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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.

Michigan confronts AI election deepfakes

A patchwork of state laws means voters face different rules for political deepfakes.

Politics

AI-generated attack ads and campaign content are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rampant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/16/ai-deepfake-ads-campaigns-midterms" data-vars-content-id="cfc7a484-967e-4c48-94c2-18a30f4563d2" data-vars-headline="Michigan confronts AI election deepfakes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/16/ai-deepfake-ads-campaigns-midterms" target="_self">rampant</a> leading up to the midterms.Why it matters: More use of AI makes it harder for voters to determine fact from fiction, per the state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Attorney General" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection/election-protection-2026/protecting-michigan-voters-from-ai-generated-election-misinformation" data-vars-content-id="cfc7a484-967e-4c48-94c2-18a30f4563d2" data-vars-headline="Michigan confronts AI election deepfakes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection/election-protection-2026/protecting-michigan-voters-from-ai-generated-election-misinformation" target="_blank">Department of Attorney General</a>.

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.

Readers slam U-M's grade-covering plan

Readers say the plan could weaken motivation and preparation for working life.

Education

Last week, we asked for your thoughts on U-M&#x27;s new &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grade covering" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/11/umich-freshmen-first-semester-grades" data-vars-content-id="8b9c8fd2-39d7-4745-be7c-19c0bb8eb53a" data-vars-headline="Readers slam U-M&#x27;s grade-covering plan" 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/umich-freshmen-first-semester-grades" target="_self">grade covering</a>&quot; pilot program to help freshmen better acclimate to college.Catch up quick: Tentatively beginning in fall 2027, first-semester letter grades on some freshmen&#x27;s transcripts will be replaced with pass/no-credit marks.

Albert Kahn map tops 600 buildings

An upgraded interactive map traces Kahn's work from Detroit to Russia.

Albert Kahn&#x27;s architectural footprint is now easier to explore, with an upgraded interactive map cataloging more than 600 structures designed by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="famed Detroit architect" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/29/kahn-cigar-factory-for-sale" data-vars-content-id="17492fc5-8cf6-428d-a7c8-ac83578a9ecd" data-vars-headline="Albert Kahn map tops 600 buildings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/29/kahn-cigar-factory-for-sale" target="_self">famed Detroit architect</a>.Why it matters: Kahn helped define Detroit&#x27;s industrial and architectural identity.

Detroit art show explores animal relationships

The free exhibition will also host a pet adoption event.

The non-human stars of our lives are on display at Detroit Artists Market in Midtown.The big picture: In the art exhibition &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Friends: Furry &amp; Fictional" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitartistsmarket.org/2026/07/01/friends-furry-and-fictional/" data-vars-content-id="cdd2c1bd-e6cd-48e3-b27b-808c06c35a4f" data-vars-headline="Detroit art show explores animal relationships" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitartistsmarket.org/2026/07/01/friends-furry-and-fictional/" target="_blank">Friends: Furry &amp; Fictional</a>,&quot; 15 artists explore the relationships between people and animals.

Detroit remembers techno icon Collins

John Collins left an impactful legacy as a longtime DJ, historian and mentor.

Detroit is grieving the loss of techno legend John &quot;Jammin&#x27;&quot; Collins, who left a legacy as a longtime DJ, historian and mentor.The announcement of Collins&#x27; death came Sunday from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Techno Militia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/detroittechnomilitia/posts/1607154914302822?ref=embed_post" data-vars-content-id="a46dab7d-26da-48a0-9532-7035189a19f7" data-vars-headline="Detroit remembers techno icon Collins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/detroittechnomilitia/posts/1607154914302822?ref=embed_post" target="_blank">Detroit Techno Militia</a>, a local DJ and producer collective.

Frame Work: It's summer at Detroit's contemporary art museum

Three new exhibitions run through Sept. 20.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://mocadetroit.org/" data-vars-content-id="4070424b-6d94-40ea-8c25-ca469357af1d" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: It&#x27;s summer at Detroit&#x27;s contemporary art museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mocadetroit.org/" target="_blank">Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit</a> is celebrating summer with three new exhibitions starting Saturday.Why it matters: The shows, meant to reflect how complex life is, come after the contemporary art museum reopened in late April following an extensive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renovation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/20/mocad-renovation-2025-2026-contemporary-art-museum" data-vars-content-id="4070424b-6d94-40ea-8c25-ca469357af1d" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: It&#x27;s summer at Detroit&#x27;s contemporary art museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/20/mocad-renovation-2025-2026-contemporary-art-museum" target="_self">renovation</a>.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: July 10-12

Pig races, music under the stars, the African World Festival and more.

Things to Do

🌃 Music under the stars for free at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Woodbridge Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCKYA/posts/10163941615598964/" data-vars-content-id="14645456-f92c-4277-a301-05bd68fb414f" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: July 10-12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCKYA/posts/10163941615598964/" target="_blank">Woodbridge Pub</a>.<ul><li>5-9pm Fridays and Saturdays through the end of August.</li></ul>🚶 Learn something you didn&#x27;t know about Detroit&#x27;s riverfront on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free walking tour" data-vars-click-url="https://tockify.com/detroitparks/detail/528/1783778400000?startms=1783656000000" data-vars-content-id="14645456-f92c-4277-a301-05bd68fb414f" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: July 10-12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tockify.com/detroitparks/detail/528/1783778400000?startms=1783656000000" target="_blank">free walking tour</a> starting at Ralph Wilson Park.<ul><li>10-11am Saturday.</li></ul>

Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair

A successful first fair helped the Detroit artist launch a full-time ceramics business.

For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit artist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" target="_self">Detroit artist</a> Genevieve VanZandt, the Ann Arbor Art Fair proved she could make a living as a full-time artist.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="VanZandt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" target="_blank">VanZandt</a> is among dozens of Detroit-area artists at this month&#x27;s fair — one of the country&#x27;s largest and among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several upcoming fairs across the region" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" target="_self">several upcoming fairs across the region</a>.

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.