This week, we’ve got chances to shop from local makers, see performances by rising musicians and explore artifacts from Techno history. Plus, a celebration of vegan food. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

Strange Beautiful Music 18

  Various locations in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 11 through Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free, $23–$34

An annual multi-day event celebrating new music in Detroit, spanning a wide range of genres — including jazz, free improvisation, Techno, electronica, Neo-soul, ambient and genre-defiant. Concerts take place at three local venues over three days, including a show at the Detroit Institute of Arts, which is free for residents of Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties, on Friday from 7–8:30 p.m.

Jeff Mills presents Star Chronicle

  Spot Lite in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 11 through Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free, $34–$80

A multi-media artist residency curated by Techno pioneer Jeff Mills, featuring film screenings, live music, and an exhibit of personal art and artifacts. Show doors open each night at 9 p.m. and admission is $34 per day or $80 for a three-day pass. The exhibition is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Fridays at The Station: Charity and DJ BJ

  The Station at Michigan Central in Detroit

  Friday, Sep. 12

  $15

A monthly evening event featuring live performances, food and drinks at Michigan Central. This month’s event features a special performance by singer Charity, joined by DJ BJ. The event goes from 5–10 p.m. and music starts at 7:30 p.m.

The Hawk Makerspace 3rd Anniversary Open House

  The Hawk in Farmington Hills

  Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free

An open house for community members to check out The Hawk Makerspace, a shared technical and creative studio in Farmington Hills. There will be live demonstrations of the studio’s professional-grade equipment, giveaways, refreshments and discounts on studio passes. The event goes from 3–7 p.m.

Common Ground’s 51st Birmingham Street Art Fair

  Downtown Birmingham

  Saturday, Sep. 13 and Sunday, Sep. 14

  Free

A longstanding fine arts fair featuring 90 juried artists along Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham. The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Ypsi Vegan Fest 2025

  Downtown Ypsilanti

  Sunday, Sep. 14

  Free

An event celebrating vegan foods in an effort to make veganism more accessible. There will be local vendors, cooking demonstrations and talks by vegan advocates. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to all — vegan or not.

Eastern Market After Dark

  Eastern Market Shed 2 in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 18

  Free

A district-wide night market featuring galleries, open studios, retailers, brand activations and live music. The market is open from 6–11 p.m.

When who we are and what we believe in conflicts with the traditions that we’re raised in, life broadly leaves us three choices: we can change who we are to fit the tradition, we can leave the tradition behind, or we can try to change the tradition to fit our ideals.

That last choice requires courage. Change is not easy, and when it comes to a tradition like religion, many become upset when people start tinkering with how things are done. 

But that’s exactly what Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie has been doing. The rabbi who runs an alternative Jewish synagogue in New York City grew up in Israel under a lineage of orthodox rabbis. But Rabbi Lau-Lavie and his congregation at Lab/Shul don’t practice orthodox Judaism, they’re doing something unique and experimental. 

The new documentary, “Sabbath Queen” explores the life of Rabbi Lau-Lavie and more. Tomorrow, the rabbi will be at an event at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit. The film will be screening Sunday at the DIA. 

Sandi DuBowski is the filmmaker. He spoke with Cary Junior II.

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More stories from The Metro

From the 46th Annual Dally in the Alley to the inaugural Detroit Vinylfest, here are five free events to check out in Detroit this week.

Upcoming events

Detroit Vinylfest

  Eastern Market Shed 5

  Friday, Sep. 5

  Free

A new event from the creators of Detroit Bookfest, where vendors will sell vinyl records/LPs, CDs, cassette tapes, music-related posters, t-shirts and more. The event goes from 1–8 p.m.

In the Life: Black Queerness Exhibition

  The Carr Center in Detroit

  Friday, Sep. 5 through Saturday, Oct. 11

  Free

An exhibition produced by Mighty Real/Queer Detroit that explores the mirroring power of artist and viewer through the lens of the Black Queer experience. The exhibition features 13 artists and spans photography, painting, drawing and multi-media works. The Carr Center is open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., and on Fridays from noon to 8 p.m.

46th Annual Dally in the Alley

Detroit’s Cass Corridor

  Saturday, Sep. 6

  Free

A longstanding community festival featuring live music, art, food, beer and a kids fair in the streets of Midtown Detroit. Festivities go from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome.

6 Mile Street Festival

W. McNichols Road in Detroit

  Saturday, Sep. 6

  Free with RSVP

A celebration of local community, commerce and culture featuring musical entertainment, family-friendly activities and local artist showcases in Northwest Detroit. Festivities go from noon to 8 p.m.

Sounds from the Park: Memory and Transformation

Belle Isle

  Thursday, Sep. 11

  Free

The fifth and final installment of the Sounds from the Park series of outdoor concerts organized by the Detroit Parks Coalition. The show features a live performance from and original music by Detroit saxophonist Marcus Elliot. Performance goes from 6–8 p.m.

Longtime Detroit businessman and youth advocate Ed Deeb has died. The Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation says the founder of Metro Detroit Youth Day passed away at home on Sept. 2, 2025. He was 89.

WDET’s Pat Batcheller was there when the Michigan Department of Natural Resources honored Deeb in 2018. Here’s Pat’s report.

The following story was originally published July 11, 2018.

