CuriosiD

Having grown up right off shore of Lake St. Clair, listener Bryan Champine wanted to know why it isn't counted among the Great Lakes. WDET's Pat Batcheller set out to answer this question while taking a deep dive into what makes the lake great regardless. 

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

Listener Martha Rotter asks, "What happened to Chamberlain Bakery?" In this episode of CuriosiD, reporter Nargis Rahman discovers what happened to the beloved Lithuanian bakery in Southwest Detroit, once well-known for its sour rye and raisin breads.

Have a Detroit question of your own? Send it our way at wdet.org/curious.

When listener Peter Bloye began working in Detroit, he heard the common greeting "What up doe?" everywhere he went. But despite the phrase's popular use, no one he asked could agree on its meaning. 

In this episode of CuriosiD, Russ McNamara finds out what's up with "What up doe", from its initial use to what it means to Detroit today. 

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

In the latest episode of CuriosiD, we discover the roots of the name Dogleg for the southernmost part of Southwest Detroit, and explore its other name: the most polluted zip code in Michigan. 

This month's question came from Detroiter and WDET DRIS volunteer Keith Mason.

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

WDET listener Jennifer Kulczycki had heard for years that Detroit doesn't have a robust transit system because the city's Big Three automakers undermined the streetcar and bus systems in order to sell more vehicles. But she couldn't prove whether or not this claim was true.

In this episode of CuriosiD, Quinn Klinefelter takes to the streets to uncover the true relationship between Detroit automakers and public transit.

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

WDET listener David Perry was perusing the stacks at Ann Arbor's Encore Records when he stumbled upon a three-disc compilation album with 60 tracks — ranging from R&B and doo-wop to hillbilly, rockabilly, blues and gospel — all recorded at the now defunct Fortune Records in Detroit. It was his first introduction to the pioneering mom and pop label, which — as a music lover — led him to wonder why he hadn't ever heard of it before. 

In the latest episode of CuriosiD, we dig into the mysterious history behind Fortune Records and why it seems to have faded into obscurity. 

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

Fire trucks are among the most recognizable vehicles on the road. They’re big, red, loud, and built to respond when lives are on the line. But what happens when these machines are retired from service?

In this episode of CuriosiD, WDET's Alex McLenon answers this question from WDET listener and Detroit Fire Department cadet Kevin Snook.

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

Ann Arbor is known for its tree-lined streets and vibrant university culture. But how the town got its name is...a bit of a story. In this edition of CuriosiD, Amanda LeClaire finds out for one WDET listener. 

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

Bob Seger is a Detroit rock legend, but do younger generations know his music today? In this episode of CuriosiD, WDET's Madison Ganzak spoke with Seger fans, music experts, and Detroiters of different generations to answer this question from listener Alyse Nichols.

If you’ve ever wondered about Detroit’s history, culture, or community, send us your question at wdet.org/curious.

In this episode of “CuriosiD,” WDET's Ryan Patrick Hooper goes on a quest to find the oldest bar in the city with the help of bar historian Mickey Lyons. This month's question comes from WDET listener Collette Nutton.