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Vacant Birmingham gas station site gets $8M makeover

A long-vacant property will become InvestWise Financial's new headquarters.

Business

A long-vacant former gas station site at Woodward and Quarton in Birmingham is getting an $8 million makeover to become a local company&#x27;s headquarters.Why it matters: The highly visible property near Birmingham&#x27;s border with Bloomfield Hills has sat undeveloped for decades, in part because of the cost and complexity of cleaning up the site.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Sept. 11-13

Dally in the Alley, the Old Car Festival and more.

Things to Do

🚗 Cars made between 1890 and 1932 will be on display for the 75th year at The Henry Ford museum for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Old Car Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/things-to-do/calendar/old-car-festival" data-vars-content-id="83768af3-8d3e-40bd-863a-ce16c7aa60f6" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Sept. 11-13" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/things-to-do/calendar/old-car-festival" target="_blank">Old Car Festival</a>, 9:30am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.<ul><li>Included with Greenfield Village <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="admission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/plan-your-visit/admission" data-vars-content-id="83768af3-8d3e-40bd-863a-ce16c7aa60f6" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Sept. 11-13" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/plan-your-visit/admission" target="_blank">admission</a>: $39 daily pass online.</li></ul>

Michigan braces for fall tick surge

Blacklegged ticks enter another peak activity period this fall.

News

This year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tick season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/01/be-prepared-this-tick-season-in-michigan" data-vars-content-id="0659705a-5aba-4497-a19a-effebacf0520" data-vars-headline="Michigan braces for fall tick surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/01/be-prepared-this-tick-season-in-michigan" target="_self">tick season</a> has been a doozy — and another surge is coming in the fall.Why it matters: Tick bites can pose serious health risks, transmitting pathogens that cause illnesses including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lyme disease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/04/lyme-disease-symptoms-treatment" data-vars-content-id="0659705a-5aba-4497-a19a-effebacf0520" data-vars-headline="Michigan braces for fall tick surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/04/lyme-disease-symptoms-treatment" target="_self">Lyme disease</a> and triggering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alpha-gal syndrome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/alpha-gal-ags-tick-meat-allergy-cases" data-vars-content-id="0659705a-5aba-4497-a19a-effebacf0520" data-vars-headline="Michigan braces for fall tick surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/alpha-gal-ags-tick-meat-allergy-cases" target="_self">alpha-gal syndrome</a>, an allergy to red meat.

Rocket extends Lions deal for five years

The new five-year deal adds fan content and a charitable tie-in.

Rocket is extending its longtime sponsorship of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/15/lions-slate-revealed" data-vars-content-id="bb963aa5-b2bc-49ea-9d02-1d3633dc15cb" data-vars-headline="Rocket extends Lions deal for five years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/15/lions-slate-revealed" target="_self">Lions</a> for another five years, with a bigger focus on engaging fans beyond traditional sports advertising.Why it matters: As the Lions&#x27; fortunes have risen, so has competition among companies seeking to associate themselves with one of Detroit&#x27;s most prominent brands.

El-Sayed bests Stevens in Senate primary

The race remained too close to call overnight, and was called late Wednesday morning.

Michigan Democrats chose the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progressive path" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/14/stevens-el-sayed-democratic-senate-primary" data-vars-content-id="761bdbb9-8e4f-4eb5-b29a-01883c20284a" data-vars-headline="El-Sayed bests Stevens in Senate primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/14/stevens-el-sayed-democratic-senate-primary" target="_self">progressive path</a> in Tuesday&#x27;s election, nominating Abdul El-Sayed after months of relentless campaigning and one of the country&#x27;s most closely watched Democratic primaries.Why it matters: Democrats nationwide treated Michigan as a proving ground for the party&#x27;s progressive candidates. The results will influence how candidates, donors and strategists think about this fall&#x27;s battleground races — and the fight to lead the party into 2028.

Your Michigan primary day guide

Poll times, ID rules, registration and absentee ballot deadlines.

Months of campaigning, TV ads and social media posts have all led to this: Michigan&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" data-vars-content-id="393c7e3c-d701-4cc1-8187-b65f8e87031f" data-vars-headline="Your Michigan primary day guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" target="_self">primary election</a> is Tuesday.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic U.S. Senate primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/14/stevens-el-sayed-democratic-senate-primary" data-vars-content-id="393c7e3c-d701-4cc1-8187-b65f8e87031f" data-vars-headline="Your Michigan primary day guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/14/stevens-el-sayed-democratic-senate-primary" target="_self">Democratic U.S. Senate primary</a> between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed is one of the nation&#x27;s most closely watched races.

What Michigan primary voters need to know

Find early voting, absentee ballot and registration information before you vote.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" data-vars-content-id="8687e737-ed01-4090-b338-7f91a27a701b" data-vars-headline="What Michigan primary voters need to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" target="_self">primary season</a> and voters only have a few weeks left before the election.Why it matters: The Aug. 4 primary will determine which Democratic and Republican candidates advance to November&#x27;s general election.

Stevens and El-Sayed battle for Senate in Michigan

Stevens has consolidated support from the Democratic establishment, while El-Sayed has rallied a progressive grassroots coalition.

Michigan Democrats are about to choose between two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="competing visions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/haley-stevens-michigan-senate-mcmorrow-el-sayed" data-vars-content-id="e3940ed5-371b-4bd5-8311-9a8f4278a282" data-vars-headline="Stevens and El-Sayed battle for Senate in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/haley-stevens-michigan-senate-mcmorrow-el-sayed" target="_self">competing visions</a> for the Democratic Party.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aug. 4 primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/08/doj-monitor-polls-michigan-primary" data-vars-content-id="e3940ed5-371b-4bd5-8311-9a8f4278a282" data-vars-headline="Stevens and El-Sayed battle for Senate in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/08/doj-monitor-polls-michigan-primary" target="_self">Aug. 4 primary</a> is only the first hurdle. Michigan has one of the country&#x27;s most consequential Senate races, with control of the chamber at stake.

