The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is looking for volunteers and advocates to assist unaccompanied minors during deportation proceedings in Michigan. People must be 21 and up to volunteer.

The organizations need volunteers who speak multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Mayan and other languages from Central America. The Young Center is hosting virtual online informational sessions on March 24 and March 31. In-person training will be held on April 11 and 12.

To volunteer, fill out the application at mobilize.us/theyoungcenter.  

Additional headlines from Monday, March 23, 2026

Poll shows struggles caregivers face

The Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging found 31% of Michigan residents 50 and up are providing caregiving for an adult relative with health issues or a disability. About 33% of those caregivers say that also creates financial struggles.

Caregivers may have to take time away from work or spend money on transportation to provide care without much support from insurance or government sources. The poll also found that caregivers 50 to 64 years old face higher financial challenges compared to those who are 65 and older.  

However, the poll finds that many caregivers do not know about resources available to them, such as adult day and respite programs for people 60 and up. A majority of caregivers say financial assistance would provide the most relief in their duties.  

Measles outbreak in Washtenaw County

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there is a measles outbreak in Washtenaw County with four linked cases reported since March 12. The initial cases are linked to travel to Florida. 

Measles is a contagious disease that may cause a high fever of 104 degrees, cough, and runny nose, with tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and the roof of your mouth. It may also cause a rash with flat red spots on the hairline, legs, and other areas.

There have been over 1,300 measles cases recorded across 31 states in 2026. Health officials encourage families to get vaccinated. They say two doses of the MMR vaccine offer 97% protection against measles.  

Michigan’s chief medical executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian says, “measles cases are spreading like wildfire this year.” The numbers are increasing due to travel during spring break.

People who think they may have measles are encouraged to call their health care provider before seeking testing or treatment in person to prevent spreading the disease.

Visit michigan.gov/measles for more information.  

James Beard climate solutions campaign

The James Beard Foundation has launched a Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival Campaign. That includes a roundtable discussion today with Anne McBride, Vice President of Impact at the James Beard Foundation, and Senator Elissa Slotkin.

They discussed the growing climate threat to the restaurant industry, small businesses, and agriculture. The organization says extreme weather has caused supply chain disruptions, increased costs, and strained profit margins.

The event featured chefs, business owners, and farmers from the region. 

Wastewater treatment act

Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania introduced the bipartisan Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act. It helps communities upgrade wastewater systems to address PFAS and other contaminants. Stevens says clean water is essential for our health and the future of the Great Lakes. 

An EPA study says as of 2022, Michigan needed an estimated $181 million for improvements.  

If passed, the legislation creates a $1 billion budget for a five-year federal grant program to help water utilities treat water for contaminants. That would cover half of the project costs. It would also allocate 49% of funding to communities without financial assistance, with 1% of EPA and admin costs. Additionally, a national study to evaluate the effectiveness of the advanced technology to remove contaminants would be launched. 

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

About 10,000 registered nurses at Corewell Health East hospitals voted to authorize a strike, saying they have been unable to negotiate their first contract despite months of bargaining with the hospital system. Nearly 90% of members voted for the strike. 

Members are asking for better nurse-to-patient ratios, wage increases, affordable health insurance coverage and improved workplace safety. The nurses voted to unionize in November 2024 and began negotiations in June 2025.

They are represented by Teamsters Local 2024 and work at Corewell Health East hospitals in Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak, Trenton, Troy, Wayne, and Southfield. 

In a statement, a Corewell spokesperson says it has already agreed to raise wages. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, March 19, 2026

Detroit block club meeting

Detroit is having a city-wide block club meeting. The Department of Neighborhoods is inviting all Detroit neighbors, community leaders, and block clubs to engage with city leaders. The event will be held Tuesday March 24 at the Northwest Activities Center. The event runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00. Residents and community leaders can find resources and meet with various city departments. 

Digital marketing seminar

The Arab American Women’s Business Council is hosting a Digital Marketing, SEO, and AI Seminar. Learn about business strategies, search engine optimization, AI tools and tips for running an effective digital campaign.

The seminar is open to all. It will be held March 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 13846 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. Tickets are $25. 

Interfaith Leadership Council hosts workshop

The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a workshop called “Bridging the Divide: From Division to Belonging.” The workshop focuses on exploring practical ways to find connection with people, understanding the need for belonging and nurturing community.

The event will be held Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at Madonna University Welcome Center in Livonia. Tickets are $35. 

