sites and counting.
They joined Robyn Vincent to discuss why the number of accessible polling locations continues to shrink and what it feels like to be part of a community treated like an afterthought.
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When President Donald Trump took office, he promised to crack down on immigration. He’s done that.
Since January of 2025, at least 2,400 immigrants were arrested in Michigan alone. But President Trump and immigration officials are not following an orderly process. Officials are often skirting the law, or violating it.
This was visible months ago in Minneapolis, when masked ICE agents shot and killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti and thousands took to the streets. Here in Michigan, the work of ICE is harder to spot. But due to action in the courts, we’ve been learning more.
Federal judges recently ruled that hundreds of people in Michigan were unconstitutionally detained as they never had a chance of being released on bond.
For its part, the administration says it’s detaining the “worst of the worst.” But in many cases, non-citizens without a criminal record have been detained.
So, what do ICE arrests and detentions look like in metro Detroit? What are the stories of those who’ve been detained? How are local police involved in the work? And, who’s fighting back?
Violet Ikonomova is an investigative reporter for the Detroit Free Press. She spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.
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About 1 in 31 children in the U.S. is now diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. Behind every statistic is a family trying to figure it out in real time, searching for support, resources, and spaces where their children feel understood and included.
One Detroit mother hustled harder for more.
After her eldest son was diagnosed with autism, Tiera Moultrie saw first-hand just how much was missing for families like hers.
In 2020, she founded Autism In The D, with a mission to build community and create safe, inclusive spaces for children on the spectrum and their families. Since its founding, Tiera has had three children, with two living with ASD. The work she does is personal but it’s about more than her family.
Autism In The D is hosting its 6th annual Weekend of Inclusivity, one of Detroit’s largest autism awareness walks. It’s not just about awareness, it’s about access to resources, connection, and making sure families don’t feel alone. This year will also welcome Detroit’s first autism-inclusive adaptive kids gym.
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Since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, federal immigration agents have arrested 4,218 people in Michigan, and less than a quarter had criminal convictions, according to a Metro Times’s review of data from the Deportation Data Project
Automakers and auto suppliers are a huge part of metro Detroit’s economy. And they will likely have to change as the war unfolds.
As America’s strikes against Iran continue, and the Strait of Hormuz remains in question, gas prices are rising, and more people are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle.
But despite interest, how much will EV sales actually increase for companies like Ford, GM and Stellantis — especially as car sales in general have plummeted over the past few decades?
John McElroy is an automotive analyst with Autoline. He spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.
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The economy has undergone many drastic changes over the years. If you’re a millennial, change and chaos have been commonplace.
The Great Recession hit in the late aughts, reducing wealth. About ten years later, the pandemic occurred, causing many to stay at home and others to risk their health at work. Inflation deepened during President Joe Biden’s time in office. President Trump enacted tariffs. And now, the U.S. and Israel are at war with Iran.
It’s hard to gauge all the consequences of this latest shock, but it’s a continuation of one thing: uncertainty.
Rising gas prices and supply chain disruptions are now among the challenges small businesses must navigate. It might be why over half of small businesses owners in Michigan say they’re making operational changes to prepare for a recession, according to a recent survey.
Which small businesses are hit hardest by the war in Iran and its disruptions? And, what could make them more resilient in the face of chaos?
Mark Lee is the president and CEO of The Lee Group, where he consults with small businesses across Southeast Michigan. He spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.
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Energy company Detroit Thermal is claiming a Wayne County jury handed it a “sweeping verdict” in a controversial case over whether the utility can run steam lines across Lafayette Park townhomes to heat a nearby high-rise. But the legal reality is far more complicated. The jury on Tuesday rejected one claim from townhome residents, finding […]
Would you like your poetry, fiction, or art to be published in the Detroit Metro Times in print and online to over 700,000 readers? Would you like one of 20 opportunities to win a $100 VISA gift card? Are you a Metro-Detroit youth with something to say? Detroit Lit is seeking art, poetry, and fiction […]
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield gave her first state of the city address last night at Mumford High School.
She announced a new program starting today for Detroit Public Schools students. “Any K-12 student in the city can ride the bus for free, seven days a week, 365 days a year.” Sheffield said some of the school budget money for bus fare will be rerouted into after-school programs.
And she announced a plan to lure businesses to economic corridors in the city, with a new position: the Director of Retail Attraction.
“For too long, the city has waited for retailers to come to them. My administration will go out and compete for that investment, because strong neighborhoods need more than housing and infrastructure. They need vibrant commercial corridors where people can shop, work and gather close to home.”
