Just in time for the Kentucky Derby, we talk to Luke Song, a Detroit milliner who created the infamous crystal studded hat worn by Aretha Franklin at the inauguration of President Obama. The Detroit business-owner tells us a bit about the cultural history of the hat, and why one's personality matters just as much as the size of their crown when choosing the perfect brim for their brow. 

We're focusing on the Motor City this week as we broadcast from WDET Detroit. Today we spoke with author, Jeffrey Eugenides, about growing up and writing about the Detroit. We also heard from Robert Bobb, emergency financial director of the Detroit public school system about the struggle to improve the city's schools. And listeners have been telling us what they love about the city and one listener even sent in pictures. 

Author Jeffrey Eugenides was born and raised in Detroit and the city often becomes a central character in his writings. (He lives in Princeton, New Jersey, these days.) He’s based both of his novels, Pulitzer Prize-winning "Middlesex," and "The Virgin Suicides," in the Motor City. He says as a native Detroiter it's still easy for him to love his home town: more so, perhaps, than the average outsider.

"I love that Detroit is one of the few cities in America that is thinking critically and rethinking what a city is and can be. You'll find some of the most amazing thinkers and people in the world right here in Detroit redefining what the word 'city' means."
 - Brian, Takeaway listener in Detroit, Mich.

We’ve gotten scores of responses to our question: What makes Detroit a great city? Listeners cite a strong work ethic, great arts institutions and yummy restaurants. And so we’re taking a closer look at one neighborhood that embodies the complexity of a city that struggles with poverty and unemployment, yet is alive with a cultural heritage that its citizens embrace and celebrate: Southwest Detroit's Mexicantown.

After a recent "Dateline: NBC" documentary angered Detroit residents with what they called an overly negative portrayal of the city, we thought to talk with residents well-versed in creating positive imagery: Detroit's creative class.

Arizona governor passed a controversial immigration law and you had a lot to say on the topic. We hear your responses. Beyond immigration, we got a head-start on our special broadcast from WDET in Detroit and asked Takeaway listeners to share their favorite parts of Motor City living. 

I am not a native Detroiter. In fact, I wasn't thrilled about moving there when I took a job with WDET in 2001. I'd heard all the same things you have, about the crime, the poverty, the burnt out buildings and abandoned homes ... and all of my friends and family were horrified to know that I was taking my 3-year-old cherub to the "Murder Capital."

Residents of Detroit are up in arms over recent media coverage that they say highlights Detroit's poverty, unemployment and illiteracy, but fails to consider any of the positive aspects of life in Motor City.

Detroit Free Press columnist, Rochelle Riley, tells us what the media is missing about the Motor City; this morning's headlines.

Later next week, we'll be co-broadcasting the show from Detroit. And before then, we're asking, What do you love about Detroit? The headlines usually focus on what's going wrong in Detroit, but we want to hear what you like about the city. We're especially interested in hearing from Detroit listeners, but anyone can weigh in.