Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Yesterday — 19 August 2025Main stream

The Metro: ‘Next of kin’ bill aims to close medical decision-making gap in Michigan

18 August 2025 at 18:39

The final medical decisions in a person’s life are among the most difficult anyone can make. They can include how to proceed with treatment for someone with a terminal illness, or to cease treatment all together. When that person is unconscious or unable to make that decision themselves, family, or next of kin, are often the ones who decide.

But, in practice, carrying out the wishes of a loved one is not as simple as it seems. 

Without having the necessary paperwork already completed, a person needs to gain legal guardianship before they can make medical decisions on their loved ones’ behalf. That process is complicated and can waste precious, fleeting moments on bureaucracy.

State Rep. Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown) is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill along with Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township) to close the medical decision-making gap in Michigan.

Rep. Thompson joined the Metro to discuss the details of the bill, and her personal experience which highlights Michigan’s need for a next-of-kin law in the state.

Guest:

  • State Rep. Jamie Thompson represents Michigan’s 28th House District and serves as Vice Chair of the House Health Policy Committee.

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

Support the podcasts you love.

One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today. Give now »

The post The Metro: ‘Next of kin’ bill aims to close medical decision-making gap in Michigan appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Before yesterdayMain stream

The Metro: Disability advocates say Detroit Clerk Janice Winfrey downplays voting barriers

13 August 2025 at 13:51

The day before Detroit’s primary election, Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey told The Metro “less than five” polling places in the city have accessibility problems — and that her legal obligation includes ensuring entrances and voting machines are accessible.

This week, nonprofit advocacy organization Detroit Disability Power pushed back. The group disputed Winfrey’s claims, pointing to its 2025 survey of 167 polling locations. The findings, they say, reveal widespread barriers and raise serious concerns about Detroit polling place accessibility ahead of the November election. The audit of this year’s primary found that half of the surveyed polling locations had accessibility issues with entrances and doorways, and 70% had problems with Voter Access Terminals (VAT).

Eric Welsby, the policy director for Detroit Disability Power, joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to dispute Winfrey’s claims. He explained the persistent barriers for people with disabilities at Detroit polling locations and how this issue is not unique to Detroit.

Documented problems persist

During the 2021 election, disability advocates filed an ADA complaint saying key voting information, like where and how to vote, was inaccessible online for users of screen readers, affecting thousands of Detroiters. And, some polling locations across metro Detroit remain inaccessible to voters with disabilities.

The Metro contacted Clerk Winfrey’s office for comment, but received no response.

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.

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Donate today »

The post The Metro: Disability advocates say Detroit Clerk Janice Winfrey downplays voting barriers appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: What our museums offer — and why the White House is clamping down on them

By: Sam Corey
14 August 2025 at 19:28

The Trump administration wants American museums to be less critical of our history. 

On Tuesday, the White House called for a “comprehensive internal review” of eight Smithsonian museums. They want institutions to celebrate American exceptionalism instead of discussing race and America’s racial history, and to avoid negatively discussing the president. 

Already, one Smithsonian museum changed its exhibit about President Donald Trump. It omitted that the president made false statements challenging his 2020 election loss, as well as a statement that said Trump delivered a speech encouraging lawless action at the Capitol. 

The current administration says it wants our museums to end partisanship and to “restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.” But many worry that, instead, the president is stoking an already-heated culture war and limiting free speech.

How should these museums respond to political pressure? How should American museums react to criticism and make appropriate changes? And, what is their role in critiquing and celebrating American life?

We asked Devon Akmon, Director of Michigan State University Museum and core faculty member in MSU’s Arts, Cultural Management & Museum Studies program for his perspective. 

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, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

More stories from The Metro

The post The Metro: What our museums offer — and why the White House is clamping down on them appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: How opioid settlement money will help Michiganders with substance abuse issues

By: Sam Corey
14 August 2025 at 19:00

For years, pharmaceutical companies have pushed drugs onto people and doctors, increasing addiction rates and overdose deaths in Michigan and across the country.

Last month, a national settlement with Purdue Pharma created new funds for drug treatment in Michigan. The state is expected to receive $154 million over 15 years. The new funds will go to a larger pot of money from additional national settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. 

The money comes at a really pivotal time. Michigan is set to lose over $90 million from cuts to federal grants for substance use disorder programs, according to the Michigan Health and Human Services Department. 

