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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.

Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate

Officials question whether zoning changes alone will lower housing costs.

News

A plan to ease <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/down-payment-metro-detroit-house-home-mortgage" data-vars-content-id="4dd18359-3e1f-4e70-a8c0-605e1059ddbf" data-vars-headline="Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/down-payment-metro-detroit-house-home-mortgage" target="_self">housing costs</a> by loosening zoning rules is drawing pushback from local officials and planners, who say the approach alone won&#x27;t guarantee affordability.Why it matters: Michigan faces a significant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/03/michigan-is-short-195000-housing-units-for-low-income-renters-report-shows.html" data-vars-content-id="4dd18359-3e1f-4e70-a8c0-605e1059ddbf" data-vars-headline="Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/03/michigan-is-short-195000-housing-units-for-low-income-renters-report-shows.html" target="_blank">housing shortage</a>, with rising prices pushing first-time buyers out of the market.

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

Events April 10-12, including a clothing swap festival, vendor fair and giant car show.

Things to Do

🏒 Cheer on the Red Wings for the final time at Little Caesars Arena this season.<ul><li>5pm Saturday. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Resale tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/080062EAAC852CC4?brand=redwings&amp;artistid=805938&amp;wt.mc_id=NHL_TEAM_DET_SCHEDULE_GM41&amp;utm_source=NHL.com&amp;utm_medium=client&amp;utm_campaign=NHL_TEAM_DET&amp;utm_content=SCHEDULE_GM41&amp;_gl=1*1krhd14*_ga*MTc0NDAwMzU4Ny4xNzYyODc3MjAy*_ga_XZHCNEQSGP*czE3NzU3NjA2NjEkbzQzJGcwJHQxNzc1NzYwNjYxJGo2MCRsMCRoMA.." data-vars-content-id="2fc15005-dac1-45d4-a790-994a8631635d" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: April 10-12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/080062EAAC852CC4?brand=redwings&amp;artistid=805938&amp;wt.mc_id=NHL_TEAM_DET_SCHEDULE_GM41&amp;utm_source=NHL.com&amp;utm_medium=client&amp;utm_campaign=NHL_TEAM_DET&amp;utm_content=SCHEDULE_GM41&amp;_gl=1*1krhd14*_ga*MTc0NDAwMzU4Ny4xNzYyODc3MjAy*_ga_XZHCNEQSGP*czE3NzU3NjA2NjEkbzQzJGcwJHQxNzc1NzYwNjYxJGo2MCRsMCRoMA.." target="_blank">Resale tickets</a> start at around $84.</li></ul>🛍️ Shop local for handmade goods, treats and home decor at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="All Things Detroit Day" data-vars-click-url="https://events.allthingsticketing.com/events/ATDDAY2026" data-vars-content-id="2fc15005-dac1-45d4-a790-994a8631635d" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: April 10-12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://events.allthingsticketing.com/events/ATDDAY2026" target="_blank">All Things Detroit Day</a> at Eastern Market.

Mapped: How Metro Detroit electric bills stack up

Energy costs are climbing, with gas prices and rate hikes adding pressure on households.

Money

Wayne County residents spend an estimated average of $131 per month on their home electric bills, per an Axios analysis of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://electricity.heatmap.news/" data-vars-content-id="22d7916e-9b84-4895-933e-ae16b13349e8" data-vars-headline="Mapped: How Metro Detroit electric bills stack up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://electricity.heatmap.news/" target="_blank">data</a> collected and shared by climate newsroom Heatmap News.Why it matters: Tensions over rising energy bills and power-hungry AI data centers are emerging as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="key political issue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/data-centers-midterms-state-bans-bills-ai" data-vars-content-id="22d7916e-9b84-4895-933e-ae16b13349e8" data-vars-headline="Mapped: How Metro Detroit electric bills stack up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/data-centers-midterms-state-bans-bills-ai" target="_self">key political issue</a> nationwide and should be a potent force in this year&#x27;s midterms.