Ed Deeb’s legacy lives on

Tensions were high in Detroit when a grocery store owner and two teenagers were killed in 1980. Then-Detroit Mayor Coleman Young called business leaders into his office, and challenged them to do something to keep young people out of trouble and ease the problems between retailers and the city’s youth. Ed Deeb was in that meeting. He founded the Michigan Food and Beverage Association. Deeb accepted Young’s challenge, and organized an event on Belle Isle. Since then, Metro Detroit Youth Day has become an annual rite of summer for thousands of kids across the city and the region. Deeb, who coached football at Eastern High School, says Belle Isle was a natural choice. 

Pat Batcheller

“We didn’t have a practice field for football. We came here to practice,” Deeb says. “So when they said, ‘where are we going to have this event?’, I said, ‘well, the only thing I could think of is the athletic field at Belle Isle. Nobody’s using it, and we practice there’—so we got the permission to have our first one there, and we did.”

Deeb was disappointed with the turnout for the first Youth Day, which drew about 1,200 people and a few local celebrities. It’s where a young Bruce Ross met his idol, Detroit Lions Hall of Famer Lem Barney. But Ross says Barney didn’t talk to him about football. Instead, he had message for Ross.

“You need to go to college. Make something of yourself,” Ross recalls. “So, Metro Detroit Youth Day has been more than just a fun event, it’s been an event that has reached out to me, have a college education.” 

Ross earned his degree from Wayne State University and now works with Ed Deeb as a Youth Day board member. Education is a key component of Youth Day, which has presented more than 2,000 scholarships to young Metro Detroiters since its inception.

Pat Batcheller

Bruce Ross watched as city and state officials honored Deeb on July 6, 2018. From now on, Vista Avenue will be known as Edward Deeb Avenue. A new, bright blue sign bearing Deeb’s name now overlooks the athletic fields where the event has been held from the beginning. Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones says it’s a fitting tribute.

“And he can know that he has been appreciated, is still appreciated,” Jones says. 

Ed Deeb says he expects the 2018 Metro Detroit Youth Day to attract about 40,000 people to Belle Isle, which is now a state park managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Deeb says he’s noticed the difference the DNR has made working with the Belle Isle Conservancy to improve the island for everyone.

“What they’ve done and what the conservancy has done,” Deeb says. “This is a new Belle Isle, and it’s going to get better than ever, and I’m just pleased to be part of it.”

Edward Deeb Avenue ensures he’ll be a part of Belle Isle for this Youth Day and many more to come.

It’s Labor Day Weekend, which means tons of annual festivals in Detroit. Plus, some unique celebrations for punks and sandwich enthusiasts. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

“What’s So Funny About Detroit?” Comedy Showcase

  The Old Miami in Detroit

  Thursday, Aug. 28

  $25 online, $30 at the door

The final WDET comedy showcase of the summer, hosted by In The Groove’s Ryan Patrick Hooper. This month’s headliner is Nicole Melnyk with special guests Alaina Bamfield, Madison Thomas, Andy Peters, Reeves Ledbetter, Pat Sievert, Brooke Van Poppelen and Joe Aasim. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Guests must be 21+.

Michigan State Fair

  The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi

  Thursday, Aug. 28 through Monday, Sep. 1

  $10–$42

A family-friendly festival featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, talent competitions, beer tastings and more. General admission is $10, and some festival activities cost extra. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday through Monday.

46th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival

  Various locations in Detroit

  Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sep. 1

  Free

The world’s largest free jazz festival, featuring dozens of performances by world-renowned musicians across several local venues. General admission is free, but VIP seating and other perks are available for $125–$600. Performances start at 6 p.m. on Friday and at noon on Saturday through Sunday.

Arts Beats & Eats

  Downtown Royal Oak

  Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sep. 1

  $10–$68

An annual festival featuring live music, a juried art fair, carnival competitions and more. General admission ranges from $10–$12 depending on the day and time, and VIP tickets are available for an additional $68 online. The festival is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

45th Annual Hamtramck Labor Day Festival

  Joseph Campau Street in Hamtramck

  Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sep. 1

  Free

An annual Labor Day celebration featuring live music, carnival rides, canoe street racing and more. The Labor Day Parade takes place on Monday, Sep. 1, and the festival is open from noon to 10 p.m. each day.

Crew Fest

  Tangent Gallery in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 30

  $16

A new community-driven art and music festival celebrating the underground punk and alternative scenes. There will be live performances by local bands, art for sale by independent makers and refreshments from unique kitchens. The festival goes from 2–11 p.m.

Detroit Sandwich Party

  Eastern Market Shed 5 in Detroit

  Sunday, Aug. 31

  Free to attend, sandwich prices vary

The second annual event celebrating the great sandwich makers of our city. Guests can sample small-format sandwiches from dozens of local vendors, and drinks are available for purchase as well. The party goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

15th Annual Detroit Month of Design

  Various locations in metro Detroit

  Monday, Sep. 1 through Tuesday, Sep. 30

  $0–$100+

An annual celebration Detroit’s designers, featuring a wide range of exhibitions, installations, product launches, tours, hands-on workshops and discussions. This year’s calendar features work from over 500 creatives on display at 95 events throughout the metro area.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services launches Medicare support program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a program to assist residents with Medicare. MI Options is a statewide system that offers free counseling for people who need long-term care.

MDHHS director Elizabeth Hertel says in a press release that the resource hub will provide information about Medicare enrollment and prescription costs, while empowering people to make choices for their health and wellbeing, including aging in place.

