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🏃 Cheer on loved ones (or make a witty sign to encourage strangers) at the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

The half and full kick off at 7am Sunday. 

👗 See the latest in local trends at Michigan Fashion Week, including a streetwear showcase 6-11pm Friday ($57) at 1600 E. Grand Blvd. and high fashion finale showcase 6-10pm Saturday ($85) at the Harmonie Club downtown.

🏀 Sports! Cheer on the Pistons at 7pm Friday in their preseason home game (starting around $22) against the Toronto Raptors at Little Caesars Arena.

Or try the Red Wings at 7pm Saturday versus the San Jose Sharks (starting around $49).

🛍️ Trade out old clothing for new (to you) at the Revamp fall swap festival.

Chandler Park Fieldhouse, 12-5pm Saturday. Tickets: $25.

🪩 Dance your heart out and be home by 10:30pm Friday if you go to the Magic Bag's Happy Hour Dance Club for women.

🛹 It's a big day for nightlife venue Big Pink on Saturday. It's hosting a youth-friendly skateboarding and music festival called Cartoons & Stereo 2-11pm ($15 donation) followed by a hip hop night starting at 11pm ($23) with "nothing but club bangers."

Harvest Fest at Eliza Howell Park in Detroit, 1-4pm Saturday.

Rouge Park Fall Festival in Detroit, 12-4pm Sunday.

The month-long Bowers Farm Fall Fest in Bloomfield Hills.

Harvest Fest at hiking-centric Crosswinds Marsh in New Boston, 1-3pm Saturday.

Pumpkins, Lanterns and Leaves 5:30-7:30pm Friday and Saturday at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 16-18

Cheer on the Free Press Marathon runners, try a fall festival or visit fashion week.

Illustration of a scarecrow throwing up the "rock on" hand symbol and wearing an event wristband. 

🏃 Cheer on loved ones (or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make a witty sign" data-vars-click-url="https://runtothefinish.com/50-marathon-race-sign-ideas/" data-vars-content-id="0707fdfe-aa40-425d-8124-db4a8df606e8" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 16-18" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://runtothefinish.com/50-marathon-race-sign-ideas/" target="_blank">make a witty sign</a> to encourage strangers) at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Free Press Marathon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freepmarathon.com/" data-vars-content-id="0707fdfe-aa40-425d-8124-db4a8df606e8" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 16-18" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freepmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Detroit Free Press Marathon</a>.<ul><li>The half and full kick off at 7am Sunday. </li></ul>

Things to Do

Hill Leaders

Axios Hill Leaders

Source: AdImpact, Census.gov Note: AdImpact data includes dollars spent on video advertisements on broadcast, cable and social media as well as spending estimates on streaming platforms. Chart: Stef Kight/Axios

Every voting-age Michigander could get an eight-square Buddy's pizza with what Democrats and Republicans are spending on ads in the state's U.S. Senate race, according to an analysis of AdImpact data.

Why it matters: Every senator gets one vote, but Senate seats don't all cost the same to reach — and Michigan is among the priciest races of the year, with ad spending of $181 million.

State of play: In the battle between Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers, Democrats have spent $9.44 on ads per adult Michigander and Republicans have spent $13.01. 

Michigan is the seventh priciest per capita.

By the numbers: When it comes to overall ad spending, Michigan is even higher on the list — fourth.

But we're no Ohio, which is on track to host the most expensive Senate race in the country by ad spend with $407 million.

The spending analysis is as of Oct. 8 and includes both spent and future reserved ads, from Jan. 1, 2026 through the upcoming Nov. 3 Election Day.

Data: AdImpact Note: AdImpact data includes dollars spent on video advertisements on broadcast, cable and social media as well as spending estimates on streaming platforms. Chart: Stef Kight/Axios

Between the lines: Republicans' spending accounts for 58% of Michigan's Senate total, an advantage that has sounded alarm bells among D.C. Democrats.

Michigan's high ad spending isn't surprising given that this Senate race is the most expensive in state history, with most money coming from outside groups, according to a Detroit News analysis.

What they're saying: The increased spending and heavy outside influence in Michigan is part of a national trend that's here to stay, according to Dan Hiaeshutter-Rice, a Michigan State associate professor in advertising and public relations.

"Given the nature of the candidates, you're seeing national issues getting brought to bear on it, from spending by [groups like AIPAC], so you see this kind of microcosm of national politics being played out in the Senate race in Michigan," Hiaeshutter-Rice tells Axios.

The big picture: The Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, will likely come down to a handful of races.

