WDET-FM (Detroit MI)

What’s behind Majesty Hope Blands’ woven purpose? A native Detroiter, Blands is a seamstress, tailor and fiber artist. As an alum of the College for Creative Studies and ISAIC, Blands has taken what she’s learned and tested its limits. Blands creates one-of-one pieces that invite people to reconsider their relationship with their clothes. Working with upcycled materials and whatever is around her at the moment, Blands sees resourcefulness not as a gimmick, but as a way of life.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a report this week about the Flint water crisis. The report, released Tuesday, explains that a Michigan Supreme Court ruling on “one-person grand jury proceedings” limited the actions that could result from the yearslong investigation. The crisis raised concerns about lead contamination in the drinking water of Flint residents. However, there were no state criminal prosecutions arising from the crisis.

In this episode: Why did the flint water crisis report come out now? Citizenship voting proposal blocked from Michigan ballot. Controversial UP copper mine gets $50M in state grants after years of trying. Ballot proposal drama, the significance of a report on the Flint water crisis and mixed feelings about funding for a copper mine. There was a lot to cover this week.

In Her Honor – Detroit is a part of a three-day event using art, storytelling, remembrance and action to honor the mothers lost to maternal mortality. The Detroit Institute of Arts hosted a screening of the documentary ‘Aftershock’ to kick off the series. The film follows stories of loss, grief and advocacy for Black and Brown mothers who have died from pregnancy-related complications. Omari Maynard is a Brooklyn-based artist, educator, and advocate. Maynard is featured in Aftershock.

Wayne County has reported its first human case of West Nile virus this year. The Wayne County Public Health Division says the person who contracted the mosquito-borne illness does not live in the county. Chief Medical Health Officer Avani Sheth reminds residents that mosquito season is not over. She recommends limiting time outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, and removing standing water from properties, where mosquitoes can breed.

After nearly a year of back and forth with Flat Rock officials and residents, Huron-Clinton Metroparks is advancing a plan to partially remove the Flat Rock Dam and construct ‘rock arch rapids.’ Located in Flat Rock on the Huron River, the 100-year-old dam is in fair condition, but has a “high hazard potential” rating. Despite the risk, Flat Rock residents and officials strongly opposed the Metroparks’ plan for partial removal. Flat Rock Mayor Steve Beller spoke at an Aug.

The FBI put out its 2025 crime numbers this month, and they show the largest year-to-year decline in violent crime rates since estimations began in 1936. Robbery fell 18.5%. Murder dropped by 18 percent — that rate is now tied with 1955 for the lowest ever recorded in this country. Detroit is part of that trend. The city ended last year with the lowest number of homicides since 1965. Carjackings dropped 46 percent. What nobody fully agrees on is why.

It’s only the day after Dolly Parton’s passing, and we still don’t quite have the words, yet, to fully quantify the loss of such an artist, such a human: a songwriter, an actor, an activist, and a shining example of how to forge a career embued with intention, compassion and charming, down-to-earth wisdom. Not to mention, staggering talent.

Art opens a window into policy, comedy brightens the end of summer and a pop-up vintage and craft market sweeps through the Majestic Theatre. Jump into beauty and take part in community this week in Metro Detroit. Upcoming events (Aug. 27 to Sept. 3) The Old Miami Aug. 27 $35 / $30 in advance for WDET members WDET invites you to have the last laugh of the summer at the Old Miami. Thursday is the final What’s So Funny About Detroit Comedy Showcase, and this 21+ performance is headlined by T.

The 39th District Court is hosting an amnesty program next month as part of Project Clean Slate. The program will be held throughout the month of September. It’s designed for people who want to contact the court to discuss balances and payment options. During this period, late fees are waived and warrants issued for failure to pay will be canceled. That’s after payments are made in full. People will also have an opportunity to create payment plans to pay off dues.