People can call 800-803-7174 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, to speak with an agent. More information is available at Michigan.gov/MDHHSMIOptions.

Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines

MDOT warns of road closures without budget agreement

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is urging state leaders to pass a budget soon to prevent road closures.

Officials warn the I-96 and Southfield Freeway interchange in Detroit is in poor condition and at risk of becoming too dangerous to use. MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross says that without a funding plan, closures can be expected within the decade.

“Which sounds like a long time, but it is not really. When it comes to road projects, you have to design them, you have to do safety studies, you have to do traffic counts, you have to do updated environmental things. There is a lot you have to do when you plan and design and do any major rebuilding,” Cross said.

She adds that the department has already completed as much maintenance and made as many repairs as possible, and the only next step is a full rebuild. Many other bridges across the state are facing the same risk if funding is not approved soon.

Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Students return to school as budget uncertainty looms

Students across Metro Detroit are returning to class for the first day of school. That comes as school officials remain uncertain about how much money they will actually have to spend this year.

The Michigan House and Senate are still divided over how much funding to allocate for schools in the state budget.

Michigan’s overall education system is under scrutiny amid high absenteeism in many classrooms and low student performance in state and national testing.

Some educators also remain concerned about the Trump administration’s possible cuts in federal school funding. And some students say they worry that immigration enforcement could cause classmates to be forced to leave school.

Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter

Detroit Senior Task Force hosts free movie day

Detroit’s Senior Task Force is hosting a movie day for seniors this week. The free event will be held on Wednesday at the Bel Air Luxury Cinema starting at 10 a.m.

The first 500 people ages 55 and older will receive free entrance, popcorn, and a drink.

Film Detroit to host outreach and resource fair

The City of Detroit is hosting a Film Detroit Outreach and Resource Fair. The networking event will include food and conversations with Detroit’s film community.

Attendees can learn about film permits and local resources to access Detroit’s cable channels. The event will take place on September 10 at the community center at AB Ford Park, located at 100 Lenox in Detroit, from 4 to 7 p.m.

As COVID-19 cases rise in Michigan this summer, it’s still unclear when residents will be able to get the updated vaccine at local pharmacies, clinics and doctors’ offices.

Differing recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and other federal health officials have created confusion over who should get the vaccine. Michigan health leaders have also diverged from federal guidance, which could mean some people may need to pay out of pocket or face co-pays this year.

CDC COVID-19 data tracker
Detroit Free Press coverage

West Nile virus claims first life in Michigan

The Kent County Health Department has confirmed the first West Nile virus–related death of the year, involving a West Michigan man. Five other cases have also been reported in the state.

Most people infected with the virus never develop symptoms, though about 20% may experience mild, flu-like illness. Serious complications are rare, but Michigan resident Jerry Feldman says his infection in late November was “life altering.”

Health officials recommend protecting yourself by wearing long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn and using insect repellents containing DEET.

Detroit launches first responder alert system

The City of Detroit is rolling out a new notification system to warn drivers when emergency vehicles are approaching. The Haas Alert Safety Cloud connects with navigation apps to alert motorists when an ambulance, fire truck, or police cruiser is nearby.

Detroit Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms says all city emergency vehicles will be equipped after a successful year-long pilot program. City leaders hope the technology, developed with NewLab in Detroit, will reduce the thousands of crashes each year involving police and fire vehicles.

Sports roundup

• MLB: The Detroit Tigers take on the Kansas City Royals this weekend at Comerica Park. The Tigers lead the American League Central, while the Royals sit 10 games back. Tonight’s first pitch is at 7:10 p.m.

• NFL: The Detroit Lions wrap up their preseason tomorrow at Ford Field, with kickoff at 1:00 p.m.

• MLS: Detroit City FC faces the Tampa Bay Rowdies tomorrow at Keyworth Stadium. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

Southwest Fest returns to Detroit

Detroit’s South West Fest is back for its fifth annual celebration on Saturday, August 23, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Senate Theater. The event features food, music, and family-friendly activities, with organizers calling it a beacon that highlights the tapestry of Detroit’s culture.

More details at Senate Theater

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

Apple lovers will have plenty to pick this fall. 

The Michigan Apple Committee estimates growers will harvest about 30 million bushels of fruit in 2025. That’s about 1.2 billion pounds. 

Good weather helps

The committee’s executive director, Diane Smith, says the weather has been perfect for growing apples.

“We’ve had a little hail here and there, but generally that stays localized and doesn’t affect the overall crop,” she says. 

Michigan has more than 850 family-owned apple farms and over 17 million trees covering 38,000 acres. 

Smith says new farming methods have yielded several bumper crops.

“We’ve gone to more high-density planting,” she says. “So instead of having 250 trees to an acre, you can have up to 2,000 trees per acre.”

The future could look different

While the weather has been ideal, Smith says climate change could eventually affect the industry.

“As temperatures continue to rise, we’re seeing less rain at different times during the summer,” she says. “In 10 or 15 years, there could be a shift in some of the varieties that we grow.”

Michigan is one of the top three apple producing states, behind Washington. It competes with New York for second place. 

Smith says the industry also competes with other fruits, and that could take a bite out of sales.

“People aren’t eating as many apples as maybe they used to,” she says. “You go into the grocery store, and you can get different products year-round that maybe before you couldn’t get.”