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

According to a Detroit Free Press report, Gov Gretchen Whitmer’s 2027 budget proposes $139.2 million dollars in fee increases. Some of these user fees for government services and licenses haven’t changed in decades.

There will be higher fees for things such as hunting, fishing licenses, boat registrations, and more. During her state of the state address, Whitmer asked Congress to pass her budget in June before the July 1st deadline.

Additional headlines for Friday, March 6, 2026

Sports updates

NBA

The Pistons fell to the Spurs again last night 106-121.

They hope to bounce back against the Brooklyn Nets tomorrow at Little Caesars arena. Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m.

NHL

The Red Wings face the Florida Panthers today at 7:00 p.m. as they try to climb back in the Atlantic division. They are currently sitting at 3rd place with 35 wins and 20 losses.

Club Soccer

Detroit City FC revealed their 2026 season uniforms during their organization event this week. This season’s kits draws inspiration from Detroit’s techno and electronic music scenes as well as the Detroit Red Wings.

The dark kit home uniforms are dark red to maintain the traditional La Rouge Theme, with red tonal wave pattern, gold numbers and white logos of the Spirit of Detroit. The light kit nearly copies a reversed version of last year’s home jersey, with maroon sleeves, salmon colored stripes, and maroon and taupe shorts.

To see their uniforms go to their website: detcityfc.com. You can start seeing these uniforms in action as the team kicks off their first match on Saturday, March 14 at Keyworth Stadium.

Free physical therapy clinic

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is hosting a free in clinic event on March 19, 2026 at 5 p.m. to celebrate their one year anniversary.

The centers offer personalized physical therapy, balance training, vestibular rehabilitation, and auto injury care. They are focused on evidence-based rehab to help patients recover faster and improve their overall mobility.

Attendees will receive 20% off some products at the event. The event will be held at 30770 Southfield Rd. in Southfield.

Daylight saving time

Daylight saving time is this Sunday, March 8. It’s the annual period when we “spring forward” and adjust our clocks one hour forward.

Daylight saving time occurs at 2 a.m., when local time instantly jumps to 3am. As part of the yearly ritual, the sunrise and sunset will be one hour later, we’ll have more light in the evening and a later sunrise in the morning.

The push to stop daylight saving time was approved by the US Senate in the 2022 Sunshine Protection Act but did not pass the House of Representatives. A 2023 version didn’t go anywhere in Congress as well.

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

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is considering paying parents, giving away bikes, and providing gas cards for carpools in an effort to end chronic absenteeism. 

Last year the district launched a program that allowed high school students to earn up to $1,000 for perfect attendance. The new financial incentives would be offered to families of kindergarten to second grade students in neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of poverty.

The idea is still being workshopped among DPSCD board members. 

Additional headlines from Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Sea wall repair program

Detroit is launching a $1 million sea wall repair program in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood. The project will repair or replace sea walls along canals fed by the Detroit River.

The program is prioritizing 15-20 properties and could help remove the neighborhood from FEMA’s flood hazard map. A survey in 2025 found 70% of the neighborhood’s waterfront properties have sea walls in fair or poor conditions.

Once properties are selected, construction is expected to continue through 2027. Applications are underway online or through the phone by calling 313-628-2232. 

New parks over I-75

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is moving forward with plans to build three large park caps over I-75 between Third Avenue and Brush Street. The caps will reconnect neighborhoods to the downtown area that were separated by the highway.

Officials say the project will also improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, reduce highway noise, and create new public gathering spaces. Plans are currently undergoing a feasibility study that will run through 2026, with construction possibly starting between 2026 and 2028. Officials are gathering public input before final recommendations are made. 

Detroit Tigers and Red Wings launch sports network

The owners of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings have created a regional sports network to broadcast their games. Detroit SportsNet will carry the Tigers on cable, satellite, and streaming platforms this season. Red Wings games will continue to be available on FanDuel Sports for the rest of this season and will switch to the new network next season.

Both teams and many others across the country are terminating their deals with FanDuel’s parent company because it failed to make scheduled payments for the rights to carry their games. 

Gas prices

Gasoline prices rose by almost 14 cents per gallon overnight. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of almost $3.13 cents for the cheapest grade of gas this morning. It was about $2.99 yesterday. The average price in metro Detroit rose from $3.03 a gallon yesterday to $3.13 today. 

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

Tonight, we heard some stellar new tracks, including Fever Ray’s “The Lake (Cinematic)” from the upcoming movie, “The Bride!” It’s pretty darn cool! Plus, She’s Green is back with a new release, a great new track from Apparat, and Deary hits another home run with their song, “Alfie.” 

