Detroit

blue

Axios Detroit Partners

Axios Detroit

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Detroit.

Axios Detroit Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Detroit Alerts

Alert

Detroit Members

Membership

A pit stop at Michigan's oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn

The New Hudson Inn is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Business

The divey New Hudson Inn in western Oakland County claims to be the oldest bar in the state, and it&#x27;s worth a visit for history buffs.The big picture: The neighborhood spot with a rich history dating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back to 1831" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" data-vars-content-id="ffef79f5-efbe-4a09-9d0f-322c380ecbd4" data-vars-headline="A pit stop at Michigan&#x27;s oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" target="_blank">back to 1831</a> is known for its burgers, jovial atmosphere and popularity with the biker crowd.

Michigan tops UConn to win NCAA title

The Wolverines used defense and transfers to secure their first title since 1989.

Sports

U-M survived a brawl with UConn Monday night, 69-63, to win the men&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college basketball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/03/michigan-arizona-final-four-2026-matchup-preview" data-vars-content-id="9a7afb30-8742-4856-b3b6-ac1b296c4ed2" data-vars-headline="Michigan tops UConn to win NCAA title" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/03/michigan-arizona-final-four-2026-matchup-preview" target="_self">college basketball</a> national championship.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first Wolverines title since 1989, snapping a four-game losing streak in the title game.

Metro Detroit small businesses weigh in on economy

Confidence is falling among small-business owners, per a recent national survey.

Some Metro Detroit business owners are echoing the economic stress felt by entrepreneurs across the country.Driving the news: Confidence among American small-business owners fell for a second consecutive quarter, according to the recently released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/small-business-index-q1-2026" data-vars-content-id="3e70fab0-836b-47da-b649-189d083e546b" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit small businesses weigh in on economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/small-business-index-q1-2026" target="_blank">U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index</a>.

What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living

STEM and skilled trades workers have higher homeownership rates here than nationally.

Real Estate

Management and business professionals are most likely to own a home in the Detroit area, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis of Census Bureau data.The big picture: Homeownership occupation trends in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area diverge from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national pattern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" data-vars-content-id="fb0d51db-90e9-49f1-92d4-c5396ae7790a" data-vars-headline="What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" target="_self">national pattern</a>, as we have higher overall rates of homeownership here among all the careers studied.

Visit the Dambo troll installations closest to Detroit

Take a road trip to see these whimsical troll sculptures.

Culture

🪑 Annalise here, sitting at my desk and dreaming about when I can go see some more trolls.The big picture: Danish artist and activist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thomas Dambo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thomasdambo.com/" data-vars-content-id="65f7ba3c-3c7b-4815-b429-b4af5f151813" data-vars-headline="Visit the Dambo troll installations closest to Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thomasdambo.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Dambo</a> has created giant troll figures out of recycled materials and wood all around the world.

In an online world, indie bookstores build third spaces

Indie bookshops are a growing retail market in Detroit and elsewhere.

For a shy, self-described &quot;booktrovert&quot; like Erin Cambron, bonding over reading is an easy way to break down barriers and connect with others.Why it matters: Indie bookstores are seeing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renewed growth" data-vars-click-url="https://parade.com/news/bookstores-are-thriving-again-defying-years-of-predictions" data-vars-content-id="9be70c3d-cc49-42b7-bc86-1bcaf8552ccf" data-vars-headline="In an online world, indie bookstores build third spaces" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://parade.com/news/bookstores-are-thriving-again-defying-years-of-predictions" target="_blank">renewed growth</a> across the country. Many see a giant chunk of that success as coming from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="community gathering" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/modern-bookstore-revival" data-vars-content-id="9be70c3d-cc49-42b7-bc86-1bcaf8552ccf" data-vars-headline="In an online world, indie bookstores build third spaces" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/modern-bookstore-revival" target="_blank">community gathering</a> these shops facilitate in our increasingly isolated world.

Clay takes center stage in Detroit this week

A major traveling ceramics event features exhibitions across the city open to the public.

Thousands of ceramicists are descending on Detroit this week for a national conference that&#x27;ll show them how the city&#x27;s arts scene is taking shape.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts" data-vars-click-url="https://nceca.net/" data-vars-content-id="10100560-4e36-4b00-a330-20f6ef992847" data-vars-headline="Clay takes center stage in Detroit this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nceca.net/" target="_blank">National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts</a> (NCECA) Wednesday-Saturday is seeing record registration numbers of over 5,000, per an email sent to attendees.

Frame Work: Soul Studio exhibition celebrates artists with special needs

"A Little Bit of Light" exhibit opens in Bloomfield Hills.

A new art exhibition in Bloomfield Hills was inspired by the quote: &quot;A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.&quot;The big picture: The artwork on display is from about a dozen artists with special needs who participate in a program called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soul Studio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.friendshipcircle.org/locations/soul_studio" data-vars-content-id="002a12ff-0c69-45c4-bae1-6c03fac2d43c" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: Soul Studio exhibition celebrates artists with special needs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.friendshipcircle.org/locations/soul_studio" target="_blank">Soul Studio</a>.

Frame Work: Detroit art exhibition dives into our curious brains

"Neuroplasticity IV" is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit.