Where will the state’s new opioid money go? And, what do we need to do to both prevent addiction deaths in the short run, and prevent addiction entirely in the long run?

Founder of The Recovery Collective in West Bloomfield Steve Norris joined Robyn Vincent to discuss.

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, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

More stories from The Metro

The post The Metro: How opioid settlement money will help Michiganders with substance abuse issues appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: Do the pros outweigh the cons with nuclear energy?

By: Sam Corey
13 August 2025 at 16:16

The Palisades nuclear plant in Covert Township got one step closer to reopening after federal regulators allowed the plant’s owners to load fuel into the facility. Some reporting suggests that Holtec International plans to reopen the reactor by October.  

That move is part of a larger trend. 

In recent years, there’s been a lot more political energy behind opening nuclear reactors. During his time as president, Joe Biden unveiled a plan to ramp up America’s nuclear energy capacity. When he got into office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order with the goal of quadrupling nuclear power in 25 years. 

Many climate change defenders are divided on these decisions. That’s because nuclear energy could provide a ton of clean energy for Americans, but it also has the capacity to kill people and contaminate the earth. That’s why environmentalists have generally stood against the nuclear energy comeback. 

In order to assess nuclear energy in terms of risk and reward, journalist, editor, producer, and co-founder of Foxtopus Inc Laura Krantz joined the show.

She produced the 2022 podcast, “Wild Thing: Going Nuclear,” where she explored the possibilities and drawbacks of nuclear energy. Krantz spoke with Robyn Vincent about why she thinks nuclear energy is important — and what concerns her about nuclear reactors.

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, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Donate today »

More stories from The Metro

The post The Metro: Do the pros outweigh the cons with nuclear energy? appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: What lies ahead for the Detroit Land Bank Authority?

By: Sam Corey
12 August 2025 at 19:59

The Detroit Land Bank Authority has made tremendous changes in Detroit since its conception in 2008. But without a subsidy from the city for the 2026 fiscal year and new leadership entering the conversation, the authority’s future is unclear.

Over almost two decades, the land bank has sold about 50,000 properties. That’s sometimes translated into less blight, more resident control over their own neighborhood, and more small-scale development projects. 

With over 60,000 properties left to be sold and the general mayoral election looming, many are asking: What should change about the land bank? And what should stay the same? 

Detroit Land Bank Authority CEO Tammy Daniels joined Robyn Vincent to discuss.

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, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

More stories from The Metro

The post The Metro: What lies ahead for the Detroit Land Bank Authority? appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: The case for more small-scale development projects in Detroit

By: Sam Corey
11 August 2025 at 20:24

When people left Detroit, the city lost a lot of momentum for development. Over the past decade, encouraging growth has often meant putting money toward large development projects in the Downtown area, including District Detroit and the Hudson’s building. These projects include a lot of money from private developers and subsidies from city residents. 

Since Detroit began increasing its population gain, smaller projects have gotten less attention. But executive director of Building Community Value Chase Cantrell wants to change that by assisting small-scale developers. 

Cantrell spoke with Robyn Vincent about why small-scale development projects matter. Namely, he wants local residents to have more autonomy over what happens to the businesses, vacant lots, and homes in their neighborhood.

Building Community Value is offering in-person real estate development trainings for residents in Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck. Applications for the training close August 27th.

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, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

The post The Metro: The case for more small-scale development projects in Detroit appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

MichMash: Detroit mayoral primary results; Michigan Public Service Commission shake-up

8 August 2025 at 15:37

The 2025 Detroit primary election has concluded, and now we have a two-person sprint to November’s general election to determine who will be the city’s next mayor. In this episode of MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow breaks down the results with WDET’s Russ McNamara (host of All Things Considered Detroit weekdays at 4 p.m.).

Plus, Gorchow and host Cheyna Roth discuss a shake-up in the Michigan Public Service Commision.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple PodcastsSpotifyNPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode: 

  • Why was there a personnel change in the Michigan Public Service Commission?
  • What does the Detroit mayoral race look like now that the primary is over?

Highlights

On Mary Sheffield’s majority

McNamara said Mary Sheffield’s clear lead in the mayoral primary results didn’t surprise him too much.