Sheffield also said she was working with billionaire Dan Gilbert and the Move Detroit Coalition to entice more people to move to the city. “Our first program will support 313 current and future Detroiters with real resources, $15,000 to support home ownership and business growth, and $1,000 in relocation assistance to make it easier to come home to Detroit.”
The mayor also highlighted some of the things she’s already done since taking office, such as raising the minimum wage for city workers, and bringing the program Rx Kids to the city to help new mothers.
Additional headlines from Wednesday, April 1, 2026
According to the Treasury department, nearly 80% of metro Detroiters earning below 125,000 report never receiving formal education in personal finance. Roughly 25% of Detroiters do not have access to a bank.
The initiative includes a website that links to free tools and courses on credit, banking, and student loans.
Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax
Detroit City Council debated the value of Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax incentives yesterday, questioning whether they are a useful tool for relieving the tax burden on residents.
NEZ tax incentives cap the city and county millage rate at 50%. Under the current structure, a $300,000 home would be taxed $6,000; in the suburbs, the same home’s taxes would be less than $2,000.
Councilmember Scott Benson says the city needs to be competitive with neighboring cities, which the NEZ does by lowering taxes—even if they aren’t as low as a suburb’s.
Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
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WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
Detroit is often broken into two camps: Downtown and the neighborhoods.
At last night’s state of the city address, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield declared she was investing in the latter.
Between cash assistance for pregnant moms, potential pay increases for city employees, new initiatives to help young people, and plans for more affordable housing, Sheffield signaled she doesn’t want to have two separate, unequal classes living in Detroit. She wants everyone to thrive in the city.
But Detroit has big problems, including homes that need repairs, poor public transit and generational poverty. With federal funds drying up, Sheffield’s administration will need to find a way to pay for all of its services.
How does she plan to do that? And, what kind of coalition is she building to help her?
Donna Givens Davidson is the president of the Eastside Community Network and of the co-host of the Authentically Detroit podcast. She also was part of Mayor Sheffield’s transition team. Givens Davidson spoke with The Metro‘s Cary Junior II.
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A fire broke out at the iconic Maccabees Building on Woodward Avenue in Detroit on Wednesday afternoon, sending plumes of smoke through Wayne State University’s campus.
A Detroit man whose murder conviction was based on coerced witness statements from a disgraced former homicide detective has been exonerated and freed after nearly 28 years in prison.
Many of the systems designed to keep us safe sometimes harm the most vulnerable among us. That’s often true of people who face financial hardship.
Detroit’s 36th District Court is trying to stop that from continuing. Chief Judge William McConico is running a court-wide amnesty program through April 2, waiving all late fees, penalties, and warrant costs for adjudicated cases when the original fine is paid.
McConico spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent about this, bail reform and controversy surrounding one of his judges.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.
One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.
Mayor Mary Sheffield will deliver her first State of the City address at Mumford High School.
The annual Detroit event marks a historic milestone as Sheffield becomes the first woman to deliver a State of the City address as mayor. Holding the speech at Mumford underscores her focus on Detroit’s neighborhoods and young people as central to the city’s future.
You can listen to the Mayor’s address at 7 p.m. on WDET 101.9 FM or livestream on the web or in our app.
Tens of thousands of metro Detroiters took to the streets to take part in another “No Kings” protest, where they opposed President Donald Trump, recent policies on immigration, war with Iran and more.
No Kings marches took place in cities across the country. WDET’s Russ McNamara was on the ground talking with folks in metro Detroit about what motivated them to speak up and get out. He spoke with The Metro‘s Cary Junior II about what he found.
One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.
Thousands rallied against the actions of President Donald Trump across Michigan on Saturday.
In Ferndale, about three thousand people lined Woodward Avenue near 9 Mile Road to express their displeasure.
Barb Anness of Rochester Hills believes the protests can bring about change.
“I’m very heartened by the diversity of people that I see out here, and I think Americans are at their best when we come together and we speak with one voice when something is wrong, and we call it out and we work for change in a positive way,” Anness said.
Anness says her objections to the cuurent administration fall outside of partisan politics.
“For me, it’s not a left or right issue, it’s a right or wrong issue. We have authority in government that are not adhering to norms and laws, and it needs to change, and this November, we have an opportunity to speak with our voice through our ballot in the ballot booth,” Anness said.
