As 2024 comes to a close, One Detroit’s staff reflects on the stories that made a lasting impact — stories that touched us personally and resonated with the community. From the resilience of independent movie theaters and the egg rolls that have become a Detroit staple to the renovation of Michigan Central Station, a Michigan farm animal rescue, the pressing issue of maternal health and more, revisit these powerful stories and watch them below.

Michigan’s independent movie theaters are finding alternative ways to stay alive

Southeast Michigan has been home to hundreds of movie theaters over the years. Several of them have closed their doors but some remain open, finding new ways to bring in revenue and keep the foot traffic flowing. One Detroit’s Chris Jordan and Bill Kubota visited some of metro Detroit’s remaining movie theaters to learn how independent cinema is surviving in the post-COVID, streaming-centric world. 

The history of corned beef egg rolls, an iconic dish originating in Detroit

Asian corned beef egg rolls have been around in Detroit since the 1970s, and they could soon become an iconic Detroit dish much like Detroit-style pizza and the city’s famous coney dogs. Kim White started putting corned beef into egg roll wrappers and fried them up. She’s generally credited with inventing the dish. Recently, other corned beef egg rolls have popped up around metro Detroit and food aficionados are taking note. One Detroit Senior Producer Bill Kubota explores the history of the dish – a story that’s Truly Detroit.

Haunted Detroit: The Whitney and the Orson Starr House

One Detroit went ghost hunting at two Detroit-area locations said to be haunted. One Detroit’s Chris Jordan visited The Whitney restaurant in Detroit where employees and guests have experienced spooky encounters with spirits, as well as the Orson Starr House, which has a reputation for being one of Michigan’s most haunted places. Plus, Jordan participated in a late-night paranormal investigation with colleagues Andrea Riley and Nate Turner at the Orson Starr House to see if they could experience the ghostly activity themselves.

Zekelman Holocaust Center opened its renovated exhibit focusing on local survivors’ stories

The Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills opened its newly renovated core exhibit, which puts Holocaust survivors’ and victims’ stories at the forefront. The exhibition uses new technology and updated historical information to recount their memories and honor their legacy. There are about 400 survivors living in Michigan currently. One Detroit’s Sarah Zientarski learned about the changes to the museum and heard from local survivors who attended the re-opening.

Michigan Central Station reopened after historic six-year transformation spearheaded by Ford

For three decades, Michigan Central Station sat vacant in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, falling into deep decay. In 2018, Ford Motor Company purchased the station to begin transforming the iconic building and surrounding area into a campus for mobility and innovation. After a six-year renovation, the station finally reopened to the public this summer. One Detroit’s Will Glover and Chris Jordan toured the newly restored station to learn about its history and show how it has been transformed.

Barn Sanctuary, Michigan’s only certified animal refuge, gives farm animals a second chance

The Barn Sanctuary in Washtenaw County has an uncommon mission, providing care for ailing farm animals. It’s the only certified farm sanctuary in Michigan, taking care of cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, pigs, chickens, ducks and turkeys. There are about 140 animal residents in total. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota and photojournalist Scott Rensberger visited the farm to learn how the sanctuary works. 

Kyunghee Kim and Leo Chen shared their story of resilience amidst changing careers, evolving Asian American identities

For Kyunghee Kim and her husband Leo Chen, who first met at Michigan State University in 2001 and later married in 2009, life together has included defying expectations, enduring challenges, and supporting each other when their dreams have taken unexpected turns. One Detroit’s Zosette Guir and Bill Kubota joined Kim and Chen at their metro Detroit home where the couple talked about the resilience it took to pursue new career paths, the mutual support they received from each other, and their versions of the American dream. This story is part of One Detroit’s AAPI Story Series. 

One Detroit and The Detroit News examined potential solutions to decrease maternal deaths in Michigan

There are 80 to 90 maternal deaths in Michigan each year, state data shows. Black women are three times more likely to die from complications related to childbirth as compared to white women. One Detroit, in collaboration with The Detroit News, examines possible solutions that could help reduce maternal deaths. Senior Producer Bill Kubota teamed up with journalist Hayley Harding to learn about Wayne State University’s SOS Maternity Network program and how one local maternal care provider is working to change the culture of childbirth.

Schoolcraft vs. Dust: Residents raised concerns over air quality, living conditions on Detroit’s west side

A concrete crushing company started operating in Detroit’s Schoolcraft neighborhood a few years ago to the surprise of many people living nearby. Schoolcraft residents said they are concerned about their quality of life and health. Longtime residents who lives in the west side neighborhood near Dino-Mite Crushing and Recycling raised concerns over air quality and living conditions from the concrete dust created from the site. One Detroit’s Bill Kubota and contributor Nicole Macdonald talked with residents about their concerns with heavy industry in the area.

Actor Jeff Daniels debuted his Michigan-based comedy ‘Office Christmas Party, Grinch In Fight With Rudolph, Police Called’

Actor Jeff Daniels’ holiday workplace comedy, “Office Christmas Party, Grinch In Fight With Rudolph, Police Called,”  world premiered at The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan where Daniels grew up. The play follows a disagreement between two costumed employees at the company holiday party of a struggling Michigan fudge company. One Detroit’s Chris Jordan talked with Daniels about his play and writing with Michigan audiences in mind.