“It always seemed like Mary Sheffield, especially over the past couple of years, was being groomed as the heir apparent to Mike Duggan,” he said. “And nothing in the run-up to this election swayed my opinion on that. And then nothing in the results would shake that either.”

Sheffield and Solomon Kinloch now advance to November’s general election.

On Alessandra Carreon’s replacement

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently removed Alessandra Carreon, a clean energy advocate, from serving on the Michigan Public Service Commision, which regulates the state’s energy utilities monopoly. Whitmer replaced Carreon with Shaquila Myers, who critics call an industry ally.

Gorchow said the motive to remove Carreon is still unknown.

“The Governor’s press office has refused to answer questions about why Whitmer didn’t reappoint Carreon, saying only that she takes the appointments process seriously and there’s nothing that’s come out of these PSC meetings,” he said.

Besides Myers, the other two members of the PSC are Katherine L. Peretick and Chairman Daniel C. Scripps.

Support the podcasts you love.

One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.

The post MichMash: Detroit mayoral primary results; Michigan Public Service Commission shake-up appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: Reacting to Tuesday’s primary election results with Pat Batcheller

By: Sam Corey
7 August 2025 at 19:24

Tuesday night, Detroit got the election results that the polls predicted. Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield took the bulk of the vote. Sheffield received more votes than Reverend Solomon Kinloch, who is in second. He’ll be competing against Sheffield in the general election. 

Detroit wasn’t the only place that had elections this week. There were mayoral contests in many suburbs, but many of them didn’t hold primaries because the sitting mayors in those cities are running unopposed. 

There were no mayoral primary elections in Westland, Dearborn, Grosse Pointe, Southgate and several other downriver communities. We don’t know why so many people are running unopposed and what it means for our democracy.

WDET’s Morning Edition host and Senior News Editor Pat Batcheller joined Robyn to make sense of the election results, and why many elections were not competitive.

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.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

The post The Metro: Reacting to Tuesday’s primary election results with Pat Batcheller appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: Can a new coalition remove big money from Michigan politics?

By: Sam Corey
6 August 2025 at 20:41

Billionaires and dark money political action committees dominated spending in the 2024 election cycle. One dark money political action committee contributed over $6 million toward supporting House Republicans.

A new coalition wants to curb the influence of corporate money in Michigan politics and unveil the source of political donations. 

Michiganders for Money out of Politics” intends to create a ballot proposal to force state-level “dark money” advertisers to disclose their donors. They also want to block powerful entities from making political contributions, like large state government contractors and utility companies. The group plans to take its language to the state board of canvassers for approval this month.

Sean McBrearty is the vice chair of “Michiganders for Money out of Politics” and the Michigan Director for Clean Water Action. He joined Robyn Vincent to discuss the initiative.

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.

The post The Metro: Can a new coalition remove big money from Michigan politics? appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: How should universities respond to student protests?

By: Sam Corey
6 August 2025 at 20:01

Universities have been cracking down on pro-Palestine student protestors. In April, the University of Michigan fired a full-time employee, and suspended four people from campus jobs for participating in pro-Palestine protests last year.

In Detroit, a number of students are pushing back against university charges. In June, a group filed a lawsuit against Wayne State University,  claiming the school violated the group’s constitutional right to protest in 2024. 

How should universities treat student protestors? And, what are the principles they should be defending? Frederick Lawrence is the Secretary and CEO of the Phi Beta Society and a Distinguished Lecturer at Georgetown Law school. He’s also the former president of Brandeis University and regularly consults university presidents.

Lawrence spoke with The Metro’s Sam Corey to discuss how Universities should be handling current and future protests.

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.

The post The Metro: How should universities respond to student protests? appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: ‘Dysfunctional’ legislative gridlock in Michigan House, Senate

5 August 2025 at 19:39

Bipartisan bills are stuck in legislative gridlock in both the Michigan House and Senate. 

Since the legislative term started in January, only six bills have been passed and landed on Governor Whitmer’s desk. That’s despite lawmakers introducing hundreds of bills. What is going on?

Two reporters from Gongwer News Service, Elena Durnbaugh and Nick Smith, joined the Metro to explain how dysfunctional things are in the State Houe and Senate right now. They co-reported the piece “House, Senate not taking up each other’s bills amid low number of public acts.”