Wayne State opens free tuition program to transfers

Eligible transfer students can now get two years of tuition covered at Wayne State.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wayne State&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/25/wayne-state-richard-bierschbach-president" data-vars-content-id="8378d76a-d39a-4558-b732-89549ccda2e8" data-vars-headline="Wayne State opens free tuition program to transfers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/25/wayne-state-richard-bierschbach-president" target="_self">Wayne State&#x27;s</a> free tuition program will be extended to transfer students this fall for the first time.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wayne State Guarantee" data-vars-click-url="https://wayne.edu/admissions/guarantee" data-vars-content-id="8378d76a-d39a-4558-b732-89549ccda2e8" data-vars-headline="Wayne State opens free tuition program to transfers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wayne.edu/admissions/guarantee" target="_blank">Wayne State Guarantee</a> was launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in 2023" data-vars-click-url="https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/wayne-state-launches-free-tuition-program-lower-income-students/" data-vars-content-id="8378d76a-d39a-4558-b732-89549ccda2e8" data-vars-headline="Wayne State opens free tuition program to transfers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/wayne-state-launches-free-tuition-program-lower-income-students/" target="_blank">in 2023</a> to open more higher education opportunities to lower income new students.

UM's Detroit innovation center advances toward 2027 opening

The $250M development is rising downtown and set to open in fall 2027.

Education

The University of Michigan&#x27;s prominent graduate school and research center, which broke ground over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two years ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/12/15/university-michigan-center-for-innovation-break-ground-detroit" data-vars-content-id="6e19a3ec-b76f-40b9-bf93-3d722e7fdc8e" data-vars-headline="UM&#x27;s Detroit innovation center advances toward 2027 opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/12/15/university-michigan-center-for-innovation-break-ground-detroit" target="_self">two years ago</a>, is still on track to open next year.Why it matters: When it opens in fall 2027, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Michigan Center for Innovation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/03/28/new-director-shares-vision-for-u-of-m-innovation-center-umci" data-vars-content-id="6e19a3ec-b76f-40b9-bf93-3d722e7fdc8e" data-vars-headline="UM&#x27;s Detroit innovation center advances toward 2027 opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/03/28/new-director-shares-vision-for-u-of-m-innovation-center-umci" target="_self">University of Michigan Center for Innovation</a> (UMCI) aims to offer new, multidisciplinary education unique to the Detroit campus.

Wayne State names Richard Bierschbach president

The Board of Governors elevated the interim leader after months of searching.

Wayne State promoted interim president Richard Bierschbach to be the university&#x27;s 14th president Tuesday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Detroit News reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2026/02/24/wayne-state-university-surprise-choice-interim-president-richard-bierschbach/88832244007/" data-vars-content-id="db7aa51a-5932-4f0e-bcd0-afdf98a431f2" data-vars-headline="Wayne State names Richard Bierschbach president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2026/02/24/wayne-state-university-surprise-choice-interim-president-richard-bierschbach/88832244007/" target="_blank">the Detroit News reported</a>.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s third-biggest university, located in the heart of Detroit, has been searching for a new leader since former president Kimberly Andrews Espy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resigned in September" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/article_635485f6-c01c-4adc-a989-5655021a457d.html" data-vars-content-id="db7aa51a-5932-4f0e-bcd0-afdf98a431f2" data-vars-headline="Wayne State names Richard Bierschbach president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/article_635485f6-c01c-4adc-a989-5655021a457d.html" target="_blank">resigned in September</a>.

Michigan edges toward school phone restrictions

A House bill would limit students' smartphone use in class.

Michigan is closer to passing statewide restrictions on cellphones in schools after lawmakers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rejected the idea last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/20/michigan-school-phone-ban-rejected-schools" data-vars-content-id="8518a7fb-224d-4202-b710-50ea11c9ff63" data-vars-headline="Michigan edges toward school phone restrictions" 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/michigan-school-phone-ban-rejected-schools" target="_self">rejected the idea last summer</a>.Driving the news: The Michigan House last week passed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HB 4141" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4141" data-vars-content-id="8518a7fb-224d-4202-b710-50ea11c9ff63" data-vars-headline="Michigan edges toward school phone restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4141" target="_blank">HB 4141</a>, which would prohibit K-12 public school students from using smartphones during instruction time.

Cass Tech's century-old harp program hits a high note

The school says it has the longest-running harp program at any public school in the U.S.

<figure><img alt="Students pictured playing harp" height="450" id="b0af8c60-9206-407a-81d2-2c4d50e50015" src="https://images.axios.com/srZarn-qoUjQy0qu6HDl-3lcz9g=/2025/12/12/1765563179723.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Ninth grade students (from right) Jillian Jones and James Johnson play harp. Video: Annalise Frank/Axios</figcaption></figure>Students quietly plucking harp strings in a Cass Technical High School classroom are following in the footsteps of a century&#x27;s worth of peers.Why it matters: Storied Cass Tech is commemorating this fall the 100th anniversary of its harp program, which it says is the longest-running at any public school in the U.S.

