Farmers growing corn and soybeans are getting more for their crop than they did a year ago, but farm bankruptcies are still up nearly 19%.

These workers are spending more on essentials like fertilizer and fuel.

The Agriculture Department expects farm income to drop 5.5% once inflation is accounted for, and that’s with $47 billion in government payments holding it up.

What does this look like on the ground, in the field, for a Michigan farmer?

Mark Zacharda is the manager of Zacharda Farms II in Owosso, which sits between Lansing and Flint. Zacharda spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent to discuss how they have managed the recent price squeeze of supply purchases.

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The new inflation numbers came out last week, and they say something most of us won’t believe. Grocery prices have stopped going up. Less than 2% over the past year. Down slightly last month.

Now go pull that crumpled Kroger receipt out of your pocket. Do those numbers seem to track?

Groceries still cost about a third more than they did before the pandemic and beef is likely to climb more than 9% this year.

In metro Detroit, groceries rose almost 4% over the past year. The national figure for that same stretch was closer to 2%.

That gap between what the numbers say and what the checkout line says is where we’re going next.

David Ortega, Michigan State University’s chair in food economics and policy, spoke with host Robyn Vincent about why the inflation numbers look better and your grocery bill doesn’t.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts. Have thoughts? Email the show at metro@wdet.org.

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In August, progressive challengers won Democratic primaries across southeast Michigan.

One of the races that drew big national money was the fight for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. That area, which includes parts of Detroit, Downriver and western Wayne County, is where state Representative Donavan McKinney defeated the incumbent Congressman Shri Thanedar 52-48.

McKinney, a Democratic Socialist, ran on Medicare for all, universal childcare, and getting money out of politics. He faces Republican T.P. Nykoriak on Nov. 3.

By the Congressional Research Service’s count, more than 1 in 4 people in the 13th district live in poverty. That’s among the highest rates of any district in the country.

So the question is: What can McKinney actually deliver if he’s elected in November?

The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent spoke with candidate Donavan McKinney to discuss his goals for the position.

Clarification: During the conversation, Rep. McKinney said he made history as one of Macomb County’s first Black state lawmakers. That was true of him and State Representative Kimberly Edwards.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts. Have thoughts? Email the show at metro@wdet.org.

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This week the city announced two initiatives to support new homes, increase neighborhood investment and expand pathways to homeownership as well as housing affordability.

The first initiative involves the city’s Housing and Revitalization Department. They are looking for development proposals for 16 city-owned parcels in the neighborhood of North Corktown. The goal is to create 20 new homes for rent or purchase.

The second initiative revolves around the city launching the 2026 Small Buildings Program
with a notice of Funding Availability. This effort would expand the opportunities for
developers to rehabilitate and build housing across the city with $2.5 million supporting the rehab.

City leaders say these programs will continue citywide efforts to increase housing throughout Detroit. There is also a desire for mixed income, high-quality housing and low income housing.

To learn more about these two efforts, visit https://detroitmi.gov.

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

Arab American Women’s Business Council to host a Nov. networking and pitch event

The Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC) is hosting a pitch competition on Nov. 19, 2026 from 5:30-8 p.m. Organizers say this competition is to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among local business owners. Participants are competing for seed funding.

The event is also meant to be a moment to share fresh ideas and network. For more information, please see the event’s information page.

Red Wings to open regular season play Friday

The Detroit Red Wings season opener is going down Oct. 2 against the New York Rangers. Puck drop is 6:30p.m. this Friday at Little Caesars Arena.

Detroit PWHL team news

Detroit’s PWHL organization announced that Hockey Hall of Famer Danielle Goyette and Stanley Cup champion Jimmy Howard have joined the team in the roles of assistant coach and goaltending coach, respectively. Their home opener happens Dec. 12 against the New York Sirens.

The Get Down returns to A2 and Detroit

The Get Down is back for a two-day music festival from Oct. 3-4 in Ann Arbor and Detroit.

The festival will be led by master drummer and composer Ali Jackson and will bring international guest musicians and world class artistry to showcase their talent.

Tickets for the musical event can be found here.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.