We also discussed a few important opportunities to vote for your favorite bands and radio hosts. Jeff Buckley and New Order/Joy Division are nominated to be inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cast your vote here.

Also, Detroit’s Dreampop duo Bluhm is nominated for Detroit’s best local act. Cast your vote for them and WDET’s own Ryan Patrick Hooper for radio host, and Jerome Vaughn and Pat Batcheller for radio news or sports reporter.

Listen to the full episode above, on-demand for two weeks at wdet.org.

• “The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove” – Dead Can Dance
• “Clusters” – Emma Anderson
• “Blush” – The Secret French Postcards
• “Icing Sugar” – The Cure
• “Alfie” – Deary
• “Inhaler” – Hooverphonic
• “Double Dream” – Bluhm
• “Rubber Ring” – The Smiths
• “Only Hinting” – Clinic Stars
• “Blew It” – Liquorice
• “Mettle” – She’s Green
• “Morning Theft” – Jeff Buckley
• “skin in the game” – Slowdive
• “Hum Of Maybe” – Apparat
• “Everywhere” – Cranes
• “The Lake (Cinematic)” – Fever Ray
• “Atmosphere” – Joy Division
• “Gold” – Sigur Ros
• “Cry In The Wind” – Clan Of Xymox
• “Coast is Clear” – Curve
• “Cave” – Future Islands
• “Obviously” – A Shoreline Dream
• “Octopus” – Starrgazy
• “Crushed” – Cocteau Twins
• “Sapphire Door” – Soft Blue Shimmer
• “Burrow” – AtticOmatic
• “Paradise” – New Order
• “Poison Berry” – Night Swimming
• “Wop-a-Din-Din” – Red House Painters
• “Fly to the Ceiling (feat. Rosa Rocca)” – Theis Thaws, Tricky
• “Harold and Cindy Hospital” – Severed Heads
• “Blackhole” – Basement Revolver
• “Leave Them All Behind” – Ride
• “Burst” – Snowcuffs

A new affordable housing project celebrated its grand opening this week. The Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village on Detroit’s eastside holds 50 units designed to help homeless and disabled veterans.

Vouchers from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Detroit Housing Commission will guarantee rents at 30 percent of the resident’s income. Building amenities include a media room, common dining room and kitchen, exercise room, and an exclusive outdoor dog park.

The complex was named after Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., the Army’s first African American general and a trailblazer who helped lay the foundation for the integration of the U.S. military. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026

Water bills increase 

Metro Detroiters will pay higher water bills next year. The Great Lakes Water Authority’s board of directors voted to raise rates by an average of almost 6 percent. Customers would pay about 4 percent more on average for wastewater service. The agency says it needs the money to fix aging infrastructure and reduce water main breaks. 

Project Clean Slate earns $200,000 grant 

Detroit’s Project Clean Slate has received a 200-thousand-dollar grant from the Michigan Justice Fund…allowing the program to run for another 2 years. Project clean slate helps Detroiters with legal services for expungement of eligible criminal convictions. The service has expunged more than 19 thousand records. PCS expects the grant to allow for another ten thousand expungements.  

Detroit Women of Comedy Festival searches for acts 

The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival is looking for comedy acts for this year’s show. Organizers are seeking acts of all kinds such as stand up, improv, sketch, and more. The festival is inclusive of all genders and identities.

The mission of the event is to celebrate and elevate women, trans, and non-binary comedy makers in the metro Detroit area. The festival will be held at Planet Ant Theater on May 15 and 16. For more information about submitting an act, email DWCFsubmissions@gmail.com.  

State of Highland Park

The City of Highland Park has announced the date Mayor Glenda McDonald will give the State of the City address. The mayor will give a public update to residents on Wednesday, March 18 from 6-7p.m. New Grace Missionary Baptist Church will host the event at 25 Ford Street. 

Detroit Disability teach in

Detroit Disability Power is hosting a “teach-in” in March, focused on threats to immigrants and people with disabilities. 

Care not Cages: Meeting the Moment with Disabled Detroiters will take place over 2 days – the March 13  event will focus on context; March 20 will be centered around action.

The event is free and dinner is provided.  

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

When someone is in distress, who should respond to the call for help? Police officers or social workers?

After the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter Movement, police departments reformed. Throughout the country and around Michigan, police hired mental health professionals — or co-responders — to respond to 911 calls, alone or with cops. 