College degree still drives higher pay in Detroit

Adults with degrees earn far more than peers without college education.

College remains a gateway to higher pay in Metro Detroit and beyond, an analysis of federal data shows.Why it matters: The earnings data stands in stark contrast with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national polling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/college-jobs-gallup-ai" data-vars-content-id="c05b2ac8-0a01-4eee-954d-43b9da182f03" data-vars-headline="College degree still drives higher pay in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/college-jobs-gallup-ai" target="_self">new national polling</a> that shows Americans are much less likely to think higher education is &quot;very important.&quot;

Wayne State board eyes leadership shake-up

Faculty and board members are questioning president Espy's leadership.

Wayne State&#x27;s board and some of the university&#x27;s faculty are planning to oust university president Kimberly Andrews Espy, the Detroit News <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2025/09/11/wayne-state-board-governors-to-oust-president-kimberly-andrews-espy-by-resignation-or-firing/86054758007/" data-vars-content-id="79d3e5f5-33b9-460f-a11e-ae76435cef1a" data-vars-headline="Wayne State board eyes leadership shake-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2025/09/11/wayne-state-board-governors-to-oust-president-kimberly-andrews-espy-by-resignation-or-firing/86054758007/" target="_blank">reports</a>.The big picture: Anonymous sources outlined the board&#x27;s displeasure with Espy&#x27;s leadership, including a lack of communication when a medical school dean was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="placed on paid leave" data-vars-click-url="https://arabamericannews.com/2025/08/23/wayne-state-medical-school-dean-dr-wael-sakr-placed-on-paid-administrative-leave-reasons-unclear/" data-vars-content-id="79d3e5f5-33b9-460f-a11e-ae76435cef1a" data-vars-headline="Wayne State board eyes leadership shake-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arabamericannews.com/2025/08/23/wayne-state-medical-school-dean-dr-wael-sakr-placed-on-paid-administrative-leave-reasons-unclear/" target="_blank">placed on paid leave</a> in August and a belief that Espy should be more involved in Wayne State&#x27;s community, per the News.

New year, big shifts for Detroit schools

Schools reopen Monday amid policy changes, budget gaps and attendance incentives.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit public schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/20/michigan-school-phone-ban-rejected-schools" data-vars-content-id="dc518ab0-d973-4640-a06d-be33d431d73e" data-vars-headline="New year, big shifts for Detroit schools" 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/michigan-school-phone-ban-rejected-schools" target="_self">Detroit public schools</a> begin the 2025-26 academic year Monday.Whether your kids are in school or you haven&#x27;t followed school news in years, here&#x27;s what to know.

Lawmakers reject Michigan school phone ban

Detroit schools ban phones in class, but lawmakers have said no to a statewide policy.

Detroit students are headed back to school Monday with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rules banning cell phones" data-vars-click-url="https://go.boarddocs.com/mi/detroit/Board.nsf/goto?open&amp;id=CEAQ5E63C058" data-vars-content-id="bee67f52-56a7-41bd-a302-9594e5c7fbcd" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers reject Michigan school phone ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://go.boarddocs.com/mi/detroit/Board.nsf/goto?open&amp;id=CEAQ5E63C058" target="_blank">rules banning cell phones</a> during class in place, but that&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="not the case" data-vars-click-url="https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/school-cell-phone-bans-are-spreading-michigan-next/" data-vars-content-id="bee67f52-56a7-41bd-a302-9594e5c7fbcd" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers reject Michigan school phone ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/school-cell-phone-bans-are-spreading-michigan-next/" target="_blank">not the case</a> in all Michigan districts.Why it matters: Cell phones are an obvious distraction for students and teachers, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing momentum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/06/school-phone-bans-dc-map-bipartisan" data-vars-content-id="bee67f52-56a7-41bd-a302-9594e5c7fbcd" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers reject Michigan school phone ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/06/school-phone-bans-dc-map-bipartisan" target="_self">growing momentum</a> for keeping them out of the classroom.

New initiative looks to expand youth arts access

A new partnership aims to expand children's access to the arts.

Detroit kids are poised to have better access to arts education through a collaborative effort with federal funding and buy-in from Henry Ford Health.Why it matters: Visual arts, storytelling, music and other forms unlock artistic potential in children beyond those pursuing art as a career.

Education 📚

Wayne State opens free tuition program to transfers

UM's Detroit innovation center advances toward 2027 opening

Wayne State names Richard Bierschbach president

Michigan edges toward school phone restrictions

Cass Tech's century-old harp program hits a high note