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: Long-forgotten secret hate group terrorized Detroit enclave then vanished
The Black Legion was a hate group that aimed to be more menacing than the KKK. They had a foothold in Michigan in the 1920s and 1930s.
Crossing the Lines: Highland Park addresses mental health calls with co-response team, works towards autism awareness
Highland Park co-responder Sherry Miller helps handle mental health crises. She also organized an autism awareness walk to support families.
Crossing the Lines: Fourth generation family coffee company still roasting in Highland Park
Becharas Brothers Coffee Co. celebrates 112 years in business this year.
Crossing the Lines: Highland Park looks to the past while planning future for schools
School board President Cheryl Sanford says her vision for Highland Park’s education system comes from her memories growing up.
Crossing the Lines: Marsha Music maintains ties to Highland Park
Marsha Battle Philpot is a writer, musician, and historian. She lives in Detroit but grew up in Highland Park and calls it her “happy place.”
Crossing the Lines: Highland Park was once home to diverse Muslim communities
Drawn to the area by Ford Motor Co., Muslims built one of the United States’ first mosques from the ground up in Highland Park. It was only open for about a year before its congregants began heading to Dearborn.
Former Crossing the Lines
Muslims Observe Ramadan During a Second Year of the Pandemic
Multigenerational Homes Face Unique Challenges — and Experience Some Benefits — During Pandemic
Domestic Violence During the Pandemic: Staying Home Meant Dealing With a Different Threat
English Language Learner Program Helps Canton Residents Connect From Around the World
Canton Merchants Fear Fixing Roads Could Drive Business Away
Young Radio Broadcasters Keep Plymouth-Canton Students Connected Through COVID-19
Canton’s Small Business Community Weathers COVID-19 Pandemic on Creativity and Local Support
A Year Into the Pandemic, Some People Are Fatigued, Less Polite and Confused About Vaccines
Spring Cleaning in the COVID-19 Era Means Picking Up Lots of PPE
Macomb County is Diversifying, But Minorities Don’t See Electoral Gains
The Metro Detroit Charter School with a Restaurant and Bakery
Macomb County, In Spotlight for 2020 Election, Just Wants to Talk Local Issues
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