On The Line

You’ve heard tales about the city. But have you heard the whole story? An exploration of the lens through which we should view Detroit’s progress. 

A Black Detroiter is set to lead a state chamber. Democrats overtook the Legislature. Is it a salve to the loss of homegrown representation? 

Lawmakers tried to limit the use of certain tactics on students in 2016. They’ve been used nearly 94,000 times since then. And mainly on kids with disabilities.

Tough questions from kids, unruly parents, a hose under your suit - there's more to being jolly old St. Nick than a red suit and white beard. With multimedia photo editor Kelly Jordan.

Seven Detroit Free Press journalists take a look at the crystal ball ahead of the new year. With help from Report for America. 

After high prices and rising credit card interest rates this year, we turn to the Free Press' financial columnist for advice on how to maintain the holiday cheer without breaking the bank.

School shooting survivors from Oxford and Uvalde find joy in acting like kids again at a party in Texas. With Free Press photojournalist Sarahbeth Maney.

Mitch Albom, who was one of the 100,000-plus in attendance for the 1997 Michigan-Ohio State game at the Big House, joins Andrew Hammond this week. Albom remembers the Wolverines' dominate defense and Charles Woodson's signature moment that sent U-M to the Rose Bowl. 

Tony Garcia joins the guys to discuss all things Michigan vs. Ohio State. Later, Carlos & Shawn talk the Lions' win streak and playoff potential.  

Tough questions from kids, unruly parents, a hose under your suit - there's more to being jolly old St. Nick than a red suit and white beard. With multimedia photo editor Kelly Jordan.

Do Republicans have any shot at policymaking after Democrats take power in Lansing? Can Democrats really get everything they want? And what about 2024? With Free Press politics reporter Dave Boucher.

False claims already are swirling ahead of the Nov. 8 election in Michigan. So what protects our voting process? With politics reporter Clara Hendrickson.

You’ve heard the rhetoric. But what are the realities of Prop 3? With Free Press reporters Clara Hendrickson and Dave Boucher (Gubernatorial debate audio provided by WOOD TV8 and WXYZ/SCRIPPS)

Should Democrats take power in the state Senate for the first time since the ‘80s, big legislative moves that impact Michiganders could be on the horizon. How likely is it Republicans hold on?

Lawmakers tried to limit the use of certain tactics on students in 2016. They’ve been used nearly 94,000 times since then. And mainly on kids with disabilities.

A fatal police shooting, ShotSpotter and an increase for officer pay have made headlines of recent. What does it all say about Detroit’s approach to policing post-George Floyd and in the future?

Sometimes a tree, a cup, or drinking nearly no water is the best solution for Detroit’s limited public restrooms, those experiencing homelessness in the city say.

Don’t deal in cryptocurrency? Scammers could still get you in a growing scheme. 

Have our favorite sci-fi movies come to life? At the Detroit auto show, vendors say the future is now. Our show notes can be found here.

Michigan gives people with mental illnesses and other disabilities their own set of rights. Those rights, though, are often not enforced. Our show notes can be found here

Save the Amazon rainforest? Our northern woods should garner just as much global attention in the climate change fight. Our show notes can be found here. 

Can you trust the listed THC levels when you buy marijuana products? Is it safe to consume? A new industry faces tough questions on testing and growing pains. Our show notes can be found here.

If you got tired of isolating during COVID-19, you really don’t want to get monkeypox. And headed into the fall semester, the risk could be higher.   Our show notes can be found here.

Calling yourself a Detroiter is more popular than it once was. But is a Detroiter defined by their zipcode, sports team allegiance, or passion for the city? Our show notes can be found here

Tudor Dixon got former President Donald Trump’s thumbs up for the governor’s seat. But is that good for her campaign to unseat Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in November? The show notes can be found here

Inflations rates in the U.S. are at a 40-year high, and Midwestern grocery store shoppers are feeling particularly low. How bad will it get, and what’s the best way to navigate the aisles?

The FDA has proposed a ban on menthol cigarettes, but the burning question is why now?