Republicans see Michigan as a top pickup opportunity and are using ads during NFL and college football games as a centerpiece of their strategy.

The pro-GOP Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) struck a deal with a vendor that manages sports programming in Michigan bars, putting its ads on more than 1,000 TVs at 150 bars across the state.

Meanwhile, Democrats are doubling down to keep the seat blue.

The bottom line: "All pathways to a Senate majority run through Michigan," El-Sayed said last month after meeting with Democratic senators.

ads during NFL and college football games

Michigan U.S. Senate ad spending hits $181 million

Republicans are outspending Democrats in one of the nation's costliest U.S. Senate races.

Two photos, one of El Sayed and one of Rogers

Abdul El-Sayed on Fox News. Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images; Mike Rogers at the Republican National Committee midterm convention. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

Every voting-age Michigander could get an eight-square Buddy&#x27;s pizza with what Democrats and Republicans are spending on ads in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the state&#x27;s U.S. Senate race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/07/senate-race-1-minute-voter-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="48e5b65d-6dea-4c26-87b8-a109e24fa55a" data-vars-headline="Michigan U.S. Senate ad spending hits $181 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/07/senate-race-1-minute-voter-guide-2026" target="_self">the state&#x27;s U.S. Senate race</a>, according to an analysis of AdImpact data.Why it matters: Every senator gets one vote, but Senate seats don&#x27;t all cost the same to reach — and Michigan is among the priciest races of the year, with ad spending of $181 million.

Politics

Michigan's debate over kratom has ramped up after related compounds were found near two University of Mississippi students who died last month.

Why it matters: The increasingly popular substances aren't regulated in Michigan. State lawmakers are weighing whether to ban kratom outright, or control how it's sold.

State of play: A state House bill seeks to ban kratom and its highly potent, synthetic derivatives like 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH.

A Senate bill would regulate the products by requiring warnings and dosage information on them and banning highly potent derivatives.

Detroit City Council members said this week they want to learn more about kratom before supporting the statewide ban, BridgeDetroit reported.

U-M and MSU spokespeople told Axios their data don't indicate significant use on campus, but they're watching out for it.

The big picture: Kratom comes from a Southeast Asian tree whose leaves naturally carry trace amounts of 7-OH — a compound with opioid-like effects.

Companies make concentrated or semi-synthetic versions sold as tablets, gummies and drinks in gas stations and smoke shops.

Kratom advocates say the natural plant helps with pain, and that the problem comes from potent derivatives that can confuse or mislead consumers.

By the numbers: The Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center at Wayne State recorded 347 cases involving kratom, 7-OH or other similar synthetics in 2021-25, according to Varun Vohra, a clinical toxicologist and the center's senior director.

It recorded 87 cases in 2025, an 81% increase from 2024.

Vohra says 7-OH exposures were associated with more severe withdrawal symptoms and greater intensive care needs than other kratom exposures.

What they're saying: "People are going to procure these items in some shape or form or another," Vohra says.

"We think [the regulation] should be based on a science-informed framework, so working alongside lawmakers, policymakers for more clear, consistent regulation as opposed to a full-on, blanket ban."

State Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan) said after the ban passed the House in March that "What we are experiencing with kratom is a crisis … These products are being marketed towards our kids, and many parents aren't even aware that it's happening. Our children are being poisoned by products that they can easily purchase at gas stations."

Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center

Michigan weighs kratom ban as cases rise

Opinions vary on whether to ban kratom or regulate its sale.

Kratom derivative products. Photo: Mindy Schauer/MediaNewsGroup/Orange County Register via Getty Images

Michigan&#x27;s debate over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="kratom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/30/illinois-lawmakers-kratom-7oh-reform" data-vars-content-id="4a385c4a-b891-416f-9047-8ca3108bada9" data-vars-headline="Michigan weighs kratom ban as cases rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/30/illinois-lawmakers-kratom-7oh-reform" target="_self">kratom</a> has ramped up after related compounds were found near two University of Mississippi <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="students who died" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ole-miss-student-deaths-kratom-rcna599305" data-vars-content-id="4a385c4a-b891-416f-9047-8ca3108bada9" data-vars-headline="Michigan weighs kratom ban as cases rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ole-miss-student-deaths-kratom-rcna599305" target="_blank">students who died</a> last month.Why it matters: The increasingly popular substances aren&#x27;t regulated in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan" data-vars-click-url="https://globalkratomcoalition.org/regulation-map" data-vars-content-id="4a385c4a-b891-416f-9047-8ca3108bada9" data-vars-headline="Michigan weighs kratom ban as cases rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://globalkratomcoalition.org/regulation-map" target="_blank">Michigan</a>. State lawmakers are weighing whether to ban kratom outright, or control how it&#x27;s sold.

