Sep 11 Thursday
“Inside the Firings and the Future of the Federal Workforce”
A sweeping effort to expand presidential power and overhaul the federal government began the moment Donald Trump returned to the White House on January 20, 2025. Executive orders targeted the federal workforce, reducing its size and making it more responsive to executive authority. Within a few months, tens of thousands of federal employees were fired, and far more resigned amid threats of mass layoffs. While a flurry of lawsuits has slowed those actions, it’s abundantly clear that the government workforce is not what it was on January 20. What’s unclear is what the government will ultimately become and how the country will be changed in the process.
NPR labor and workplace correspondent Andrea Hsu, a 2012 Knight-Wallace Fellow, has been closely covering the upheaval inside government agencies and the legal fights surrounding it. She’ll share insights from those still working within federal agencies and those who have recently been pushed out, and explore what this transformation could mean for how Americans experience and rely on their government.
This is an in-person event and will not be live-streamed. However, a recording of the lecture will be available on our website following the event.
Sep 25 Thursday
College sports are undergoing seismic changes – whether it’s the landmark House legal settlement, the introduction of Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) money for athletes, or the use of the transfer portal. Join Morning Edition host Doug Tribou as he moderates a panel of sports experts, including bestselling author and sports commentator John U. Bacon, in a discussion about the collegiate sports environment. The panel will look at the immediate effects of the House settlement, explain what fans can expect in the coming years, and take questions from the audience. This event is part of the popular series, Issues & Ale, from Michigan Public, the state’s largest public radio network.
Oct 09 Thursday
After a successful premiere last year, Detroit Story Fest returns to the Motor City for year two at the Detroit Opera House. Join us on October 9th for a night of art, entertainment, and laughter.
Story Fest brings the best of the region’s storytellers to one stage. The event will host journalists from many newsrooms in the area to share their stories and provide a behind-the-scenes look at local journalism. A group of Michigan journalists will give attendees a peek into a world they’ve only observed from the outside.
Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of curiosity and intrigue at the Detroit Opera House on October 9th at 8:00 pm.
Sep 01 Monday
Consistently rated the best local scavenger hunt since 2016!
Puzzling Adventures are a cross between a scavenger hunt, an adventure race, and an informative self-guided walking tour. Each adventure consists of a series of locations that you are guided to where you are required to answer a question or solve a puzzle to receive your next instruction. Compete as a group, individually or create multiple teams and race each other. Almost all of our adventures are designed to be wheelchair and stroller friendly and all are carefully crafted to be entertaining and informative with something to appeal to all ages. Complete the adventure as quickly as possible to win first place or take your time and enjoy the journey. Price is per team, not per person. Groups can be any size, but small groups are recommended for the best experience.
Enter the code EVENTPASS on the payment page for a $10 discount!
Most locations are available daylight hours every day.
Sep 02 Tuesday
Now through October 31, families are invited to enjoy the Story Walk Trail at Hidden Lake Gardens! This 0.4-mile trail, full of twists, turns, gentle hills, and scenic views, is located near the Picnic Area, just west of the conservatory. Along the way, little ones can follow signs that bring a delightful children’s story to life.This year’s featured book is Sip, Pick, and Pack by Michigan author Polly Cheney. Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this educational tale introduces children to seeds, plants, and pollinators in a fun and engaging way. Copies of the book are available for purchase in the Daffodil Gift Shop.