Labor is another challenge

Smith says most Michigan apple farms rely on migrant workers to pick the fruit in the fall. She says that’s costly, but necessary.

“We just don’t have enough domestic workers that want to do the harvest,” she says. “Not many people just want a job for six weeks.”

Smith says she is not aware of any immigration raids at Michigan apple farms this summer. She also says tariffs have had little impact, though some producers face higher prices for imported chemicals to spray their crops. But she says most growers utilize organic methods.

“They don’t want to spray unless they absolutely have to,” she says.

When COVID-19 shutdowns were enacted and social distancing became the norm, restaurants and public spaces emptied out. Streets across the country went quiet. But people, cities and businesses adapted. Many set up temporary outdoor seating. It provided a much-needed solution in a public health and economic crisis.

In Northville, as the pandemic crisis waned, outdoor dining remained. The city’s downtown was reminiscent of cafes and public plazas in other, more walkable, less car-dominated cities around the world. 

City residents and elected officials wanted to make the innovation permanent. 

In 2023, the Northville City Council voted to close the two main streets in downtown Northville, Center and Main, during summer months. Residents were drawn to the city center like never before. But not everyone was happy with the changes.

Community groups were formed, for and against. Let’s Open Northville has filed multiple lawsuits to end street dining and seasonal road closures in downtown Northville. Community Over Cars and Northville City Council are in favor of street dining and seasonal road closures.

On July 9, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Charlene Elder ordered Main street and Center streets opened back up, saying seasonal road closures violated the city’s charter. The City of Northville appealed Judge Elder’s ruling and on October 1, she’ll make a final ruling.

Kristi Wysocki and Peter Hoffman from Community Over Cars joined the Metro to discuss their group’s efforts to preserve seasonal road closures and outdoor dining in downtown Northville.

The Metro contacted the City of Northville and the group Let’s Open Northville. We haven’t heard back.

Guests:

• Kristi Wysocki lives in the city of Northville and is the founder of Community Over Cars. 
• Peter Hoffman lives in Northville Township and is on that group’s board, serving as their government relations liaison.

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More stories from The Metro

Detroit expands access with surge in paratransit ridership

Paratransit ridership in Detroit has increased. That’s according to the Detroit Department of Transportation. Trip requests have nearly doubled since the launch of DDOT NOW, a same day paratransit service to help mobilize residents with a disability in the city.

The service is available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and can be requested as quickly as an hour ahead. D-DOT is now exploring hybrid vehicles for the service, cashless payment options, and app-based trip booking alternatives.

Detroit emergency vehicles to get cloud technology

Detroit will equip some police and fire vehicles with cloud technology designed to improve public safety. The devices transmit signals over cellular networks to alert motorists when an emergency vehicle is nearby.

The goal is to remind drivers to move over when they approach a fire truck, police car, or ambulance.

Community benefits meeting on new soccer stadium

The Detroit Planning and Development Department is holding a community benefits ordinance meeting tonight. The Detroit City Football Club, also known as DCFC, has announced plans to build a new soccer stadium in Southwest Detroit on the site of an abandoned hospital.

The 11-acre development is expected to open in 2027. The community benefits ordinance process ensures residents have input into major development projects through a neighborhood advisory council.

Tonight’s meeting takes place at the Mexicantown CDC Mercado on 2826 Bagley. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6 p.m.

Michigan State Police step up Labor Day drunk driving enforcement

Michigan State Police are cracking down on drunk driving through Labor Day. Officials have created a task force to increase enforcement and messaging through the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

The effort is a collaboration between state police and local law enforcement agencies. Officials say between mid-August and Labor Day there is an increase in crashes involving drivers under the influence. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports one person is killed about every 45 minutes in a drunk driving accident.

Detroit PBS to premiere new documentary

Catch the new documentary Islam’s Greatest Stories of Love on Detroit PBS Saturday at 9 p.m. The film chronicles Ariella Gayotto Hohl’s journey grieving the death of her father.

An Islamic religion scholar, she travels the world interviewing members of the Muslim community about how their faith and culture help them navigate love and grief.

Gayotto Hohl spoke with One Detroit’s Chris Jordan about the film. Watch their conversation tonight at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit PBS.

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

Looking for something fun to do this week? Metro Detroit is packed with free festivals, family activities, and cultural events — from art fairs and workshops to live music and delicious food. 

Drop-In Workshop: Doodle Art

Detroit Institute of Arts

Wednesday 8/20 – Sunday 8/24

Free with general admission

*General museum admission is FREE for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

Many people doodle as a fun, spontaneous way to express ideas. Grab some drawing materials and see where your creativity takes you! Event time varies; check the website for details. 

Novi Taco Fest

44275 W 12 Mile Rd d134, Novi, MI 48377

Friday 8/22, Saturday 8/23 and Sunday 8/24

Tickets start at $7 online. Military free with proper ID.

Get ready for a weekend of flavor and fun at the Novi Taco Fest! Enjoy authentic Mexican-American dishes, sip refreshing margaritas, and celebrate Hispanic culture with live music and entertainment all around.

Back-to-School JAM!

Motown Museum on Rocket Plaza

Saturday 8/23

Free

The Motown Museum and Enjoy Detroit are hosting a Back to School Jam with free school supplies, live performances by local artists and Lyric Project singer-songwriters, giveaways, and family fun. Supplies are limited, so come early to enjoy the music, treats, and positive vibes to kick off the school year.