Viewers of a new art exhibition are more than spectators — they&#x27;re active participants winding through terrain that mirrors how our brains work.The big picture: Multidisciplinary artist Jamie Wineman&#x27;s &quot;Neuroplasticity IV: Fragmented Reality&quot; is on display at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mm-o-dd.org/" data-vars-content-id="edd8ac23-e9fc-4cbb-a024-40e775309a2d" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: Detroit art exhibition dives into our curious brains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mm-o-dd.org/" target="_blank">Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit</a>, near Cass Technical High School and I-75.

Sheffield settles into historic Manoogian Mansion

Detroit's new mayor is the first female officeholder to reside in the mayor's residence.

Politics

As Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first female mayor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="0b36d00e-8a09-4112-99de-90e342077c6d" data-vars-headline="Sheffield settles into historic Manoogian Mansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" target="_self">first female mayor</a>, Mary Sheffield has become the first female officeholder to reside at the mayoral Manoogian Mansion.State of play: Sheffield has officially moved into the iconic home along the east riverfront in the Berry subdivision, a city spokesperson confirmed to Axios.

Detroit Chinatown revival moves toward construction

New plans show wider sidewalks, lantern lighting and public art for Peterboro Street.

News

Detroit&#x27;s long-planned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chinatown revival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/26/chinatown-revival-cass-corridor" data-vars-content-id="8b4c956e-7732-4541-bb02-d395e53baaff" data-vars-headline="Detroit Chinatown revival moves toward construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/26/chinatown-revival-cass-corridor" target="_self">Chinatown revival</a> is moving closer to construction, with new designs for Peterboro Street as a year-round cultural destination.Why it matters: Axios Detroit has followed this effort from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 demolition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/07/24/detroit-historic-chinatown-building-demolition" data-vars-content-id="8b4c956e-7732-4541-bb02-d395e53baaff" data-vars-headline="Detroit Chinatown revival moves toward construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/07/24/detroit-historic-chinatown-building-demolition" target="_self">2023 demolition</a> of the Chinese Merchants Association building to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1 million state appropriation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/07/30/asian-american-leaders-celebrate-1m-chinatown-appropriation" data-vars-content-id="8b4c956e-7732-4541-bb02-d395e53baaff" data-vars-headline="Detroit Chinatown revival moves toward construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/07/30/asian-american-leaders-celebrate-1m-chinatown-appropriation" target="_self">$1 million state appropriation</a> to Midtown Detroit Inc. that followed.

Black History Month weekend events in Metro Detroit

Museums and libraries host performances, talks and workshops across the region.

Things to Do

Black History Month closes with a weekend of cultural events across Detroit and Metro Detroit.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Wright Museum of African American History" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thewright.org/events/wright-performances-just-and-blind" data-vars-content-id="fb0ec13a-5d7b-4926-a881-ababece8d818" data-vars-headline="Black History Month weekend events in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thewright.org/events/wright-performances-just-and-blind" target="_blank">The Wright Museum of African American History</a>: Check out The Just and the Blind, a multimedia performance exploring racial profiling and the prison-industrial complex.

Wayne State professor's new book digs into race and space in Detroit

The book explores race, borders and power in the city's recovery.

A new book about race, place and Detroit&#x27;s revitalization examines how narratives about the city&#x27;s recovery from bankruptcy may benefit outsiders while marginalizing residents.Why it matters: In &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Never Left: Black Space, White Borders, Latino Crossings" data-vars-click-url="https://nyupress.org/9781479826827/detroit-never-left/" data-vars-content-id="39ea950a-fba5-4bf4-846f-81263468fa18" data-vars-headline="Wayne State professor&#x27;s new book digs into race and space in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nyupress.org/9781479826827/detroit-never-left/" target="_blank">Detroit Never Left: Black Space, White Borders, Latino Crossings</a>,&quot; author <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nicole Trujillo-Pagán" data-vars-click-url="https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/bb3729" data-vars-content-id="39ea950a-fba5-4bf4-846f-81263468fa18" data-vars-headline="Wayne State professor&#x27;s new book digs into race and space in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/bb3729" target="_blank">Nicole Trujillo-Pagán</a> aims to challenge the city&#x27;s corporate-driven story.

Frame Work: "Friendly Fire" delves into police narratives

The Irwin House exhibition looks at the past, present and future of law enforcement.

A new photo exhibition at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Irwin House Gallery" data-vars-click-url="https://irwinhousegallery.org/" data-vars-content-id="8b8e15d2-c367-4ee7-b53c-75809ec6a950" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: &quot;Friendly Fire&quot; delves into police narratives" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://irwinhousegallery.org/" target="_blank">Irwin House Gallery</a> examines decades of Detroit policing through the perspective of a former detective who learned difficult truths about the criminal justice system.State of play: &quot;Friendly Fire,&quot; from Detroit native artist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Khary Mason" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kharymasonstudio.com/" data-vars-content-id="8b8e15d2-c367-4ee7-b53c-75809ec6a950" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: &quot;Friendly Fire&quot; delves into police narratives" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kharymasonstudio.com/" target="_blank">Khary Mason</a>, reflects his experiences on both sides of the law.