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Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes

The museums say stable funding is needed as their financial reserves dwindle.

Culture

Two Detroit museum institutions are seeking new funding through a millage to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wright Museum of African American History" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thewright.org/" data-vars-content-id="f9191bcc-f333-4745-bf38-d7665aae4d9b" data-vars-headline="Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thewright.org/" target="_blank">Wright Museum of African American History</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Historical Society" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroithistorical.org/" data-vars-content-id="f9191bcc-f333-4745-bf38-d7665aae4d9b" data-vars-headline="Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroithistorical.org/" target="_blank">Detroit Historical Society</a> are major anchors of the city&#x27;s cultural district.

RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism

Residents want more time and influence over the massive riverfront redevelopment.

News

Developers seeking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remake the Renaissance Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" data-vars-content-id="b901940f-89cb-4125-acf7-9c9262452672" data-vars-headline="RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" target="_self">remake the Renaissance Center</a> made their opening arguments Tuesday at Detroit city hall. The initial response was skeptical.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first public meeting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/11/rencen-redevelopment-community-benefits" data-vars-content-id="b901940f-89cb-4125-acf7-9c9262452672" data-vars-headline="RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/11/rencen-redevelopment-community-benefits" target="_self">first public meeting</a> exposed an early tension over whether a project developers say will benefit all Detroiters is giving residents enough time and influence to shape it.

Vaccination rates fall among Michigan kindergarteners

Michigan's vaccine waiver rate rose to 7.7% as coverage declined.

Vaccination rates among Michigan kindergartners decreased during the 2025–2026 school year, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="a9224af1-2bd5-4880-8a34-8f03672451ec" data-vars-headline="Vaccination rates fall among Michigan kindergarteners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">new data</a> from the CDC.The big picture: It&#x27;s part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" data-vars-content-id="a9224af1-2bd5-4880-8a34-8f03672451ec" data-vars-headline="Vaccination rates fall among Michigan kindergarteners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" target="_self">national trend</a>. Exemptions from getting one or more vaccines increased in 41 states and the District of Columbia, growing to 4.2% from 3.6% the year before.

Solo travel takes off in Metro Detroit

Searches are soaring as travelers embrace freedom, spontaneity and new connections.

Google searches for &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solo travel" data-vars-click-url="https://trends.google.com/explore?geo=505&amp;q=solo%2520travel&amp;date=all" data-vars-content-id="ab2f88e7-263a-49c8-b78a-49d9b7a1dfff" data-vars-headline="Solo travel takes off in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://trends.google.com/explore?geo=505&amp;q=solo%2520travel&amp;date=all" target="_blank">solo travel</a>&quot; hit a nationwide record high in 2026, including in Metro Detroit, where searches peaked in February.Why it matters: Solo travel is booming as more people embrace the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want — without waiting for someone else&#x27;s PTO to line up.

Metro Detroit bookstores thrive despite reading slump

Bookstores are reinventing themselves as community gathering places.

Business

Fewer Americans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reading books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" data-vars-content-id="a85a50f3-2e12-42b0-9868-ebb7ee96f51e" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit bookstores thrive despite reading slump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" target="_self">reading books</a>, but here&#x27;s the plot twist: The bookstore is still staging a comeback.Why it matters: Once left for dead in the wake of Amazon&#x27;s rise and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="death of Borders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" data-vars-content-id="a85a50f3-2e12-42b0-9868-ebb7ee96f51e" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit bookstores thrive despite reading slump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" target="_blank">death of Borders</a>, Barnes &amp; Noble and independent booksellers have pulled off a stunning turnaround, opening new stores and reporting higher sales.

Ferndale weighs Amazon drone noise response

Residents have raised concerns as the city reviews what authority it has.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amazon delivery drones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/12/amazon-prime-air-drone-delivery-pontiac" data-vars-content-id="50fbd50a-2d72-4fc1-9d3c-024c41e9d75d" data-vars-headline="Ferndale weighs Amazon drone noise response" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/12/amazon-prime-air-drone-delivery-pontiac" target="_self">Amazon delivery drones</a> flying over Ferndale have prompted some noise complaints, leaving city officials to figure out how — or if — they can respond.Why it matters: Ferndale&#x27;s experience raises broader questions about local control over drone deliveries, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an emerging technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/13/amazon-prime-air-drone-ohio" data-vars-content-id="50fbd50a-2d72-4fc1-9d3c-024c41e9d75d" data-vars-headline="Ferndale weighs Amazon drone noise response" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/13/amazon-prime-air-drone-ohio" target="_self">an emerging technology</a> whose airspace and flight operations are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largely governed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/package_delivery_drone" data-vars-content-id="50fbd50a-2d72-4fc1-9d3c-024c41e9d75d" data-vars-headline="Ferndale weighs Amazon drone noise response" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/package_delivery_drone" target="_blank">largely governed</a> by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Detroit LGBTQ+ chamber expands statewide

The group plans to bring resources and advocacy to entrepreneurs across Michigan.

The Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber has expanded statewide, becoming the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce" data-vars-click-url="https://mipridechamber.com/expands-statewide-as-the-michigan-pride-chamber-of-commerce/" data-vars-content-id="84e00872-31ce-4827-a9b3-5af10b4a8863" data-vars-headline="Detroit LGBTQ+ chamber expands statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mipridechamber.com/expands-statewide-as-the-michigan-pride-chamber-of-commerce/" target="_blank">Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce</a>.Why it matters: The group&#x27;s leaders say that all across this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="purple" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/18/midwest-2024-trump-election-battleground" data-vars-content-id="84e00872-31ce-4827-a9b3-5af10b4a8863" data-vars-headline="Detroit LGBTQ+ chamber expands statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/18/midwest-2024-trump-election-battleground" target="_self">purple</a> state, entrepreneurs need support to grow — whether they&#x27;re in metropolitan southeast Michigan, the west side of the state or rural country in the UP.

Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait

There's a mix of optimism and skepticism ahead of planned opening of the bridge between Michigan and Ontario.

Transit

Businesses have moved from waiting to cautious preparation after Canada and the United States <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finally agreed to" data-vars-click-url="https://gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/the-gordie-howe-international-bridge-will-open-on-july-27/" data-vars-content-id="9ec6ecbd-5c72-48d2-b113-72a96fe26e98" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/the-gordie-howe-international-bridge-will-open-on-july-27/" target="_blank">finally agreed to</a> the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/26/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-windsor-plan-opening" data-vars-content-id="9ec6ecbd-5c72-48d2-b113-72a96fe26e98" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/26/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-windsor-plan-opening" target="_self">Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s</a> July 27 opening.Why it matters: A decades-long effort to build the span between Detroit and Windsor and years of construction delays were followed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="months of uncertainty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/10/trump-threat-gordie-howe-bridge-michigan-economy" data-vars-content-id="9ec6ecbd-5c72-48d2-b113-72a96fe26e98" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/10/trump-threat-gordie-howe-bridge-michigan-economy" target="_self">months of uncertainty</a> this year as President Donald Trump sought to rewrite the two countries&#x27; financial deal.

Letter to Sheffield offers glimpse into youth gathering response

A newly obtained letter reveals business concerns before the city's summer strategy was fully implemented.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership urged Mayor Mary Sheffield&#x27;s administration in May to take stronger action against troublesome youth gatherings that had raised concerns among downtown businesses, per a letter from the group obtained by Axios.Why it matters: The letter captures early anxiety around the time of highly publicized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring &quot;teen takeovers.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2026/06/inside-detroits-teen-takeovers-whats-driving-the-summer-trend.html" data-vars-content-id="009de37e-8c2a-4d8e-a409-4ce340f7773a" data-vars-headline="Letter to Sheffield offers glimpse into youth gathering response" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2026/06/inside-detroits-teen-takeovers-whats-driving-the-summer-trend.html" target="_blank">spring &quot;teen takeovers.&quot;</a>

7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works

From Waka to Hamlin Pub, here's the latest on upcoming restaurant openings.

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s a universal truth that restaurants come and go — and we&#x27;ve seen some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big closures recently" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" target="_blank">big closures recently</a>.On the flip side, we&#x27;re also waiting (im)patiently on exciting openings.Why it matters: Delays in some restaurants&#x27; opening timelines reflect the various <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">challenges</a> many small businesses face, from financing to permitting, construction and staffing difficulties.

Michigan legislators aim to ban surveillance pricing

The proposal would prohibit using personal data to raise prices for individual shoppers.

Local lawmakers want to stop corporations from using your online search history and other personal data to charge more for necessary items like airline tickets or a new baby stroller.Why it matters: More leaders around Michigan and the U.S. are interested in stopping businesses from using surveillance pricing.

New hub aims to support local filmmakers

Free workspaces, screenings and artist residencies are coming to Detroit's Little Village.

Local filmmakers are getting a new early-career support center on the east side.Why it matters: Detroit&#x27;s arts community includes a long tradition of filmmaking, but some feel there&#x27;s limited opportunity to screen local films, learn and share ideas across the industry.

Miller's Bar crowned Metro Detroit burger bracket champ

Readers picked the longtime Dearborn spot as the region's best for burgers.

The votes are in — Miller&#x27;s Bar in Dearborn triumphed as the best Metro Detroit burger in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our bracket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/23/millers-vs-mercury-best-burger-final" data-vars-content-id="8d211ec7-a6d7-4a0f-9ed2-261ca7987e51" data-vars-headline="Miller&#x27;s Bar crowned Metro Detroit burger bracket champ" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/23/millers-vs-mercury-best-burger-final" target="_self">our bracket</a>.<ul><li>Thank you to everyone who weighed in!</li></ul>

Miller's and Mercury advance to burger bracket finals

The final showdown is here. Vote before 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The finals are set for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Metro Detroit&#x27;s best burger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/22/vote-in-the-axios-detroit-burger-brackets-final-four" data-vars-content-id="28011680-a63d-47fa-8353-f6f8fae1d6c0" data-vars-headline="Miller&#x27;s and Mercury advance to burger bracket finals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/22/vote-in-the-axios-detroit-burger-brackets-final-four" target="_self">Metro Detroit&#x27;s best burger</a> — it&#x27;s Miller&#x27;s vs. Mercury.Between the lines: The final two caught us a little by surprise, but the storylines write themselves: an old-school suburban mainstay in Dearborn against a Corktown neighborhood favorite.

Business 🏦

Metro Detroit bookstores thrive despite reading slump

Ferndale weighs Amazon drone noise response

Detroit LGBTQ+ chamber expands statewide

Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait

Letter to Sheffield offers glimpse into youth gathering response