SIP and Beyond: 2025 Summer Alumni Performance

Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Saturday 8/23 – Sunday 8/24

Free with RSVP.

This weekend, celebrate the powerful work of Shakespeare in Prison at the Alumni Performance at Detroit Public Theatre. Experience stories of resilience, creativity, and community as former ensemble members share their voices on stage.

Hazel Park Art Fair

Green Acres Park – Hazel Park, MI

Saturday 8/23 and Sunday 8/24

Free

The Hazel Park Art Fair is back! Free and family-friendly in Green Acres Park with local art, live performances, tasty eats, and a craft beer tent. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity in Hazel Park!

Explore career opportunities with Detroit’s Shadow Program

If you want to understand how government works from the inside out, the City of Detroit’s Shadow Program might be for you. This city-run program gives youth ages 18–25 a one-day immersive experience alongside Detroit professionals in fields such as health, urban planning, business, media, and more.

Participants must attend the orientation and all program dates — Sept. 19 and 26, and Oct. 3 and 10. A virtual info session will be held Wednesday, Aug. 20, and applications are due Aug. 27. Visit detroitmi.gov/departments/department-neighborhoods/youth-affairs for more information.

Additional headlines

Safe Sleep Walk-n-Rally and Block Party

On Saturday, Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Detroit Health Department will host the Maternal Child Health Safe Sleep Walk-n-Rally, followed by its fourth annual Block Party.

The rally raises awareness about safe sleep practices for babies. The block party will include health screenings, back-to-school vaccinations, games, giveaways, and live music. Details at detroitmi.gov/departments/police-department/block-party 

Detroit Riverfront Youth Sports Showcase

Tomorrow, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Detroit Riverfront Youth Sports Showcase takes over Cullen Plaza and Milliken State Park. Youth can try basketball, tennis, soccer, chess, and more, plus enjoy group fitness classes and demonstrations. Find more information here.

Weekend sports preview

• MLB: The Detroit Tigers face the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in the second game of a three-game weekend series. With a record of 71–52, the Tigers remain at the top of the American League Central as they push toward a playoff run. First pitch tonight is 8:10 p.m. EST.

• NFL: The Detroit Lions take on the Miami Dolphins tomorrow at Ford Field. Kickoff is 1 p.m.

• Soccer: Detroit City FC meets North Carolina FC at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

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

A Michigan Congresswoman is taking aim at stores she claims abruptly change prices depending on who is shopping.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib says big stores do more than use data to decide what coupons to send customers.

She alleges they consult security cameras and personal profiles, then adjust the cost of a given product.

Now the Detroit Democrat is introducing a bill in Congress to stop what she calls “surveillance pricing.”

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib: (Interview edited for clarity.) These big grocery stores like Target and Walmart are using surveillance of the way we shop, our ethnic backgrounds, our income and creating personal profiles on us. So my bill would prevent and prohibit them from using these characteristics about yourself, your shopping patterns and so forth, to fix the price. Especially when they are primarily looking at whether or not you could afford a price hike. It bans electronic shelf labels in large stores where they can automatically change the price. If there’s a heat wave they might want to price gouge and increase the cost of water. Or maybe they know this is a product you have to buy, you buy it every single time, and they’re increasing the cost because they know you got a raise at work. Again, a lot of this is personal data and personal information that should not be used in deciding what the price is. Everyone should be charged the same no matter their background, the color of their skin, their income, their ethnicity, where they shop, things of that nature. And so, we’re trying to prohibit this.

QK: Companies use so much data now to have an algorithm to send offers or other things that they target to customers. In your view, how can the government enforce or ensure that they’re not using that data to charge different prices for different people?

RT: Right now there’s no enforcement arm. So the bill establishes an enforcement arm within the Federal Trade Commission to hold corporations accountable. Our neighbors are struggling. Many, many have seen up to a 28% increase in the price of groceries. These corporate grocery chains are feeding customer data into algorithms and using big tech to decide whether or not they’re going to charge us more. This bill makes that illegal. And it pushes the Federal Trade Commission to prevent price hikes based on what I believe are discriminatory practices and violating people’s privacy. Companies should not be allowed to use any of this information, including electronic labeling or personal information, to charge you higher prices.

QK: Companies will argue that they’re doing this because it’s what customers want. If you’ve always bought a certain kind of bread, for example, they’re going to send you all these bread offers. Are you able to do something that would stop price gouging while still allowing them to continue sending you the offers they think you’re going to want?

RT: Do you not believe these big corporations want you in the stores? They just want to be able to squeeze more money out of you. They send you the coupons because they know these are the items you buy. But they’re going to use electronic labeling and examine what apps you are on and use facial recognition to increase costs on you. Much of it’s going to be done without your knowledge. It’s about how far they can go in charging you and knowing that you can afford it because they looked up and created a profile that says this is how much they make. Or this is an item they need, because maybe this is a personal hygiene item they’re required to use. Whatever it is, no one’s gender, color of their skin, income or the location that they’re shopping at should be used in fixing the price.

This all started when the head of Pepsi was interviewed when prices went up during the pandemic. The cost of groceries just skyrocketed. After that people thought it would stabilize and the prices would go down. But in his comments, he said, “Well, no, we’re not going to decrease prices. The people are already getting used to it.” For many of my residents and families, that’s what they want us to push out against, this increased cost when it’s not needed. They want fair prices, not based on any of this personal information and data.

