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Dolly Parton's impact in Michigan and across the country

As tributes roll in, the performer's legacy stretches wide.

Culture

An outpouring of tributes from local musicians followed Dolly Parton&#x27;s death Tuesday at 80, including from Eminem, who shared a heartfelt <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="letter she wrote him" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/people/2026/08/25/eminem-and-other-detroit-musicians-honor-dolly-parton-on-social-media/91465418007/" data-vars-content-id="8e340cb5-8fc9-4a71-a802-fc10ea239c37" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton&#x27;s impact in Michigan and across the country" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/people/2026/08/25/eminem-and-other-detroit-musicians-honor-dolly-parton-on-social-media/91465418007/" target="_blank">letter she wrote him</a>.

Detroit's freight boom puts truck rules to the test

A terminal expansion could put Detroit's new truck restrictions to the test.

News

More trucks are expected at a major Southwest Detroit freight terminal as it expands — testing the city&#x27;s recent progress <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="keeping them off neighborhood streets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/02/truck-traffic-restrictions-southwest-ban" data-vars-content-id="1658d881-c715-437a-8152-156372eacd92" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s freight boom puts truck rules to the test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/02/truck-traffic-restrictions-southwest-ban" target="_self">keeping them off neighborhood streets</a>.Why it matters: Southwest Detroit residents have endured decades of heavy truck traffic that brings noise, pollution and safety concerns to residential streets.

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.

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.

RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism

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

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.

A bridge, a bear and unicycles: Biking the Gordie Howe on Day 1

An Axios reporter traversed the bridge on opening day, talking with locals.

Development

🚲 Annalise here. On Wednesday morning, two wheels <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="took me" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="82732f90-2042-4f89-a66d-b08111e6c621" data-vars-headline="A bridge, a bear and unicycles: Biking the Gordie Howe on Day 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" target="_self">took me</a> to another country and back.Why it matters: Canadians and Americans marveled together while traversing the Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s free, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-awaited" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="82732f90-2042-4f89-a66d-b08111e6c621" data-vars-headline="A bridge, a bear and unicycles: Biking the Gordie Howe on Day 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" target="_self">long-awaited</a> pedestrian and cycling pathway for the first time.

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.

Detroit hands solar projects to DTE

The transfer prevents further delays, but also presents a costly and controversial change.

Environment

Detroit City Council approved a plan to transfer three neighborhood <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solar projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/07/10/detroit-city-council-considers-neighborhood-solar-fields" data-vars-content-id="2713fa34-62bc-466f-9606-8d3c61ef8341" data-vars-headline="Detroit hands solar projects to DTE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/07/10/detroit-city-council-considers-neighborhood-solar-fields" target="_self">solar projects</a> to DTE Energy&#x27;s purview.The big picture: The switch away from Boston-based contractor Lightstar Renewables is needed so the solar developments can move forward without further delay, city officials say.

Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters

Construction could begin this summer as fundraising tops 70% of goal.

Detroit PBS is preparing to break ground on its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-planned headquarters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/07/30/detroit-pbs-headquarters-move-funding-cuts" data-vars-content-id="2366a298-8b0a-4f65-ae68-df1fda9ca48b" data-vars-headline="Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/07/30/detroit-pbs-headquarters-move-funding-cuts" target="_self">long-planned headquarters</a> in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood with fundraising support following last year&#x27;s federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public media cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/07/22/wdet-faces-federal-funding-cuts" data-vars-content-id="2366a298-8b0a-4f65-ae68-df1fda9ca48b" data-vars-headline="Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/07/22/wdet-faces-federal-funding-cuts" target="_self">public media cuts</a>.Why it matters: The project will bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit PBS" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitpbs.org/" data-vars-content-id="2366a298-8b0a-4f65-ae68-df1fda9ca48b" data-vars-headline="Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/" target="_blank">Detroit PBS</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="90.9 WRCJ" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wrcjfm.org/" data-vars-content-id="2366a298-8b0a-4f65-ae68-df1fda9ca48b" data-vars-headline="Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wrcjfm.org/" target="_blank">90.9 WRCJ</a>, a classical and jazz station, under the same roof for the first time, creating a new space for public media programming and community events.