Guests

    • Elena Durnbaugh covers the Michigan House of Representatives for Gongwer News Service
    • Nick Smith covers the Michigan Senate for Gongwer News Service

    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.

    Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

    WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

    Donate today »

    More stories from The Metro

    The post The Metro: ‘Dysfunctional’ legislative gridlock in Michigan House, Senate appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

    MichMash: Former State House Speaker Tom Leonard talks gubernatorial run; state budget updates

    1 August 2025 at 19:50

    Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race is underway, and MichMash is talking to all of the major candidates. In this week’s episode, WDET host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben sit down with Former State House Speaker Tom Leonard to learn why he’s running and what sets him apart from other candidates.

    Plus, Cheyna and Alethia explain the current status of Michigan’s 2026 fiscal budget.

    Subscribe to MichMash on Apple PodcastsSpotifyNPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

    In this episode: 

    • Why wasn’t the 2026 fiscal budget approved by the July 1 deadline?
    • Why is Tom Leonard running for governor?

    Highlights

    On Duggan running as an Independent

    One of the outliers of the 2026 gubernatorial race is Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan running as an Independent. Leonard says that despite Duggan’s party affiliation change, not much else has.

    “Ultimately, at the end of the day, the mayor is a Democrat. He is not an Independent,” Leonard told MichMash. “If somebody were to ask him right now where he breaks away from the Democrats on any major issue, I don’t think he could give one.”

    Leonard went on to say that he believes Duggan in the race affects Democrats more than Republicans.

    On the state budget’s delay

    It’s been a month since the July 1 deadline, and the Michigan legislature still hasn’t approved the budget for the 2026 fiscal year. What’s causing the state capitol to fall behind schedule?

    “A disagreement over unrelated legislation … led to Republican House Speaker Matt Hall kicking the ranking Democrat Rep. Albus Farhat of Dearborn off of the Appropriations Committee,” Alethia explained. “He was the lead Democrat trying to help negotiate this budget deal.”

    As the academic year draws closer, many schools and are creating contingency plans in case the budget isn’t approved before the state fiscal year starts in October.

    Support the podcasts you love.

    One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.

    The post MichMash: Former State House Speaker Tom Leonard talks gubernatorial run; state budget updates appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

    Mayoral candidate Joel Haashiim says manufacturing can create more affordable housing in Detroit

    29 July 2025 at 16:44

    Detroit’s mayoral candidates agree the city needs more affordable housing but have different ideas to solve the problem. 

    Retired businessman Joel Haashiim says if he were mayor, he’d create a municipal building company to manufacture housing. 

    “It’s a great industry,” he says. “It’s something where we can create 10,000 Detroit resident jobs.”

    Haashiim also says it would diversify the city’s economy.

    “We basically rely on the auto plants and the small service industries that maintain the local economy,” he says. “This will give us an opportunity to put billions of dollars into our city treasury, as well as in the community.”

    Haashiim says he would also work with financial institutions to make buying a home more affordable.

    “30- to 50-year mortgages are what we want to introduce into Detroit,” he says. “This will allow us to compensate for the high cost of building.”

    If they build it, will people come?

    By creating a larger number of affordable homes, Haashiim says he hopes to accelerate Detroit’s population growth. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the city gained about 6,000 residents since the decennial head count in 2020. He says the key is to attract more business.

    “We are an international city with no international companies,” Haashiim says. “I’m the only candidate who has done 15 international business delegations around this country, bringing in companies to this metro area.”

    Haashiim says he would also invest in public projects and education to lure new residents to Detroit.

    “We do want to bring in families,” he says. “We want to make sure we reach out to them as a city that’s interested in making sure that our children can compete in the 21st century.”

    Haashiim is one of nine mayoral candidates on the Aug. 5 ballot. Arnold Boyd and Rogelio Landin are running write-in campaigns. The top two finishers in the primary will run against each other in November.

    Mayor Mike Duggan is not seeking re-election. He’s waging an independent campaign for governor in 2026.

    Learn more about upcoming elections with WDET’s 2025 Detroit Voter Guide »

    Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

    WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

    Donate today »

    The post Mayoral candidate Joel Haashiim says manufacturing can create more affordable housing in Detroit appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

    Detroit mayoral candidate DaNetta Simpson pushes insurance plan to fix deteriorating homes

    29 July 2025 at 14:58

    Detroiters face a pivotal primary election, and early voting is already underway. 