QK: If it’s not some kind of an antitrust situation, can Congress or the government actually have an effect on what prices companies set?

RT: Absolutely. We saw this with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. CFPB did this with the big banks, where we watched how they built their business plans based on junk fees. We saw how Delta Airlines was charging more for family units regarding seats. All of that to say you saw CFPB, which unfortunately is under attack by the Trump administration, go after student loan servicers, go after a number of these companies. They set up their business plan to be profit-driven without protecting consumers. Laws are in place for different kinds of price fixes and increases. But there’s no prohibiting using surveillance pricing to jack-up prices. That’s where our bill comes into effect, trying to give some sort of enforcement under the Federal Trade Commission to push back against those practices.

QK: Congress has battled repeatedly this year, in particular, about budgetary items and spending or cuts demanded by the Trump administration. In this kind of a climate, are you concerned whether your proposal can make it through that partisan maze?

RT: I think that there’s so many residents across the country that see price-fixing and gouging and increases on their families, no matter if they’re Republican or Democrat. They don’t see this as a partisan issue. And I’m hoping when they understand this is an invasion of privacy, that technology is being used in this way to hurt families, I really believe they’re going to reach out to their members of Congress and ask them to support something like my bill. To push back against stores that have already been under fire for increasing costs when there’s heat waves and when there’s desperation among the community that they’re in. I think there is going to be a big, very non-partisan way of approaching this issue that’s going to be seen outside of Congress and not based on party affiliation. It’s already a struggle for many of our families to get fresh food. The basic grocery store trip should not be something where they’re going to get scammed. That’s what we’re trying to prevent here.

This week, we’ve got a global spread of celebrations, from Afrobeats to K-Pop. Plus, bringing it back home to the Motor City with the Woodward Dream Cruise and more. Read on for details.

Upcoming events

Techno In The Parks

  Riverside Park in Detroit

  Friday, Aug. 15

  Free

An outdoor concert celebrating techno music, featuring DJ Deep Sequence with special guests Hazmat Live and Room 131. There will also be food trucks, face painting, games and inflatables. The concert goes from 5–8 p.m.

K-Pop Culture Experience — Dance, Games and Flavors

  The Detroit Institute of Arts

  Saturday, Aug. 16

  Free with museum admission

An immersive celebration of Korean culture, featuring a dance performance by PRISM Cru, games with prizes, food samples, and a tour of the DIA’s Korean Gallery. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. and activities go through 2:30 p.m. Museum admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

AfroFuture Detroit

  Bedrock’s Douglass Site in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 16 through Sunday, Aug. 17

  $95–$327

The U.S. debut of a globally-successful two-day music festival showcasing African and diasporic talent. Headliners include Afrobeats superstars Asake and Davido, genre-defying Kaytranada, Brazil’s Ludmilla and Detroit’s own Tee Grizzley. Doors open at 2 p.m. each day.

R&Beach

  The Beach at Campus Martius Park in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 16

  Free with RSVP

An downtown beach party featuring R&B music, tequila samples, vinyl record decorating and concert ticket giveaways. The party goes from 6–10 p.m.

Fraser Lions Club Carnival

  Steffens Park in Fraser

  Thursday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 24

  Free

An annual fundraiser for the Fraser Lions Club, a local nonprofit that supports blind community members by providing resources like leader dogs. The four-day event features family-friendly activities like carnival rides, games, live music, a petting zoo, fireworks and more. Festivities start at 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, parking is $10 and ride wristbands are $30.

Detroit unveils Dr. Ossian Sweet Memorial Park in East Village

Detroit held a ribbon-cutting Wednesday for a new educational park in the city’s East Village neighborhood.

The Dr. Ossian Sweet Memorial Park tells the story of an African American physician whose family was attacked by an angry mob after they moved into the then all-white neighborhood in 1925.

The home is owned by Danny Baxter, whose parents bought the property from the Sweets. He says it has been his dream since learning the history of the home to share its story.

“I was just impacted and fascinated by that story. And I went back into the kitchen to my mother, and I said, Ma, did that really happen? She said, Yes, baby, it sure did. I said, Well, Mama, one day, one day, I’m going to do something to make sure that everybody in the world knows what happened on the corner of Garland and Charlevoix.”

The events of that night led to the overturn of racially discriminatory housing policies in America. Detroit officials say the park is part of a larger effort to preserve important pieces of Black history.

Additional headlines

ACLU sues City of Warren over police beating of Black man

The ACLU of Michigan has filed a lawsuit against the City of Warren and several of its police officers on behalf of Christopher Gibson, a Black man who was beaten while in police custody.

The lawsuit alleges Gibson was denied psychiatric treatment after police were notified of his mental illness, and was later pepper sprayed, tasered and brutalized by officers.

ACLU Staff Attorney Mark Fancher says the city is liable because it failed to properly train officers to handle the situation.

“It also failed to make available resources and services that Mr. Gibson needed during a mental health crisis that was triggered after he had been in the company of a very close relative who was dying of cancer. Mr. Gibson has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and the city also violated federal laws that ensure accommodations and non-discrimination for people with disabilities.”

Fancher says the case highlights the need for more training and mental health professionals in police departments.

In addition to the lawsuit, the ACLU released a 10-minute video using police body camera footage showing the extent of the abuse while Gibson was in custody.

A police spokesperson said they have not yet seen the lawsuit and could not comment.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduces bill to ban dynamic pricing based on personal data

Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is introducing a bill to stop large stores from abruptly changing prices based on a customer’s personal data.

Tlaib wants to ban electronic shelf pricing, claiming some big grocery and department stores examine what customers look like, or what databases say about them, and then quickly adjust prices.

“It’s about how far they can go in charging you and knowing that you can afford it because they looked up and created a profile on you saying this is how much they make, this is an item they need. Gender, color of their skin, their income or the location that they’re at, all of that information should not be used in fixing the price.”

Tlaib says her bill would establish an enforcement arm within the Federal Trade Commission to police such practices.

Detroit launches residential compost program

Detroit’s Office of Sustainability has launched a compost program to reduce food waste, improve soil health and support local food production.

The program is funded by a $100,000 grant from Carhartt. The first 200 residents to register will receive a free five-gallon compost bucket and an optional countertop bin.

The pilot aims to divert up to 220 pounds of food scraps daily. To sign up, email sustainability@detroitmi.gov with “Composting Program” in the subject line.

Issa Rae is bringing book tour to Detroit

Comedian and star of HBO’s Insecure Issa Rae will be in Detroit on September 24 during her book tour for I Should Be Smarter by Now.

Tickets for the show at the Fillmore Detroit go on sale Friday on Ticketmaster. Presale tickets with the password MOTOWN are available now.

The book, scheduled for release August 26, is a collection of essays written by Rae and a follow-up to her first collection The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.

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

ACCESS hosting 10th annual Back to School Fair

ACCESS will host its 10th Back to School Fair on Aug. 12 from noon to 3 p.m. The Arab American–based nonprofit focuses on community service, cultural and social entrepreneurship, healthy lifestyles, education, and philanthropy.

During the event, the organization will distribute free backpacks and school supplies. There will also be face painting, henna art, games, activities, and more.

The ACCESS Mobile Health Unit and Wayne State Mobile Health Unit will be on site to provide free health screenings, flu shots, and other health-related services.

More information and registration are available on the ACCESS website.

Additional headlines

Detroit poet laureate jessica Care moore named Academy of American Poets fellow

Detroit’s poet laureate jessica Care moore is among 24 poet laureates nationwide who have been named fellows by the Academy of American Poets. The fellowship includes a shared $1.1 million award to support community projects.

It recognizes literary excellence and supports poets in creating initiatives that engage communities through poetry. Moore, in partnership with The LOVE Building, plans to launch a literacy initiative in several Detroit neighborhoods. The project will include intergenerational workshops to share the stories of longtime and new Detroit residents.

Learn more about Moore’s fellowship and projects.

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park to open Oct. 25 on the Detroit Riverwalk

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park will open Oct. 25 along the Detroit Riverwalk. The annual Detroit Harvest Fest will be part of the debut of the 22-acre park, which will also feature live entertainment and food trucks.

The park honors the legacy of the late Ralph C. Wilson Jr., a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and veteran.

Details on the grand opening and celebrations are available from the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

Weekend events

Summer Bliss Music & Art Festival 2025

The Summer Bliss Music & Art Festival takes place this weekend at Tangent Gallery in Detroit. The event celebrates creativity, community, and connection, featuring DJs, local artists, and more.

More information is available here.

Sports

The Detroit Tigers face off against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park as part of their three-game weekend series. The Tigers, who lead the American League Central Division, lost back-to-back games against the Minnesota Twins and look to bounce back. First pitch for tonight’s game is at 7:10 p.m.

Detroit City FC will play against Indy Eleven tomorrow at Keyworth Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

The Detroit Lions take on the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason game tonight at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Game time is 7 p.m.

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

As the temperature has climbed this summer, so have energy bills—and frustrations. These higher costs are driven by more than extreme summer temperatures. Factors like outdated power grids and a recent $217 million rate hike approved for DTE Energy by state regulators earlier this year are also at play.

Meanwhile, federal clean-energy incentives that once encouraged investment in renewable energy are starting to phase out. Michigan was on track to increase its renewable energy capacity by 2035. But with key federal tax credits repealed by the Trump administration, the state faces higher future costs and delayed renewable projects.

At the same time, utility shutoffs in Michigan and nationwide have increased, hitting lower-income and marginalized communities hard. 

Nicholas Schroeck, dean of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and an expert in environmental law and justice, joined The Metro’s Robyn Vincent to discuss energy affordability and sustainability and what residents can do about it.

Editor’s Note: DTE Energy and Consumers Energy are financial supporters of WDET.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

More stories from The Metro

This week’s events range from relaxing sound baths and poetry readings to high-energy concerts and festivals. Plus, a celebration for a unique Detroit landmark. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

Rooftop Rendezvous

  Arab American National Museum in Dearborn

  Friday, Aug. 8

  Free with RSVP

An outdoor poetry performance at the museum’s Heritage Garden in partnership with Field Trip, a Hamtramck-based poetry group. Performers include Eleni Sikelianos, Aditi Machado and Jamaal May. The event goes from 6–8 p.m.

Concert: Hail Your Highness with special guests Riot Course, Headless Mary and Normal Park

  Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti

  Friday, Aug. 8

  $10

An alternative-indie-rock concert featuring bands from across Michigan. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to public radio. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Milford Memories Summer Festival

  Downtown Milford, various locations

  Friday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 10

  Free

A weekend-long outdoor festival featuring an art show, live entertainment, carnival food and family-friendly activities. The festival is open from 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and from 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Detroit’s Annual Ribs and R&B Music Festival

  Hart Plaza in Detroit

  Friday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 10

  Free, $15

A celebration of National Barbecue Weekend featuring grilled meats and live performances by R&B and soul singers. The festival is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. all weekend. Admission is free until 4 p.m. on Friday and until 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. After that, admission is $15. Kids under 12 get in free all weekend.

The Marshalls Good Stuff Social Club: Detroit

  BasBlue in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 9

  Free with RSVP

A women’s empowerment conference featuring expert-led conversations, guided networking activities and locally-sourced goodies. Themes include financial freedom, finding confidence and building community. The event goes from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and space is limited.

Luminosity Sound Baths

  The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit

  Sunday, Aug. 10

  $15 for museum members, $25 for non-members

An immersive sound bath experience coinciding with the museum’s exhibition, “Luminosity: A Detroit Arts Gathering.” There are two one-hour sessions at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own mat for seating.

Log Cabin Day Festival & Ice Cream Social

  Palmer Park in Detroit

  Sunday, Aug. 10

  Free

A family-friendly festival celebrating the history surrounding Palmer Park’s Log Cabin. There will be Civil War-era activities, live musical performances, storytelling, reenactments and free ice cream for the first 500 visitors. Festivities go from 1–4 p.m.

Sounds Like Detroit

  Batch Brewing Company in Detroit

  Thursday, Aug. 14

  $25

A musical showcase featuring Detroit’s top Tiny Desk Contest performers of 2025. The lineup includes powerhouse soul vocalist BETH, folk singer-songwriter Corazon Szell, innovative multi-instrumentalist Samuel Nalangira, and jazz fusion group Tariq Gardner & the Evening Star. Gates open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m.

Charivari Detroit Everywhere

  Detroit, various locations

  Thursday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 17

  $12–$92

A spin-off of the Charivari Detroit Festival featuring over 50 artists and dozens of events across the city in celebration of electronic music culture. Featured artists include Delano Smith, Rimarkable, Jon Dixon, Problematic Black Hottie, Rebecca Goldberg and more. Individual events range from $12–$35, and all-access passes are available for $92.

City clerk says Trump’s election lies may be to blame

Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey predicts voter turnout of between 13 and 18 percent for today’s primary elections. Typically, fewer people head to the polls in years without a presidential race. But Winfrey told WDET’s “The Metro” she blames the low numbers in part on former President Trump’s false claims that elections — including in Detroit — were rigged against him.

“When you as a leader of this great country say things like ‘Voting doesn’t matter… it’s not fair… they cheat,’ that would oftentimes lead to, I think, voter apathy,” said Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey.

Winfrey says only about 2,000 people voted early — despite early voting starting more than a week ago and ending Sunday. She says other cities across the country are seeing a similar trend.

“And we see all across the board that turnout is slow… that people are disinterested. But I also think that candidates also drive turnout. When people are excited about the candidate one way or the other… they show up and they show out,” Winfrey said.

The two highest vote-getters from today’s primary will move on to the general election in November. Mayor Mike Duggan is not seeking re-election and is instead running for governor.

Additional headlines

Detroit city races will narrow after today’s primary

Detroit City Council members Mary Sheffield and Fred Durhal will find out today if they’ll appear on the November ballot in the race for mayor.

Several other races will also narrow.

Seven candidates are on the primary ballot in Sheffield’s District 5. Four candidates are running in Durhal’s District 7.

In District 2, incumbent Angela Whitfield Calloway faces two challengers — former councilman Roy McAlister Jr. and State Representative Helena Scott.

Former councilwoman Janeé Ayers is among six candidates running for at-large seats against incumbents Mary Waters and Coleman Young II.

Michigan launches stipend program for behavioral health interns

Students studying for careers in behavioral health can now apply for state support while completing unpaid internships. The Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program offers up to $15,000 to help cover living expenses and academic fees.

Those studying to become marriage and family therapists, behavior analysts, social workers, professional counselors, and psychologists may qualify.

More details and application information:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/legislationpolicy/workforce-access-and-grants-management-section/mi-bhisp

MOCAD hosts art-making, exhibits, and book club this week

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is offering several events this week for visitors of all ages.

Thursday:

• Summer studio hours from 3–5 p.m.

• Curator book club at 6 p.m. featuring Legacy Russell’s Black Meme, discussed by Associate Curator Isabella Nimmo.

Saturday, August 9 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.):

• Family Day — with gallery chats, art-making, and collaborative projects.

• Exhibit closing: Code Switch: Distributing Blackness, Reprogramming Internet Art

• Closing performance at 6 p.m.: All Faux Everythings, a sonic collaboration between artist Wes Taylor and Michael Demps.

More info: https://mocadetroit.org

Hannan Center exhibit celebrates artists who teach

The Hannan Center is showcasing a new exhibit titled Artists Who Teach and Their Students — part of its 100th anniversary season. The multigenerational show explores the connection between creating art and teaching it.

Curator and Gallery Director Richard Reeves says the exhibit gives teaching artists a much-needed space to show their own work.

REEVES: “A lot of times teachers are so busy doing the wonderful things they do — teaching our kids and adults — they don’t have time to be creative and do their own artwork. This gives them a space to show and express themselves.”

The Hannan Center is located at 4750 Woodward Avenue.
More information: https://hannan.org