CPA Building on the market again in Corktown

The building near Michigan Central is for sale for $2.5 million.

Real Estate

It feels like the right time to try again to sell the long-vacant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CPA Building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/18/cancer-survivors-sought-for-portraits-planned-on-corktown-building" data-vars-content-id="93277ae7-360b-4eeb-9971-dca5faa935af" data-vars-headline="CPA Building on the market again in Corktown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/18/cancer-survivors-sought-for-portraits-planned-on-corktown-building" target="_self">CPA Building</a> on a well-known corner of Corktown, ownership representative Robert Zalkin tells Axios.The big picture: The wedge-shaped, six-story building across from Michigan Central is now listed for $2.5 million by O&#x27;Connor Real Estate in the quick-changing, price-rising neighborhood near downtown.

Detroit neighborhood solar projects seek shift to DTE

The switch could raise costs, but help avoid more delays.

Detroit plans to transfer three neighborhood <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solar projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/07/10/detroit-city-council-considers-neighborhood-solar-fields" data-vars-content-id="fe1c4028-fc9f-4759-98f6-7e7acbbbb730" data-vars-headline="Detroit neighborhood solar projects seek shift to DTE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/07/10/detroit-city-council-considers-neighborhood-solar-fields" target="_self">solar projects</a> to DTE Energy after its original Boston-based contractor exited solar development following a private-equity acquisition.Why it matters: The switch from Lightstar Renewables will likely involve higher costs, though a final price tag isn&#x27;t known yet.

Detroit City Chatter: New civil rights hire

Plus, more additions to an influential economic development board.

Politics

Welcome back to our weekly city policy roundup.💼 Hiring news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jade Mathis" data-vars-click-url="https://jadeemathis.com/" data-vars-content-id="b6d1e066-446f-4fc3-93d2-0b6321f3503f" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: New civil rights hire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jadeemathis.com/" target="_blank">Jade Mathis</a>, a civil rights attorney, public speaker and mental health advocate, is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next director" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitmi.gov/news/mayor-mary-sheffield-appoints-jade-e-mathis-director-civil-rights-inclusion-opportunity-megan" data-vars-content-id="b6d1e066-446f-4fc3-93d2-0b6321f3503f" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: New civil rights hire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitmi.gov/news/mayor-mary-sheffield-appoints-jade-e-mathis-director-civil-rights-inclusion-opportunity-megan" target="_blank">next director</a> of Detroit&#x27;s Civil Rights, Inclusion &amp; Opportunity Department. Much of her past work has focused on criminal justice reform.

Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building

Cancer survivors, family members and caregivers are sought for portraits on the historic CPA Building.

Health

An arts nonprofit is still seeking participants for a public art exhibition in Corktown featuring 103 portraits of local cancer survivors and family members.The big picture: Grand Rapids-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lions &amp; Rabbits Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lionsandrabbits.com/placemaking/detroit" data-vars-content-id="57be8e61-7a3b-45c1-8161-e09f728867dc" data-vars-headline="Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lionsandrabbits.com/placemaking/detroit" target="_blank">Lions &amp; Rabbits Center</a> plans to install prints of hand-painted portraits on the wedge-shaped CPA Building at a prominent corner of Michigan Avenue, across from Michigan Central.

Detroit hotel boom aims to attract more events

More than 1,600 new hotel rooms are planned across downtown.

Business

Downtown&#x27;s hotel pipeline is ramping up to attract more events and conventions.Why it matters: More than 1,600 new hotel rooms are slated to come online — about a 25% increase from today&#x27;s roughly 6,000 rooms, per Visit Detroit.<ul><li>The added capacity will help the city attract major events beyond next year&#x27;s NCAA men&#x27;s Final Four at Ford Field, tourism officials say.</li></ul>

Development 🏗️

RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism

A bridge, a bear and unicycles: Biking the Gordie Howe on Day 1

New hub aims to support local filmmakers

Detroit hands solar projects to DTE

Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters