WDET 101.9FM

06/19/2021

Brush up on your #Juneteenth history.

Brush up on your #Juneteenth history.

06/19/2021

Juneteenth Marks Second Anniversary for Free Black Women's Library-Detroit

Today, The Free Black Women's Library-Detroit will celebrate its second anniversary by hosting a free outdoor book exchange at The Tuxedo Project Detroit.

The Free Black Women’s Library-Detroit will be hosting an outdoor book exchange to celebrate Juneteenth and showcase the diversity of Black women’s literature.

06/19/2021

Your Guide to Juneteenth Celebrations in Metro Detroit

Juneteenth celebrations are in full-swing around Detroit:

From festivals and community conversations to art and food, find Juneteenth festivities in your neighborhood.

06/18/2021

Michigan’s Health Director on Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions: “It’s the Right Time to Move Forward”

As the state prepares to roll back pandemic-related restrictions on June 22, Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, says case rates have consistently gone down for the past eight weeks and vaccination rates continue to increase.

Elizabeth Hertel, the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, says she’s optimistic the state has moved past the “emergency portion” of the pandemic.

06/18/2021

New Book "Disruption" Traces Revolutionary Change Through Western History

University of Michigan historian David Potter says revolutionary moments in history offer an opportunity for us to learn how society can change and even some warnings about where we might be headed.

University of Michigan professor David Potter's new book "Disruption: Why Things Change" offers lessons and warnings for America in 2021.

06/18/2021

Gordie Howe International Bridge Project Officials Share Details on Community Grants, Construction Update

A total of $100,000 Canadian dollars is being doled out to support areas impacted by bridge construction on both sides of the Detroit River.

Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority officials say work is underway to construct the towers that will support the road deck.

06/18/2021

Detroit's Hot Real Estate Market Is Tough for First-Time Homebuyers

It's particularly tough to be a first-time homebuyer right now.

While some are holding out hope, others are getting creative or giving up.

06/17/2021

Biden Signs Bill Making Juneteenth a Federal Holiday

President Joe Biden signed into law a bill to make Juneteenth, or June 19, the 12th federal holiday. The House voted 415-14 on Wednesday to send the bill to Biden, while the Senate passed the bill unanimously the day before.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas.

06/17/2021

Michigan Lifts Indoor Capacity Limits, Mask Requirements

Michigan will lift all indoor capacity restrictions and mask requirements next week, 10 days sooner than planned amid vaccinations and plummeting COVID-19 infections.

The state’s main coronavirus order will expire at the end of Monday instead of July 1, bringing to an end 50% occupancy limits inside restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues and at indoor events like weddings and funerals.

06/17/2021

Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission Aims to be Open and Transparent

The Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission is aiming to promote transparency and fair representation in the redistricting process. Members of the commission have been going around the state getting input from different communities on what they’d like to see reflected in Michigan’s district map. A Detroit MICRC public hearing will be held at the TCF Center tonight from 5-8 p.m.

Members of the commission have been going around the state getting input from different communities on what they’d like to see reflected in Michigan’s district map.

06/17/2021

What We Can Learn From Tulsa, 100 Years Later

It’s been 100 years since the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre when a white mob viciously destroyed the Black neighborhood of Greenwood. In his book “Black Wall Street 100: An American City Grapples with Its Historical Racial Trauma,” Hannibal Johnson explores how these historical injustices connect and influence American society today.

Author Hannibal Johnson says 100 years after the Tulsa Race Massacre, Americans still don't understand the breadth of racial trauma in our own history.

06/17/2021

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Maria LoCicero and Grief Counselor Bonnie Wheeler

In the wake of the unexpected loss of her mother, Maria LoCicero, then only 19 years old, addressed her grief by learning how to establish healthy boundaries with friends and family as well as use art and music to channel her emotions. Listen to her story, produced in conjunction with Science Gallery Detroit:

Maria LoCicero discusses the unexpected loss of her mother and how she managed her grief in the aftermath, and social worker Bonnie Wheeler provides guidance on compartmentalization and establishing boundaries.

06/16/2021

Motown’s Lamont Dozier Started as a Janitor. Then He Wrote 500 Songs.