Now, the question of who should take the lead on distress calls has become all the more pressing. Last month, this query was thrust into the public eye once again. That’s when Ypsilanti residents became upset after a SWAT team had a 30-hour standoff with someone they say was experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Hillary Nusbaum is a co-responder supervisor for the Oakland Community Health Network. Her organization partners with Oakland County police departments by having co-responders work alongside police officers. 

Producer Sam Corey spoke with Nusbaum about what a co-responder does and when they should be called to take action on a 911 call. 

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

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

More stories from The Metro

Wayne State University has a new president.  The school’s Board of Governors elected Richard Bierschbach as the 14^th president of the university at a special meeting Tuesday.  

Bierschbach has served as Wayne State’s interim president since the departure of Kimberly Andrews Espy last September.  Before becoming interim president, he was the dean of Wayne State’s law school.  While there, Bierschbach helped the law school rise from a national ranking of 100^th in 2017 to 55^th best in the U.S. now. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

Tlaib heckles Trump during State of the Union 

Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib heckled President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address Tuesday night.  The Detroit Democrat called the president a liar during his remarks.  She wore an anti-ICE button, as well.

Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar also jeered at Trump during the event.  Trump responded by saying the Democrats should be ashamed of themselves. 

Whitmer to deliver State of the State tonight 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivers her final State of the State address Wednesday.  She’s expected to tout her accomplishments over the past year and lay out her vision for the future of Michigan.  

Whitmer is expected to spend a portion of her speech talking about the importance of creating more affordable housing options for Michiganders. That includes plans for a new affordable housing tax credit.

You can hear the State of the State tonight at 7 p.m. on 101.9 WDET FM or at WDET.org. 

Flags lowered to half-staff to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson 

U.S. and Michigan flags across the state will fly at half-staff Thursday and Friday.  Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the action in honor of the Rev. Jesse Jackson.  

Jackson died last week at age 84.  In a statement, Whitmer says, “Rev. Jackson had a special connection to Michigan and especially the city of Detroit.”  

BET reports Jackson will lie in state at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago tomorrow and Friday.  A private homegoing service will take place on March 7.  That event will be livestreamed. 

Ford recalls more than 400,000 SUVs 

Ford is recalling almost 414,000 Explorer SUVs because of possible steering problems.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says certain vehicles from the 2013 through 2017 model years could have faulty rear suspension toe links that could break.  The problem could make it hard to steer the vehicle.  

Affected owners will be notified by mail.  Repairs will be made at no cost to consumers. 

First place Pistons face Oklahoma City 

The Detroit Pistons play the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in a battle of NBA first place teams.  The Pistons are first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 42 wins and 14 losses.  The Thunder hold the top spot in the Western Conference with 45 wins and 14 losses. 

Game time at Little Caesars Arena is 7:30 p.m. tonight. 

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

This one brings together rapper Doechii and vocalist SZA on a record that lands like an anthem. It speaks to misogyny, pressure, survival inside the industry, and it doubles as a reminder for women of color to keep rising no matter what stands in the way. 

Doechii is razor sharp here. Technically gifted, confident, fully in command. And SZA adds emotional lift, tone and atmosphere that wraps perfectly around the message. Together, they turn affirmation into sound. Here’s “Girl, Get Up.” My Pick of the Week. 

Doechii and SZA with “Girl, Get Up,” a powerful meditation wrapped in rhythm.

If you love progressive hip hop with substance, tap in every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org.

For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. Peace. 

The Reverend Jesse Jackson has died.  He was 84 years old.  Jackson joined the civil rights movement in the early 1960s and begam working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Junior.  Jackson was near king on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis when King was shot to death in April 1968. 

Jackson became a leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the years after King’s death.  He went onto create Operation PUSH in Chicago as part of his effort to continue advocating for change.  One of his signature slogans was “Keep Hope Alive”.  Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988, but failed to win the Democratic Party nomination. 

Jackson maintained close ties with civil rights leaders in Detroit, often visiting for NAACP or Operation PUSH events in the city.  The Rainbow/PUSH non-profit coalition was created in the mid-1990s.  Jackson also gave the eulogy for Rosa Parks at her funeral in Detroit in 2005. 

President Clinton awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.

Additional headlines from Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 

SW Detroit residents remember flood 

This is the first anniversary of a major flood in Southwest Detroit.  A 54-inch water main broke last year, causing problems for hundreds of residents in the area.  

