Detroit has more than 250 miles of dedicated bicycle lanes on its streets. The city has spent millions of dollars to establish bike lanes as another way for people who don't drive to get around. The cost, location, safety and even the aesthetics of bike lanes have been controversial for years. But attitudes toward them..
Why Does Steam Sometimes Come Out of Manhole Covers in Detroit?
While driving around downtown Detroit, have you ever noticed a plume of steam coming out of a manhole and wondered where it came from? If so, you’re not alone. It’s something WDET's Laura Herberg has wondered for the past decade. This year, she finally looked into the origin of all that steam. Climbing Down a Manhole Dorothy Hernandez/WDET On a recent Thursday afternoon, I’m looking into a manhole..
“One Night Without a Bed” Aims to Raise Awareness On the Youth Homelessness Crisis
Through its month-long “One Night Without a Bed” challenge, the Detroit Phoenix Center aims to raise awareness about the youth homelessness crisis. According to the organization, 4.2 million young people around the world experience homelessness each year. The Phoenix Center is encouraging community members to sleep one night without a bed, anywhere, as long as it's out..
Tree Lighting Ceremony Returns to Campus Martius in Downtown Detroit
The annual tree lighting in downtown Detroit makes its return with visitors in attendance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 65-foot northern Michigan spruce will be the center of attention as people head to Campus Martius Park for ice skating, hot cocoa and horse-drawn carriage rides. The festive event is from 5 p.m. to midnight..
Pope Francis Center Relocates to TCF Center to Meet Growing Need
The Pope Francis Center in Detroit has been serving the city’s unhoused population for 30 years. It all began when the pastors at Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church in downtown Detroit opened their doors offering coffee and a warm place to rest. The efforts have since grown into an independent nonprofit organization in 2015. Guests..
Women of Color STEM Digital Conference Highlights Women in STEM Fields
The 26th annual Women of Color STEM Digital Conference is taking place at the TCF Center in Detroit through Saturday. Monica Emerson, the National Chair of the conference, says the three day event includes college programs, workshops, initiatives and seminars for emerging professionals. She explains why it's important to highlight women in STEM fields, including women of..
City of Detroit Reopens Four Recreation Centers After Being Closed for Over a Year
The City of Detroit is reopening four of its recreation centers this month. Many of the usual recreational programs such as swimming lessons, athletics and after-school activities will return, but there will also be an effort to get residents outside during all four seasons as part of a focus on health and wellness. The city kicked off..
Detroit Aims “To Make Sure That Everyone Has the Opportunity To Get Vaccinated,” Health Officer Says
The City of Detroit Health Department has been going door to door since June to inoculate anyone who wants to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 2,000 homes have received vaccines through the service. The program began with homebound residents and has expanded to fill the need. This week, the city started offering a third dose of the..
Detroit Is Not Built to Handle Climate Change
When flooding rains filled freeways and drenched basements across Metro Detroit in 2014, it was considered a 100-year flooding event. It happened again over the weekend, with twice the normal amount of June rainfall happening within a few hours. Another heavy rain event is a certainty -- and it's likely it will be worse. Jonathan..
Author Bill Loomis Explores City’s Past in “Secret Societies in Detroit”
Courtesy of the author Secret societies have a rich history in Detroit. In his latest book, "Secret Societies in Detroit," writer Bill Loomis goes inside the secret world of these groups, from the lesser-known clubs to the more famous (and infamous) organizations. Here is a passage from the book's introduction that will provide some insight into "Secret..