Happy Birthday to Lamont Dozier, the man behind more than 500 songs including a bevy of Motown hits that still endure today, including 10 out of the Supremes’ 12 US No. 1 singles like “Baby Love” and “Stop! In The Name of Love.”

In his new book "How Sweet It Is: A Songwriter’s Reflections on Music, Motown and the Mystery of the Muse," the legendary songwriter reflects on his life in the music business.

06/16/2021

Watch Live: Biden Holds a Press Conference After Meeting With Putin

President Biden is holding a press conference after meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and at the end of Biden’s first international trip as president. Watch the remarks live. Tune in this afternoon.

President Joe Biden is holding a press conference after meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin and at the end of Biden's first international trip as president. Watch the remarks live.

06/16/2021

Michigan Man Jailed in Russia for Spying Asks Biden to Bargain with Putin for His Release

It’s been almost three years since Russia arrested Michigan native Paul Whelan on charges of espionage. As President Biden prepares to meet face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time, Whelan is pleading for Biden to negotiate his release.

A former U.S. Marine imprisoned in Russia is pleading for President Biden to negotiate his release during the summit with Vladimir Putin, who says he’s open to prisoner exchanges. Michigan native Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence for espionage.

06/16/2021

Nature Conservancy Expanding Wildlife Corridor in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

The nonprofit Nature Conservancy has purchased nearly 5,000 acres of land to expand a wildlife corridor in the Upper Peninsula, allowing more animals to migrate and adapt to climate change. The area consists of 19,000 acres of preserved land and includes Wilderness Lakes Reserve and Craig Lake State Park.

The nonprofit has purchased nearly 5,000 acres with goal to increase biodiversity and decrease the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.

06/16/2021

Your Guide to Juneteenth Celebrations in Metro Detroit

All around metro Detroit, families, friends and communities are coming together to celebrate Juneteenth through festivals, community dialogue, dancing, food, movies and more. Join the festivities:

From festivals and community conversations to art and food, find Juneteenth festivities in your neighborhood.

06/15/2021

Michigan Public Schools Facing Budget Uncertainty Over One-Time Federal Education Funding

Michigan has received $3.7 billion in federal post-pandemic recovery education funding, but, so far, the Michigan Legislature has failed to allocate it. Many other states have already spent their federal education funding, leaving Michigan students behind.

K-12 Alliance of Michigan Executive Director Robert McCann says if the Legislature continues to withhold $3.7 billion post-pandemic funding, schools won't know if they can afford staff or programs.

06/15/2021

Officials Look for Ways to Fix Michigan's Juvenile Justice System

Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order creating the state’s new Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform. A deadline of July 2022 has been set for the commission to issue a report with policy recommendations.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Beth Clement says race will be a "primary focus" for the state's new Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform.

06/15/2021

Cities Turn to Removing Highways as Form of Revitalization

Many highways built in the 20th century are reaching the end of their lifespan, which has led to debates on how to update the failing infrastructure. Some urban planners are wondering if there is a better, newer way to look at highways.

A New York Times reporter says 28 cities, including Detroit, are considering removing parts of highways to revitalize their cites and reimagine modern urban landscapes.

06/14/2021

Secretary of State Benson Defends Controversial Changes at Branch Offices

In an effort to operate more efficiently, Michigan Secretary of State branches now accept most clients by appointment only, more services can be done online, and appointment duration times are being reduced. These changes were met with opposition from Republicans, but Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says modifications are necessary to serve Michiganders.

Benson says the GOP-led state Legislature is preventing progress for her office’s day-to-day functions.

06/14/2021

New Congressional and Michigan Legislature Lines Are Being Redrawn. Here’s How Residents Can Weigh In.

Join the conversation about redistricting. The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is hosting public meetings in Detroit tomorrow and Thursday at 6 p.m.

The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is encouraging community members to submit maps for consideration as they draft new district lines for Michigan's congressional delegation and state Legislature.

06/13/2021

Leaf Erikson Is Pushing Hip-Hop Forward With Throwback Sensibilities

As an artist, Leaf Erikson raises the bar for MCs to speak on what is real and what is right. He exemplifies the age of freestyle ciphers, boom-boxes and the boom-bap, stimulating minds with a mic in his hand while serving as one of Detroit’s most important musical ambassadors.