DOJ to monitor Detroit polls during Michigan primary

Federal election monitors are returning and prompting state criticism.

The U.S. Department of Justice is again sending election monitors to Detroit to assess compliance with federal voting rights laws, this time for Michigan&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aug. 4 primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/07/primary-debate-michigan-governor-senate-2026-candidates" data-vars-content-id="18c46bac-63d5-4750-b108-941a316ed6c5" data-vars-headline="DOJ to monitor Detroit polls during Michigan primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/07/primary-debate-michigan-governor-senate-2026-candidates" target="_self">Aug. 4 primary</a>.Why it matters: Most voters are unlikely to notice any difference at the polls. But the Justice Department&#x27;s decision to monitor the primary has become a flash point in Michigan&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broader debate over election administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/04/20/justice-department-asks-wayne-county-to-turn-over-ballots-from-presidential-election/" data-vars-content-id="18c46bac-63d5-4750-b108-941a316ed6c5" data-vars-headline="DOJ to monitor Detroit polls during Michigan primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/04/20/justice-department-asks-wayne-county-to-turn-over-ballots-from-presidential-election/" target="_blank">broader debate over election administration</a>.

Michigan primary debate week begins

Statewide debates for governor and U.S. Senate begin Tuesday ahead of the Aug. 4 primary.

&quot;Debate week&quot; starts Tuesday, with candidates for governor and U.S. Senate set to square off on statewide TV ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aug. 4 primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" data-vars-content-id="3400135f-5c2c-41d0-8e03-58ed402d83a1" data-vars-headline="Michigan primary debate week begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" target="_self">Aug. 4 primary</a>.Why it matters: There are plenty of local current events to tackle — from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="widespread power outages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/07/06/thousands-still-without-power-michigan-more-storms-possible-monday/90818125007/" data-vars-content-id="3400135f-5c2c-41d0-8e03-58ed402d83a1" data-vars-headline="Michigan primary debate week begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/07/06/thousands-still-without-power-michigan-more-storms-possible-monday/90818125007/" target="_blank">widespread power outages</a> frustrating households across Metro Detroit to the ongoing saga of the Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="delayed opening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/26/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-windsor-plan-opening" data-vars-content-id="3400135f-5c2c-41d0-8e03-58ed402d83a1" data-vars-headline="Michigan primary debate week begins" 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">delayed opening</a>.

Michigan kicks off primary voting with absentee ballots

Michigan voters can begin casting ballots Thursday for the Aug. 4 primary.

Michigan voters can begin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="casting ballots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/09/18/michigans-new-absentee-vote-counting-laws-expected-to-produce-faster-results" data-vars-content-id="c36741ff-f1e5-4d9d-b72c-5ef16816169b" data-vars-headline="Michigan kicks off primary voting with absentee ballots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/09/18/michigans-new-absentee-vote-counting-laws-expected-to-produce-faster-results" target="_self">casting ballots</a> Thursday for the Aug. 4 primary, kicking off a six-week voting period before Election Day.Why it matters: Voters will pick which candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and other major races will advance from the primary to the Nov. 3 general election.

Detroit sees biggest mayoral turnout since 2017

More than 115,000 Detroiters voted in the mayor's race, marking an uptick in turnout.

Voter turnout improved for this year&#x27;s Detroit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayoral race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="e567f87f-8d4f-4791-822c-548d84e09a9d" data-vars-headline="Detroit sees biggest mayoral turnout since 2017" 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">mayoral race</a>, but more than three-quarters of the electorate remained on the sidelines.The big picture: Detroiters have been less enthusiastic to vote in municipal elections than gubernatorial and presidential elections in the last 25 years, per a Free Press <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/2025/06/15/detroit-duggan-municipal-elections-mayor-voters-michigan-president/83767785007/" data-vars-content-id="e567f87f-8d4f-4791-822c-548d84e09a9d" data-vars-headline="Detroit sees biggest mayoral turnout since 2017" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/2025/06/15/detroit-duggan-municipal-elections-mayor-voters-michigan-president/83767785007/" target="_blank">analysis</a> of city voting trends.

Sheffield kicks off mayoral transition with Rise Higher plan

She wants this to be the most inclusive transition the city has seen.

Politics

There is little time to waste for Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, who launched her transition effort just hours after her landslide victory Tuesday night.Why it matters: How the transition goes and who is involved will provide an early peek into the workings of a Sheffield administration.

New faces to join Detroit City Council in 2026

Voters elected two new members while seven incumbents will return to City Council seats.

Detroit City Council will have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two new members" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/28/2025-voter-guide-nov-4-elections-in-detroit-and-beyond" data-vars-content-id="25396e09-9fc4-4e97-b971-78d3cff91ebf" data-vars-headline="New faces to join Detroit City Council in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/28/2025-voter-guide-nov-4-elections-in-detroit-and-beyond" target="_self">two new members</a> in 2026, giving the nine-member body some fresh perspectives as the city begins its next chapter.Why it matters: The council provides checks and balances on the mayor&#x27;s office and is responsible for voting on local ordinances, the annual city budget, contracts and land deals involving public property.

Election 🗳️

El-Sayed bests Stevens in Senate primary

Your Michigan primary day guide

What Michigan primary voters need to know

Stevens and El-Sayed battle for Senate in Michigan

DOJ to monitor Detroit polls during Michigan primary