The Metro

About 1 in 31 children in the U.S. is now diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. Behind every statistic is a family trying to figure it out in real time, searching for support, resources, and spaces where their children feel understood and included.

One Detroit mother hustled harder for more. 

After her eldest son was diagnosed with autism, Tiera Moultrie saw first-hand just how much was missing for families like hers.

In 2020, she founded Autism In The D, with a mission to build community and create safe, inclusive spaces for children on the spectrum and their families. Since its founding, Tiera has had three children, with two living with ASD. The work she does is personal but it's about more than her family. 

Autism In The D is hosting its 6th annual Weekend of Inclusivity, one of Detroit’s largest autism awareness walks. It’s not just about awareness, it’s about access to resources, connection, and making sure families don’t feel alone. This year will also welcome Detroit’s first autism-inclusive adaptive kids gym.

Since 2015, consumer confidence in the economy has plummeted, according to recent consumer survey data by the University of Michigan. But while confidence has declined, spending has remained strong. Why? And, how have rising gas prices factored into the economy?

Professor Joanne Hsu is the Director of the monthly Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan. She spoke with The Metro’s Sam Corey.

As America’s strikes against Iran continue and access to the Strait of Hormuz remains in question, gas prices are rising, and more people are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle. But despite interest, how much will EV sales actually increase for companies like Ford, GM and Stellantis — especially as car sales in general have plummeted over the past few decades?

John McElroy is an automotive analyst with Autoline. He spoke with The Metro's Robyn Vincent.

The economy has undergone many drastic changes over the years. If you’re a millennial, change and chaos have been commonplace. Rising gas prices and supply chain disruptions are now among the challenges small businesses must navigate. It might be why over half of small businesses owners in Michigan say they’re making operational changes to prepare for a recession, according to a recent survey.

Which small businesses are hit hardest by the war in Iran and its disruptions? And, what could make them more resilient in the face of chaos?

Mark Lee is the President and CEO of The Lee Group, where he consults with small businesses across Southeast Michigan. He spoke with The Metro's Robyn Vincent.

Tax breaks passed by Michigan lawmakers in 2024 have ushered in a wave of proposals for data centers across the state. They promise jobs, but residents are pushing back. Steven Gonzalez Monserrate joins The Metro to discuss the economic and environmental impacts of data centers.

Detroit is often broken into two camps: Downtown and the neighborhoods. At last night’s state of the city address, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield declared she was investing in the latter.

Between cash assistance for pregnant moms, potential pay increases for city employees, new initiatives to help young people, and plans for more affordable housing, Sheffield signaled she doesn’t want to have two separate, unequal classes living in Detroit.

Donna Givens Davidson is the president of the Eastside Community Network and of the co-host of the Authentically Detroit podcast. She also was part of Mayor Sheffield's transition team. Givens Davidson spoke with The Metro's Cary Junior II.

Alissa Graff is a sports fan who found out that, despite the growing interest in women's leagues, she would still need to fight for screen time if she wanted to watch women's sports at her local bar. So, over the last year or so, Graf and others have taken things into their own hands, organizing watch party for women's hockey, basketball and more.

Now she hopes to open her own sports bar called Bar IX. It’s a nod to the landmark Title IX amendment that, among many things, expanded women’s access in education and sports.  Alissa Graff joined the program to talk about starting Bar IX and this moment in women's sports. 

Many of the systems designed to keep us safe sometimes harm the most vulnerable among us. That's often true of people who face financial hardship. Detroit’s 36th District Court is trying to stop that from continuing.

Chief Judge William McConico is running a court-wide amnesty program from until April 9, waiving all late fees, penalties, and warrant costs for adjudicated cases when the original fine is paid. Chief Judge William McConico spoke with The Metro's Robyn Vincent about this and more.

The WNBA and its players association have reached a new collective bargaining agreement, one that many say could reshape the future of women’s sports.

Before the announcement, The league was already set to expand to 18 teams by 2030, with new franchises launching in Toronto and Portland this year, followed by Cleveland in 2028, and Detroit and Philadelphia in 2030.

Of course, player salaries are going up, but this seven-year deal goes far beyond pay.

The WNBA isn’t just adding teams, it’s adding games. The regular season could grow from 44 to as many as 50 games by 2027, and 52 games by 2029. 

And just as important, the agreement addresses what players call “cadence” or the pace of the schedule. It’ll add in new safeguards aimed at reducing long road stretches and improving travel demands.

Risa Isard is Director of Research and Insights at Parity. She joined The Metro to discuss what this deal means for the future of women's professional sports. 

A measles outbreak in Washtenaw County includes multiple exposure sites. None of the 7 confirmed cases were vaccinated against measles. Although the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, vaccination rates are going down and vaccine waivers for school-age kids is going up.

Dr. Rupali Limaye of George Mason University's College of Public Health joined The Metro to discuss.