Listen to 5 essential tracks from the Detroit-based rapper and wordsmith Corey Greenleaf, aka Leaf Erikson.

06/13/2021

Solving Mysteries in Music History With DSO Librarian Robert Stiles

In his role as music librarian for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Robert Stiles puts his knowledge of music history and U.S. copyright law to work, finding and securing the rights and scores for the symphony’s performances.

In this episode of Essential Conversations, Robert Stiles talks about discovering the unknown works of a virtuosic composer, and being the music librarian for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

06/13/2021

Low Vehicle Inventories Lead to Rise in Prices, Analysts Say

Vehicle inventory is 43% lower than it was at this time last year, during the height of the COVID pandemic and the average listing price for a new vehicle is currently more than $40,000 per unit.

As production begins to return to some automotive plants, the impact of the global semiconductor shortage on vehicle inventory has led to cost increases for consumers.

06/13/2021

The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Aims to Help Students Formerly in Foster Care

The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund grants students who have been in Michigan’s foster care system $3,000 scholarships. The deadline to apply is June 30.

All qualifying students who apply by the June 30 deadline are eligible for a $3,000 scholarship.

06/12/2021

Detroit Techno Producer Carl Craig Discusses His Latest Art Installation

Carl Craig's "Party/After Party" is a sonic environment that is anchored to the museum’s history as a former Nabisco packaging factory, recalling a Detroit techno tradition of reclaiming industrial spaces for radical experimentation.

The legendary Detroit musician explains the creation process for "Party/After Party" at DIA Beacon in New York.

06/12/2021

Grappling With the Tarnished Legacies of Former Icons

What do we do with the monuments of our heroes when we unearth their ignoble pasts?

Sports writer John U. Bacon discusses the pending removal of Fielding Yost's name from the University of Michigan's ice arena.

06/12/2021

Last night's Don Was Motor City Playlist was a musical feast! Fill up with the Bacco Ristorante playlist: https://wdet.org/shows/don-was-motor-city-playlist/

Last night's Don Was Motor City Playlist was a musical feast! Fill up with the Bacco Ristorante playlist: https://wdet.org/shows/don-was-motor-city-playlist/

06/12/2021

WDET Receives 21 Excellence in Journalism Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists

The awards recognize coverage including COVID-19 updates, documenting protests against police brutality, providing critical election information, and sharing Detroit’s stories through a wide breadth of cultural coverage.

The awards recognize coverage ranging from COVID-19 updates, to documenting protests against police brutality, to providing critical election and census information and a wide breadth of cultural coverage.

06/11/2021

Detroit Police Increasing Patrols This Summer to Address Drag Racing, Gun Violence

In addition to increased police presence, the five point plan to clamp down on large crowds this summer also includes more stringent noise enforcement, heavier policing on drag racing, engaging community members, and parking lot and code enforcement.

Interim Police Chief James White is drafting a five-point plan to enforce drag racing, street parties and noise violations as well as more actively involve the community.

06/11/2021

Schembechler Son, Players Say Michigan Coach Knew of Abuse

One of late University of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler’s sons and two of his former players described in detail Thursday how they were molested by the team’s longtime doctor and how Schembechler turned a blind eye when they told him about the abuse, telling one to “toughen up” and punching his son in anger.

The three are among hundreds of men who were allegedly abused by Dr. Robert E. Anderson during his nearly four decades working for the university.

06/11/2021

Major Construction Is Headed to I-275 Between Six Mile and Will Carleton

The Michigan Department of Transportation is gearing up for a major construction project along Interstate 275. Several communities will be impacted by the roadwork, which will stretch roughly 24 miles.

Several communities will be impacted by the roadwork, which will stretch roughly 24 miles.

06/11/2021

New Book "Battle for the Soul" Traces the Democratic Party's Post-2016 Recalibration

“Battle for the Soul: Inside the Democrats’ Campaigns to Defeat Trump” focuses on the aftermath of the defeat of the Democratic Party in the 2016 presidential election, tracking the recalibration of the party as they fought to supplant the Trump administration and regain the White House.

Political journalist Edward-Isaac Dovere tells the story of the Democrats' campaign to defeat Trump and regain the White House.