Exploring what unites us and divides us as people and as a region.
The goal of Crossing the Lines is to tell stories that show the diversity of people and perspectives that make up Metro Detroit by collaborating directly with residents of the cities and neighborhoods that we’re examining.
This community-first journalism aims to engage with listeners by finding them where they live and work, by talking to them about their concerns in their community and listening — really listening — to what they have to say.
Communities visited since the series began in 2011 include Canton, Center Line, Southfield, Windsor and several Detroit neighborhoods. WDET is examining Highland Park and Northville in 2026.
Take a look at areas we’ve covered previously:
Highland Park 2026
Crossing the Lines: Highland Park wants to build the ‘missing middle’ to address housing shortage
Director of Community and Economic Development Carlton Clyburn discusses his vision for improving housing in Highland Park.
Crossing the Lines: Automakers fueled growth in Highland Park then left it running on financial fumes
Automotive historian Robert Tate describes the presence of Ford and Chrysler as vital to Highland Park. When the automotive giants moved out, it left the enclave adrift.
Crossing the Lines: Highland Park values enclave status
Detroit surrounds Highland Park on three sides, sharing the fourth side with Hamtramck. Being a city within a city is a source of pride for many Highland Park residents. As part of WDET’s Crossing the Lines Highland Park series, Morning Edition Detroit host Pat Batcheller looks at how the city became an enclave and how it has stayed that way for more than a century.
Crossing the Lines: Highland Park resident wants to see more schools open in the city
Highland Park has only two K-8 charter schools and has not had its own high school since 2015.
Crossing the Lines: Highland Park resident says smart planning can reduce poverty
Ken Bates is a former Highland Park city council member and the board chair of Soulardarity. He says leaders need to figure out how to raise the standard of living to get Highland Park growing again.
Crossing the Lines: Highland Park Resident wants to save the Highland Appliance sign
The historic Highland Appliance building on Woodward is now on Highland Park’s demolition list. Kira Thomas is trying to save the iconic sign.
Former Crossing the Lines
Warren Helps Center Line Celebrate That It’s Not Warren
Impeachment Widens Typically Thin Political Divide in Center Line
Recreational Pot is Legal in Michigan, But Medical Dispensaries Are Still Opening Doors
This Michigan City Is Anxious About Being Swallowed by Car Dealerships
How Did Center Line Get Its Name? A Fractious Indigenous History, Some Say
The Indigenous Tradition That Michigan’s Native People Celebrate Instead of Thanksgiving
As Public Spaces Disappear, Michigan Communities Worry About Social Ties
Historic Center Line Church, Known for its Radical Design, Could be Closed or Sold
This Vintage Fire Truck Explains Why Center Line is Surrounded by Warren
His Family Settled Center Line. Now, He Preserves Its History
Where is Center Line? WDET’s New ‘Crossing The Lines’ Community
Center Line Voters Choose Delikta, Reid for Council
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