Health

Welcome back to our regular roundup of city politics and policy news.

🙏 Praise for Duggan: City Council President James Tate recognized former Mayor Mike Duggan for his 12 years of leadership during council session Tuesday. 

Duggan became mayor in 2014 during the bankruptcy and later ran for governor. He dropped out of the race and recently became a partner at law firm Honigman.

Council members said Duggan's list of successes included new development, job training and helping right the city's finances.

"I think the greatest legacy you will leave behind is the spirit of cooperation," Council member Coleman Young II said.

What they're saying: Duggan thanked the council and said he's going to Harvard University soon — "a school I could have never gotten into" — to talk about Detroit's community violence intervention program that Harvard's Kennedy School of Government has studied.

"It's a good reminder that the work that you're doing here is not just benefitting Detroiters; it's benefitting people all across the country."

The other side: Some public commenters later criticized council for praising him, bringing up issues such as the city's rising poverty rate.

🗣️ DV awareness: Mayor Mary Sheffield appointed a domestic violence specialist to her office — Kyla Williams, a former Detroit police domestic violence unit leader.

She'll use her experience to find the gaps between what is offered and what people experiencing this kind of violence need.

Sheffield directed the city's HR to create a DV employee support plan and give all city employees information on policies and resources.

She also ordered city officials to publicly distribute lists of resources and post them in all city buildings.

City Chatter: Duggan accolades, new DV victim support

Council members praised the former mayor's leadership, but some residents raised concerns.

Animated photo illustration of the hand from the Spirit of Detroit statue. The gold sphere with sun rays sticking out of it floats out of the hand, and opens and shuts repeatedly, like a talking mouth, spitting out jagged sound lines.

Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Welcome back to our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regular roundup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/07/detroit-city-chatter-summertime-crime-drop" data-vars-content-id="68a703b3-59b8-41e4-a393-1d20ef19bfef" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Duggan accolades, new DV victim support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/07/detroit-city-chatter-summertime-crime-drop" target="_self">regular roundup</a> of city politics and policy news.🙏 Praise for Duggan: City Council President James Tate recognized former Mayor Mike Duggan for his 12 years of leadership during council session Tuesday.

👋 Annalise here, after trying the new fast-casual spot from the owners of much-loved East African restaurant Baobab Fare.

The big picture: Waka replaces the long-closed Russell Street Deli in the heart of Eastern Market, near Supino Pizzeria. 

It started as a food truck from Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, serving skewers and sandwich wraps with delicate, buttery chapati flatbread.

The vibe: Waka's ambiance is bright yellow, open and friendly. It echoes Baobab Fare, but with its own flair.

Dig in: I ordered the eggplant chapati with slow-cooked beans and a side of fried potatoes ($14).

I adore Baobab Fare's eggplant, so I knew I'd be happy. Each ingredient sings.

The wrap also stayed together better than I recall when I ordered from the food truck in the past.

One yellow wall and another wall with art on it. 

Yes, but: The portion felt a little small and I wasn't full. I have a big appetite, though, so others may be just fine.

Trying fast-casual Waka in Detroit's Eastern Market

Waka serves buttery chapati wraps, skewers and fried potatoes in the former Russell Street Deli.

Collage: left shows a brick building with bold yellow storefront trim; right shows an open takeout container with braised eggplant in sauce, purple coleslaw, and fried potato wedges. 

Waka's building and the eggplant chapati meal. Photos: Annalise Frank/Axios

👋 Annalise here, after trying the new fast-casual spot from the owners of much-loved East African restaurant Baobab Fare.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waka" data-vars-click-url="https://baobabfare.com/waka/" data-vars-content-id="7aeaa1d6-9df8-4c64-85ba-d4e8aff5d77b" data-vars-headline="Trying fast-casual Waka in Detroit&#x27;s Eastern Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://baobabfare.com/waka/" target="_blank">Waka</a> replaces the long-closed Russell Street Deli in the heart of Eastern Market, near Supino Pizzeria.

Annalise Frank

Featured stories

Michigan U.S. Senate ad spending hits $181 million

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 16-18

City Chatter: Duggan accolades, new DV victim support

Trying fast-casual Waka in Detroit's Eastern Market

Michigan weighs kratom ban as cases rise