Several feet of icy water poured into streets and basements.  The city had to evacuate more than 150 homes in the Springwells neighborhood.  Residents in the area say some were evacuated by boat.  Some lost their cars due to the amount of freezing water in the streets. 

Michigan ranked #1 for men’s college basketball

And Michigan is ranked number on in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll.  It’s the first time that’s happened in 13 years.  

The AP says the Wolverines claimed 60 of 61 first-place votes in yesterday’s new poll.  Michigan is set to play number three Duke Saturday evening. 

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

Late last year, Rogelio Landin ran for mayor of Detroit on a simple platform: the city should annex some of its surrounding communities. Detroit needs people, and those suburbs need money. With annexation, the city could expand and gain more revenue to share with its new residents.

Landin didn’t get many votes, but the idea was provocative. What if metro Detroit acted more like a coherent region, instead of dozens of separate municipalities all going it alone? What could that unlock?

Rogelio Landin spoke with Robyn Vincent about that and more.

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

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

More stories from The Metro

President Trump says he won’t allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open until Canada gives him what he wants.

He didn’t specify what that is, but in a social media post, Trump threatened to prevent the opening unless Canada repays the U.S. for everything it has done for its northern neighbor. He also demanded half-ownership of the bridge, which Canada paid for.

In an interview with the Windsor Star, Mayor Drew Dilkens called the post unhinged. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026

Rx Kids supports Detroit mothers

Pregnant and new mothers who live in Detroit can now receive cash assistance with no strings attached. The payments will come from the Rx Kids program—which provides $1500 to expecting mothers and $500 a month for the first six months of their baby’s life. 

The program started in Flint and is now active in over 25 lower income communities around the state. That includes Pontiac, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Hazel Park, and Dearborn. 

Aiyash announces Michigan senate campaign

Former state Representative Abraham Aiyash has announced he plans to run for the Michigan senate. Aiyash served in the state House from 2020 to 2024. He is seeking the Democratic nomination for the District 1 seat currently filled by Erika Geiss. 

Coco Gauff donation for HCBU tennis players

Coco Gauff has donated $150,000 to the United Negro College Fund to support tennis players at HBCUs. The Michigan Chronicle reports Gauff made a similar $100,000 gift in 2025, creating the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program.  

Community Doula Workshops

The Sherwood Forest Library branch is hosting a series of Community Doula Workshops. Conversations will be centered around information and resources for new and expecting mothers, and include topics about mental health, labor and delivery advocacy and access to resources. 

The series is hosted by Penny Love Fitness. Join this week Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 11:30 a.m. at Sherwood Forest Library at 7117 West Seven Mile Road. 

Free Fishing Weekend

Valentine’s Day is not the only thing to celebrate this weekend. Free Fishing Weekend is Saturday and Sunday. This is one of two weekends during the year when people can fish without a license and without needing a recreation passport to access state parks.

All fishing regulations still apply. The next free fishing weekend is in June. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/dnr.

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

Celebrate Ismael Ahmed’s life with us. Listen to a tribute made with love, sharing stories, music, and remembrances from those closest to him.

Ismael Ahmed: A life devoted to service

Ismael Ahmed’s life was rooted in community and guided by a belief that people are stronger when brought together. Born in 1947 to a working-class Arab immigrant family, he grew up in Dearborn’s South End, shaped by factory work, public education, and a commitment to justice that defined his life’s work

He co-founded the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), helped establish the Arab American National Museum, and later served as Michigan’s first Arab American cabinet member. Music was central to his activism. Through founding Concert of Colors and hosting This Island Earth on WDET, Ahmed used music to break down barriers and connect people across cultures.

Ismael Ahmed died January 31, 2026. He was 78 years old.

Highlights from Ismael Ahmed’s life

• Raised in Dearborn’s South End in a working-class Arab immigrant family.
• Served his country in South Korea during the Vietnam War-era.
• Organized Arab auto workers in Detroit at a time when their voices were often overlooked
• Co-founded Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS).
• Helped establish the Arab American National Museum.
• Served in state government and higher education.
• Hosted This Island Earth on WDET, sharing music beyond borders.
• Founded and led the Concert of Colors until the day he died.
• Left a lasting mark on culture, community and public service.

Share your condolences and tributes

We invite you to share your memories and reflections by visiting wdet.org/ismael or by emailing wdetdigital@wdet.org. You may also leave a voice message through the WDET app on your phone by tapping “Open Mic” in the bottom right corner of your screen.