The Metro

A new Oakland County fixed bus route is launching in April, connecting Oakland University to several Oakland County communities. Oakland County Commissioner Dave Woodward joins "The Metro" to discuss transit expansion in metro Detroit. Also on the show, we’ll talk to President of Teamsters Local 283 Steve Hicks and Travis Jackson, an operator at the Marathon Petroleum Detroit Refinery, where workers recently voted to authorize a strike. Editor's note: In today's show, a guest incorrectly states that the new 492 route will travel from Oakland University to Somerset Mall.

Detroiter and new president of the American Institute of Architects Kimberly Dowdell joins "The Metro" on Friday to talk about how Detroit’s architecture inspired her to pursue a career in the field, and how she’s inspiring a new generation of architects today. Plus, Oakland County Republican Chairman Vance Patrick joins the show ahead of former President Donald Trump’s Michigan rally this Saturday. Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

University of Michigan-Dearborn Professor Sally Howell joins "The Metro" to discuss how the war is impacting Arab Americans political decision making in the state. Plus, Detroit is seeking a new Detroit poet laureate and, for the first time, a composer laureate. Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

It’s Valentine’s Day! While people are celebrating with their significant other, what role can love for friends play in life? NPR producer and author Rhaina Cohen joins the show on Wednesday to talk about her new book, “The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center.” Also, "The Metro" co-host Nick Austin speaks with Wayne State University Professor Stephanie Tong about how technology impacts decision making in relationships. Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Asian Americans in metro Detroit are celebrating the Lunar Year with family and community events throughout southeast Michigan. "The Metro" host Tia Graham was joined by Peggy Du and Tau Liu of the Association of Chinese Americans about celebrations planned locally. Plus, we revisit an interview with Detroit author Curtis Chin about his new book, “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant.” Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

The Michigan Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission is presenting new Michigan House of Representatives maps for Detroit districts and will be seeking public comment at events coming up in February. The 13-member commission was established in 2018 after Michigan voters passed the "Voters Not Politicians" ballot proposal.

The Detroit City Council voted 8-1 this week to approve new district maps. Bridge Detroit’s Malachi Barrett joined "The Metro" to discuss the redistricting process. Plus, WDET’s Nargis Rahman spoke with Tia Graham on the need for Muslim foster care parents in Michigan. Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of a Michigan teen who killed four students and wounded seven others at Oxford High School in 2021, was convicted Tuesday in connection with her son’s crimes. Plus, "The Metro" celebrates what would have been legendary Detroit producer J Dilla's 50th birthday by revisiting a 2016 interview with his mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey. Listen to "The Metro" weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon on 101.9 WDET and at wdet.org.

Ruth Ellis Center Executive Director Mark Erwin joined "The Metro" to discuss how the Clairmount Center keeps the LGBTQ+ community in Detroit safe. Plus, 44,000 residents are on the Detroit Home Repair Fund waitlist, and more. Listen to "The Metro" weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon on 101.9 WDET and at wdet.org.

In the debut episode of "The Metro," host Nick Austin spoke with Detroit News reporter Sarah Rahal about the redrawing of Detroit's city council districts before the 2024 election. Plus, Detroit’s digital equity director discusses connecting Detroiters with internet access. Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.