The Metro

WDET
  • 0.0 (0)
  • DAILY NEWS
  • UPDATED DAILY

"The Metro" covers local and regional news and current affairs, arts and cultural events and topics, with a commitment to airing perspectives and uncovering stories underreported by mainstream media in Detroit.

  1. 3D AGO

    Why is there so much backlash against Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance?

    Super Bowl 60 is this weekend. Yet, the teams playing in the game have gotten less attention than who’s performing at the 2026 Apple Music Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show.  Bad Bunny is the first solo Latin and Spanish speaking musician to lead the show. The selection of the Puerto Rican born artist sparked conversations across music, sports, and culture—making this more than just a halftime performance.  In his announcement, he said this is for his people, culture and their history.  So, what does this moment mean for Latino representation? And furthermore, what does this performance say about the American public’s idea of what it means to be American? Alejandra Márquez is an Assistant Professor of Spanish Department of Romance and Classical Studies at Michigan State University. She joined The Metro’s Tia Graham to discuss Bad Bunny’s performance and its significance to Latino culture.

    20 min

  2. 4D AGO

    The plan to fix Michigan's teacher shortage

    Most everyone wants students to have good teachers. But how do we adequately prepare educators, and keep them in the profession? Ten years ago, only a handful of Michigan school districts reported permanent teaching vacancies. Today, that number has exploded: More than 150 districts now have jobs they can’t fill. Some in the state are trying to fix this. Jack Elsey leads the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative. His nonprofit is launching a collaboration with some public universities in the state to change the way teachers are trained, and to keep them in the field. He spoke with Robyn Vincent.

    26 min

  3. 4D AGO

    A Plymouth ice hockey training program develops Olympic-level talent

    Plymouth, Michigan is home to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Over the years, players who train there have gone on to represent the U.S. in the Men’s World Championships, the Four Nations Face-off, and the Olympic games.  Several alums are suiting up to play in this winter Olympics in Italy this year. Assistant Executive Director for the development program, Scott Monaghan, joined the show to explain the work it takes to develop young hockey players.

    19 min

  4. 4D AGO

    Why Detroit needs more money — and how it could be raised

    Detroit has a lot of needs, including things like bus transit, policing and security, and trash pickup. Those things cost money — money that can be difficult to come up with in a city of relative poverty. But with more people spending time in Detroit, and even moving to the city, it also has more opportunity to raise revenue. The Citizens Research Council investigated whether a sales tax could benefit residents by generating $72 million a year. Madhu Anderson is the council's senior research associate for local government affairs. She believes a sales tax isn't a great idea, but offered other possible ways Detroit could raise revenue. Anderson spoke with The Metro's Sam Corey.

    18 min

  5. 4D AGO

    Arts college emphasizes sustainability in winter lecture series

    As conversations about climate change continue to evolve, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) is being proactive about the role its students will eventually play. The art and design college is holding a series of conversations that interrogates how artists and designers build a future that is more sustainable. CCS president, Donald Tuski, joined the show to explain why they are encouraging more sustainable and innovative designs.

    18 min
  6. Ismael Ahmed: A life devoted to service

    5D AGO

    Ismael Ahmed: A life devoted to service

    Ismael Ahmed: A life devoted to service Ismael Ahmed’s life was rooted in community and guided by the 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 the 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. A few 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 often went unheard. 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.

    33 min

  7. 5D AGO

    The bus is running. The question is how well

    Transit agencies across Southeast Michigan say the system has stabilized after years of disruption. Host Robyn Vincent speaks with Noah Kincade of Detroit Documenters about how recovery is being defined, what riders are experiencing, and why documenting public meetings matters as transit enters its next phase.

    14 min

  8. 5D AGO

    Good reads from the Wayne State University Press

    Since 1941, the Wayne State University Press has published over 2,000 titles that explore a number of topics from literature, to history to politics. Senior Director Stephanie Williams joined the program to discuss its offerings this season.

    12 min
See All (932)

About

"The Metro" covers local and regional news and current affairs, arts and cultural events and topics, with a commitment to airing perspectives and uncovering stories underreported by mainstream media in Detroit.

Information

  • Creator
    WDET
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    932
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    The Metro

You Might Also Like