    For the first time in a dozen years Mayor Mike Duggan is not seeking reelection.

    The candidates vying to replace Duggan differ on the specific policies they want to pursue. But most agree one of Detroit’s pressing needs is increasing its supply of affordable housing.

    Candidate DaNetta Simpson says she has a plan to address the situation that would help residents pay to fix-up their current housing. She says it’s just one of several issues driving her bid as an independent candidate for the top job in Detroit’s city government.

    Listen: Detroit mayoral candidate DaNetta Simpson pushes insurance plan to fix deteriorating homes

    The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.

    DaNetta Simpson: What I would do, as far as the neighborhoods, is set up an insurance program for the residents to pay into for repairs for their homes. And we’re not going to go by income, only that they’re occupied and that they are on the tax rolls. All you have to do is show proof of ownership and pay a monthly or yearly fee. We will put all this money in one particular bank account, let it draw interest and then have it go to repairing our neighborhoods.

    I will also freeze the property taxes while we’re doing these repairs. I will also grandfather the property taxes for people that’s been in the neighborhoods for more than 20–30 years.

    Also, crime in our communities is out of hand. Gun control is out of hand. I want to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. Now don’t take me wrong, we do not want to take your firearms. We just want responsible owners. And there’s people out here that cannot own firearms.

    Quinn Klinefelter, WDET News: So, what would you do to keep them out of the wrong hands?

    DS: I will have enforcement in public places to search for them. Or post signage stating that firearms are prohibited from being there when they’re carried by people that’s not licensed to have them. We need a gun trafficking law that will stop the drive-by shootings in the neighborhoods. I know we can’t control the way an individual thinks. But at least if we have a law on the books to prevent the shootings from happening; maybe they won’t commit those crimes in places like parks. Kids are getting killed at the parks, getting wounded at the annual fireworks display, in large crowds at concerts, bars. We can control some of that. And it’s time for us to make our public places safe. Fix up our neighborhoods as well and children will not see blight again.

    QK: Detroit will be running out of the pandemic relief money that the city used for various projects. It’s been allocated. Just about every candidate running for mayor now says the city needs to find new sources of revenue. Do you agree with that? And where would you look to find new revenue?

    DS: Yes, I do agree with that. But everyone in Detroit is not eligible for loans. So my program, insurance deterioration, will cover everyone. And this will bring in revenue for repairing the homes, gutters, porches, roofs, sidewalk repairs, your fences, your garages, etc. We got to get the homes fixed up and safe so people can be in livable conditions.

    QK: As part of that, you’ve talked about instituting some new policies regarding trash pickup in the city?

    DS: Yes, that can be revenue for the city as well. Because there are people out here who are not paying for trash pickup. I know apartment buildings have a different ordinance. But if everyone pays for trash pickup along with their occupancy certificates, that will help deter blight in the neighborhoods. Because when tenants have to vacate premises, they leave them full of trash. Some of them put the trash on the streets where it doesn’t belong. So, I feel that they need to pay for a trash fee.

    QK: Some of the other candidates have mentioned possibly having to create some new local taxes, service taxes. Would you favor that kind of approach as well?

    DS: No, I feel that we’ve been taxed enough. That’s the old way to do things, raising taxes, cutting here, cutting there. We need some new ideas. We can’t run the city the old way. They are still trying to run the city like when the taxes first started on properties. We can’t keep taxing the citizens.

    QK: The person that’s been running the city for the last dozen years, Mayor Mike Duggan, is not going to be running it anymore. He’s not seeking reelection, he’s running for governor. When you look at what Duggan has done, do you see things that you want to build on? Or is there some other direction you think the city should go?

    DS: The difference between him and I, is that he was previously a Democrat and I have always been an independent. I have suggested some of my ideas to his administration and he has followed them. Those ideas are criminal expungements and swapping the old jail for Dan Gilbert to buy the site to develop on. I have been a part of the change and I would like to continue that. And this deterioration insurance will be a change for Detroit.

    QK: You have made a couple of runs previously for mayor. Is there something you see differently that you can propose this time than in your previous campaigns?

    DS: I would say I still have the same ideas. But when you don’t have the money to reach the people, when you don’t have radio time, television time and you don’t have the money for mailings, then you can’t reach all the constituents like the other candidates can.