How do the big changes in college athletics affect those not in the spotlight? With Free Press sports columnist Shawn Windsor, assistant editor Andrew Hammond (filling in for sports writer Carlos Monarrez) and Michigan State student Kaleena Kniess, formerly of the MSU women's rowing team.

From swag cams to business grants, the Detroit Pistons have upped their game to support the city since their return from Auburn Hills

Renee Chelian has provided abortions -- and gotten one illegally. She says the fall of Roe v. Wade should scare women, but the fight is not over. With the Free Press’ Nancy Kaffer and Michigan Radio’s Sarah Cwiek.

A temporary injunction is all that keeps a 1931 abortion ban at bay in Michigan after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. And Michiganders have something to say about it.

Dan Gilbert’s company wants another tax break for the old Hudson’s site. What will it mean for Detroiters if he gets it? And if he doesn’t? With reporter JC Reindl.

Juneteenth has gone mainstream after becoming a federal holiday. But in 2022, can we say freedom has been attained?

A new, free comic book recounts Detroit’s first LGBTQ+ march – a precursor to the massive festival that now draws thousands. But the struggle isn’t over, says one author.

Highland Park has one defunct and one burnt high school campus. But a group of school officials are hoping to raise a new one from the ashes of a district’s downfall.  

When a tornado hit Gaylord, two people died. Does a twister hitting so unusually far north say something about climate change? And if it does, are we ready?

The Oxford High Class of 2022 has seen the worst. They bore witness to a school shooting, the death of four fellow students, and COVID-19. And yet, at their graduation, they look to the good. With reporter Lily Altavena.

The first known otter in about a century was spotted in the Detroit River in April. After decades of past pollution and sewage dumps, what does that tell us about the health of our water?

A Ramadan festival, an aquarium – metro Detroit malls are finding unique ways to try to stay relevant. With the recent sale of Fairlane Town Center, what does the future hold for these once-flourishing American staples? With business reporter JC Reindl.

Ford is making a big bet on the future of electric vehicles. What does it mean for workers and the auto industry at large? With autos reporter Phoebe Wall Howard

Some activists say a white officer’s fatal shooting of a Congolese refugee was inevitable given Grand Rapids’ history. So what came before? With reporter Arpan Lobo.

An art gallery, the auto industry – former restaurant workers are making big career changes. Where are they landing and what does it mean for the dining experience? With restaurant critic Lyndsay Green.  

If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade in an upcoming ruling, a 91-year-old law would block abortions in Michigan. But Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is trying a new tactic to preserve that right. Can she succeed? With columnist Nancy Kaffer and reporters Dave Boucher and Kristen Jordan Shamus.

As Detroiters expel the city’s harbinger of doom at their annual festival, many grapple with an odd feeling. How do we navigate, mentally and physically, being sort of, but not really, done with COVID-19? With health reporter Kristen Jordan Shamus.

The job of passing a marijuana ordinance isn’t all it is puffed up to be. Detroiters are missing out on big money while officials try to get it right. Is it worth the wait? With business reporter Adrienne Roberts.

Gas prices are up, and it’s bringing folks down. How’d we get here and what can we do about it? With financial columnist Susan Tompor.

If your waiter looks a little older, it isn’t just because the pandemic aged us all. Michiganders aged 16-24 are opting out of the traditional workforce. With business reporter Adrienne Roberts.

The Russian invasion is personal for Ukrainian Americans worried about loved ones. But the fallout is also felt across communities of Arab descent and Russian descent, among others. With reporter Niraj Warikoo.

There’s hardly a “Get Out of Jail Free” option, but some Wayne County residents have had to pay a hefty cost due to a backlog with fitting GPS tethers. With investigative reporters Christine MacDonald and Joe Guillen.  

A weekly podcast about the Detroit Pistons, hosted by Bryce Simon of Motor City Hoops and Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. Omari brings insider insights and analysis as a Pistons beat writer and Detroit native combined with Bryce’s in-depth on-court analysis as a former D1 player and current high school coach of 12 years. The Pistons Pulse is your go to Pistons podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team. Listen every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts beginning March 1st.