On Sunday, September 13, Spotlight on the News will feature how Michigan is leading the way on the future of high schools. Join us as we look inside a first-of-its-kind analysis examining how states are updating high school policies to better prepare students for a rapidly changing economy. Stephanie Schultz, Deputy Chief of Policy at XQ Institute, will share what Michigan and other states are doing to transform high school education. Also, on our Sunday morning program, Megan Patino, Executive Director of Michigan Education Trust, and Western Michigan University student Issah Idris, will discuss how MET's Fostering Futures program is making an important difference.

Spotlight on the News, now in its 61st season, is Michigan's longest-running weekly news and public affairs television program. It airs every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, is streamed live on wxyz.com and broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on 23.1 WKAR-HD in East Lansing.

On Sunday, September 6, Spotlight on the News will interview Detroiter Beverly Bantom about her new book: Maxine Powell, Motown's Maven of Class, Style, and Refinement. We'll also begin our series of interviews with political pollsters, researchers and insiders who are keeping a close eye on campaign 2026 and what's at stake for Michigan voters. This week, we'll get insight from Bernie Porn, Founder and President of the Lansing-based EPIC-MRA polling survey firm.

Spotlight on the News, now in its 61st season, is Michigan's longest-running weekly news and public affairs television program. It airs every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, is streamed live on wxyz.com and broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on 23.1 WKAR-HD in East Lansing.

On Sunday, August 23, Spotlight on the News will show you what's on tap for the 47th Detroit Jazz Festival scheduled for the long Labor Day weekend? Who will be the established global stars and jazz world newcomers performing on the multiple stages in downtown Detroit? And what can you expect from the '"new" consolidated Hart Plaza experience this year? Chris Collins, Jazz Festival Foundation President and Artistic Director, will share the latest details.

Also, Spotlight will take you inside the multi-year plan for Wayne State Universitys first new school since 1985. What is it and why is this project so important to the State of Michigan? Dr. Barnard Costello, WSU Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, will tell us.

And finally, stay tuned for some exciting information if you have ever dreamed or working in the music, film or entertainment industry. Here's your chance! We'll tell you how on this Sunday's Spotlight.

Spotlight on the News, now in its 61st season, is Michigan's longest-running weekly news and public affairs television program. It airs every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, is streamed live on wxyz.com and broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on 23.1 WKAR-HD in East Lansing.

On Sunday, August 2, Spotlight on the News will interview Dr. Stan Humphries, Co-Founder of the new Democracy Test Kitchen, a non-partisan, civic engagement, voter information platform free to the public. Why is this transparent and action-oriented election tool being launched in Michigan and targeting the Great Lakes State's August 4th Primary Election? Tune in to find out how you can become a better informed voter.

Spotlight on the News, now in its 61st season, is Michigan's longest-running weekly news and public affairs television program. It airs every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, is streamed live on wxyz.com and broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on 23.1 WKAR-HD in East Lansing.

Reaction to Detroit being the host city for the 2027 Mens Final Four college basketball championship has certainly been positive. So has the Fan Jam mobile experience now making its tour of Michigan getting everyone excited and ready for the The Road to the Final Four.

Brandon Fisher lives in Phoenix but is originally from Belleville, Michigan.He wrote:

Might as well put the Spirit of Detroit in maize and blue.

A local teacher said:

Better pray we dont get (snow).

-       Joe Sims

Mo Murdock wrote:

MOTOWN CITY. Let GOOO!

Emmy-winning musician, songwriter, and Albion College graduate David Barrett wrote:

As the composer of One Shining Moment, I cant think of a better place to host this. Michigan is home --- lets go!

A Detroit viewer said:

Thanks for bringing the NCAA Fan Jam to Downtown Detroit and other local communities.Many of us wont have the financial means to attend the tournament but its a nice way for us to see the trophy in person.

-       Christina L.

Our annual fundraiser for Forgotten Harvest triggered some appreciative comments.

B. Armstrong wrote:

Forgotten Harvest does a fantastic job serving this community.There are so many people who need good food that would normally just go to waste.

And there was this very thoughtful observation by another Channel 7 viewer.

If you have never volunteered at a food collection or pantry place, you dont know what youre missing. The feeling of satisfaction you get from knowing you are helping others without expecting anything in return is hard to express in words.

-       Bob Gilbert

Thanks for writing and watching!

I'm Chuck Stokes, Editorial Director

Broadcast: July 30 - August 2, 2026