    QK: So this time you think you’re getting your message out more widely?

    DS: Yes.

    QK: I typically ask anyone who is running for an office what their pitch would be in the end to voters. So what would you tell Detroiters? Why would you be the best candidate for mayor compared to all the others campaigning right now?

    DS: Because I will show independent thinking. The others want to raise taxes. I have something to offer the citizens where we don’t need to raise the taxes. We just need to stand on our own two feet and we can fix our neighborhoods ourselves. I will be an independent thinker instead of a dependent thinker.

    QK: Dependent on what?

    DS: Dependent upon the old. And it’s not the old that will take us to the next level. We need fresh ideas in here.

    Support local journalism.

    WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

    The post Detroit mayoral candidate DaNetta Simpson pushes insurance plan to fix deteriorating homes appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

    MichMash: Lt. Gov. Gilchrist talks gubernatorial campaign; fundraising updates from other candidates

    25 July 2025 at 18:10

    This week on MichMash, gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II sat down with WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben to explain why he’s running for governor of Michigan and how his engineering background could help.

    Plus, we take a look at fundraising progress from the rest of the gubernatorial candidates.

    Subscribe to MichMash on Apple PodcastsSpotifyNPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

    In this episode:

    • Why is Lt. Gov. Gilchrist running for governor?
    • How much money have Michigan gubernatorial candidates raised so far?

    Engineering change

    Gilchrist graduated with two engineering degrees from the University of Michigan. Now as he runs to be the next governor of Michigan while still serving as lieutenant governor of Michigan, he views both jobs as serving the same purpose.

    “I have one job, and that is to have as many conversations as possible with people across Michigan every single day … and then to take what they tell me and go make something happen,” he told MichMash. “People need a problem solver in office and that’s what I do as an engineer. I make systems work for people.”

    Fundraising updates

    All gubernatorial candidates, including Gilchrist, were required to report their first fundraising hauls this week. But despite this major milestone, the race is far from determined.

    Democratic candidates include Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. Benson has raised $3.5 million in the first six months of her campaign, Swanson has raised $1 million and Gilchrist has raised $750,000. 

    While the Democratic field has appeared to settle, the Republican field seems more in flux. Former House Speaker Tom Leonard entered the race just a month ago, and a few weeks ago, 2022 Republican Gubernatorial Nominee Tudor Dixon announced she would not be running in 2026. Other candidates may still enter the race, and it’s possible that U.S. Rep. John James may back out of his gubernatorial bid amid pressure from President Donald Trump to maintain his congressional seat.

    But for now, the main Republican candidates are Leonard, Senate Republican Leader Eric Nesbitt, James and former Attorney General Mike Cox. As the deadline to submit fundraising reports isn’t until 5 p.m. on Friday, we didn’t have all the data at the time this episode was recorded on Thursday afternoon. But we do know that Cox has raised $1.4 million and and that James moved $500,000 from his congressional committee to his gubernatorial committee earlier this month.

    Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is also running for governor as an Independent, and his fundraising report had not yet been submitted at the time of this recording.

    Support the podcasts you love.

    One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.

    The post MichMash: Lt. Gov. Gilchrist talks gubernatorial campaign; fundraising updates from other candidates appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

    The Metro: Voter turnout is low in Detroit, but could that change?

    24 July 2025 at 02:22

    Registered voters not casting a vote is a problem in the city, one that seems to be bigger here than in other Midwest cities. 

    In Central Ohio’s Franklin County, the 2024 presidential election turnout was 66%. In Milwaukee, it was 85%. In Chicago, it was about 68% — and that’s the lowest it’s been in 80 years. But in Detroit, during the same election year, it was just 47%. 

    Mara Ostfeld is the research director at the Center for Racial Justice and a professor at the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. She joined The Metro on Wednesday to share insights into why some Detroit residents don’t vote, and how to increase voter turnout. 

    Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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

    Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

    WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

    Donate today »

    More stories from The Metro

    The post The Metro: Voter turnout is low in Detroit, but could that change? appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

    Citizen Vox: Voter wants Detroit’s next mayor to address flooding, invest in neighborhoods

    22 July 2025 at 15:24

    Detroit is just a few weeks away from a pivotal primary election that will decide the two final contenders to become the city’s next mayor.