Holly Haran of Royal Oak and her friend Barb Anness of Rochester Hills protest during a ‘No Kings’ rally in Ferndale, MI on March 28, 2026.
Anness came to Ferndale to protest with a friend – Holly Haran of Royal Oak. Haran isn’t happy with much of what’s coming from the federal government right now.
“There’s so much material that we can make signs for because there’s so many things that are being targeted,” Haran said. “Our voter rights, education, health care, there’s so many things that are being taken away. So and when they’re gone, it’s going to be really hard to get them back.”
A retired schoolteacher, Haran says she’s not happy with the tactics Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are using—especially near classrooms.
“It’s a really bad position to put educators in, because our job is to help kids,” Haran said.
Romulus protests proposed ICE facility
ICE was the primary topic of discussion in Romulus, where protesters gathered in front of a proposed detention facility on Cogswell Street.
Maxwell Pizzurro made the trip to the city from Chesterfield Township.
“I just think it’s really gross with these new camps that are opening up and how they’re just treating regular people,” Pizzurro said.
“What’s the difference between me and my family who came here [from Sicily] and a new family from Ghana? Or a new family from Portugal or Brazil? There’s no difference between us. We’re all just looking to make a good life for us and our families,” Pizzurro said.
A protest sign during a ‘No Kings’ rally in Romulus on March 28, 2026
Terry Golden Davis is an Army vet and grew up in Romulus. He says things have gotten so bad he turned up for his first-ever protest.
“Somebody’s got to stand up to this hypocrisy. This is so sad. I spent hours making signs. Hours,” Davis said.
“Nobody wants this. The should use it [the warehouse] for something, but not this,” Davis said.
Clad in a Harley Davidson jacket, lifelong Romulus resident Ken Cullen is concerned about the mistreatment of detainees.
“I mean, this is a warehouse. There’s no showers. There’s no bathrooms. There’s nothing,” Cullen said. “You can’t just house people in a warehouse, and expect them to live.”
A protest sign in Ferndale, MI during a 'No Kings' rally on March 28, 2026.
Yip Yip Martians of Sesame Street fame express their displeasure wit the Trump Administration during a 'No Kings' rally in Ferndale, MI on March 28, 2026.
People at a 'No Kings' rally in Romulus protesting against a planned immigration detention center.
State Representative Donavan McKinney at a 'No Kings' rally in Romulus, MI on March 28, 2026.
A 'No Kings' protester in front of a warehouse in Romulus that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security wants to turn into a detention center for immigrants.
A 'No Kings' rally in front of a warehouse in Romulus that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security wants to turn into a detention center for immigrants.
Gerod Funderburg does not want the facility in his city. and he doesn’t believe President Trump that the detainees are hardened criminals either.
“They are people who are looking for better place to stay, better place to live, better opportunities for themselves—and he’s not providing it. If this is going to be a jail, we don’t want a jail around the corner from our homes,” Funderburg said.
Romulus City Council unanimously passed a resolution to denounce the ICE detention facility, and more recently filed a lawsuit alongside Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to stop its establishment.
Department of Homeland Security agents guarded the warehouse during Saturday’s protest, and approached U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib to redirect her when she tried parking in the driveway.
Representative Dylan Wegela represents Romulus in the state house. He says abolition is the only way.
“We do not want this detention center here. We want, instead, to defund ICE. We want to abolish ICE, and we want to prosecute ICE.”
Many detainees have died while in ICE custody over the past year, and three American citizens have been killed by federal agents during President Trump’s push for mass deportations.
What people see as priorities
Wegela says President Trump is focused on the wrong things.
“He’s entered us into a war with Iran that is costing $2 billion a day,” Wegela said. “Instead of our money going towards bombing, say, a girl’s school in Iran, we would rather it be spent here to make sure that we are investing in our roads and our schools.”
Steve Conn of Detroit says if the people don’t speak out about injustice happening towards immigrants then the situation will get worse.
“We got to make sure people understand. If you don’t stand up now for immigrants, you too will be in there,” Conn said.
White House dismisses protests
Estimates place 9 million people in the streets for the ‘No Kings’ protests. The White House is dismissive.
“The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement.
Ken Cullen is unmoved by that statement.
“Everything we hear is lies and propaganda. The truth is out here with all the people,” Cullen said. “They are showing we’re not that stupid.”
Support local journalism.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
More than 25,000 people turned out at eight No Kings protests across metro Detroit on Saturday, organizers estimate, calling it “one of the largest coordinated civic mobilizations the region has seen in years.”
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