    WDET is listening to the voice of Detroit voters as part of our Citizen Vox Project.

    George Goff is one of those voters. He lives in Detroit’s Jefferson – Chalmers community.

    Goff says he’s following the mayoral race, but he’s still waiting to hear candidates address his concerns.

    Listen: Detroit voter says city ‘flooded’ with problems

    The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.

    George Goff: I am still disappointed they’re not talking about public policy. There’s a lot of environmental issues in Detroit and no one wants to address that.

    Quinn Klinefelter, WDET News: When you say environmental issues, especially if you’re on Jefferson and Chalmers, is it in terms of trying to prevent flooding, in terms of possible contamination in the waterways, all of the above?

    GG: All of the above. We thought it was DTE Energy that had the problem. But it was another company, and you can smell [what’s left from the flooding] all the way up to Mack Ave. That’s a problem. You have the canals, they’re flooding constantly. And my home was flooded five times. FEMA is not doing anything. The city hasn’t done anything. And that’s a problem.

    QK: Obviously whoever becomes mayor, you’d want them to address that kind of issue. I would think. What other issues, if any, do you see as important to the city that should be worked on?

    GG: The other thing is that people are losing their homes now. It’s a new pandemic. Seniors are not able to keep their homes because insurance companies say they’re not going to be covered when things go astray. That’s a major problem in the city of Detroit right now.

    QK: What would you suggest that whoever would be the next mayor do to try to help with that?

    GG: They need to have policies in place for that, for the future. I know the city is working on a new pipeline waterway system. But they have to do more than that. They’re tearing up the streets on Jefferson Ave. and by the park and there is still sewage backing up.

    QK: This will be the first time in a dozen years that Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is not running for reelection. What have you thought of the job he’s done? And what do you think a future mayor should do? Should they build on some of what he’s done or go in a different direction?

    “The social middle class of the city of Detroit is suffering. We need to make sure we’re able to live in Detroit with all these high inflation rates.”

    – George Goff, Detroit voter

    GG: I think Mike Duggan has done a great job for the city. I want to see the next mayor do some of the things that Duggan had put in place. But I need them to go beyond, especially for the middle class. The social middle class of the city of Detroit is suffering. We need to make sure we’re able to live in Detroit with all these high inflation rates.

    They had a problem with the county deeds, they are having problems with taxes, they’re having problems with the upkeep of housing, and we’re losing a lot. Detroit could be a first-class city and it’s not anymore. So the next mayor has to get on the ground and start making way for the future of the city of Detroit. If we don’t, we will go back into bankruptcy.

    QK: You think it’s that dire of a situation that bankruptcy could be a possibility?

    GG: I think it’s very possible. Because they’re skirting around the real issues. People have gone to city council and shared their voice and it’s like, OK, we’ll look into that. But no one is looking into it. The flooding, people losing their homes, the taxes, common things they’re not doing. Look at the city transportation. And then crime now. There’s no activities for youth. They need to open-up recreation centers on the weekends, have midnight basketball or something. We need something for our youth. The parks are great but we need better policing of the parks.

    Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

    WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

    Donate today »

    The post Citizen Vox: Voter wants Detroit’s next mayor to address flooding, invest in neighborhoods appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

    The Metro: Outlier’s mayoral candidate quiz helping Detroit voters find their match

    17 July 2025 at 16:16

    Here on The Metro, we’ve been talking to Detroit’s mayoral candidates about how they would lead if elected, and what they would prioritize as the city’s next mayor.

    Outlier Media Civic Life Reporter Briana Rice has also been covering the Detroit mayoral race. She recently customized a fun tool for Outlier called the Meet Your Mayor Quiz to help Detroit voters compare candidates and discover which individuals align best with their priorities. 

    The 21-question quiz matches voters with candidates based on their views about housing, safety and other key issues. Outlier was able to create and localize the quiz thanks to the nonprofit newsroom THE CITY in New York City, which made the code open source for all to use.

    Rice joined The Metro to share more about the quiz and how voters are utilizing it.

    Take the quiz here.

    Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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

    Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

    WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

    Donate today »

    More stories from The Metro

    The post The Metro: Outlier’s mayoral candidate quiz helping Detroit voters find their match appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

    ❌
    ❌