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

Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait

There's a mix of optimism and skepticism ahead of planned opening of the bridge between Michigan and Ontario.

Transit

Businesses have moved from waiting to cautious preparation after Canada and the United States <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finally agreed to" data-vars-click-url="https://gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/the-gordie-howe-international-bridge-will-open-on-july-27/" data-vars-content-id="9ec6ecbd-5c72-48d2-b113-72a96fe26e98" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/the-gordie-howe-international-bridge-will-open-on-july-27/" target="_blank">finally agreed to</a> the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/26/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-windsor-plan-opening" data-vars-content-id="9ec6ecbd-5c72-48d2-b113-72a96fe26e98" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait" 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">Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s</a> July 27 opening.Why it matters: A decades-long effort to build the span between Detroit and Windsor and years of construction delays were followed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="months of uncertainty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/10/trump-threat-gordie-howe-bridge-michigan-economy" data-vars-content-id="9ec6ecbd-5c72-48d2-b113-72a96fe26e98" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/10/trump-threat-gordie-howe-bridge-michigan-economy" target="_self">months of uncertainty</a> this year as President Donald Trump sought to rewrite the two countries&#x27; financial deal.

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.

News

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.

Michigan's falling fertility rate mimics U.S. decline

The changes impact schools and economic growth.

Michigan&#x27;s fertility rate continues to fall amid increasing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide uncertainty" data-vars-click-url="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2026/is-the-us-birth-rate-declining" data-vars-content-id="8d50eb5e-7d55-4fd4-a066-d1274c430dc1" data-vars-headline="Michigan&#x27;s falling fertility rate mimics U.S. decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2026/is-the-us-birth-rate-declining" target="_blank">nationwide uncertainty</a> about affordability and the future.Why it matters: A declining youth population has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="repercussions for schools" data-vars-click-url="https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-is-old-and-getting-older-experts-warn-of-looming-consequences/" data-vars-content-id="8d50eb5e-7d55-4fd4-a066-d1274c430dc1" data-vars-headline="Michigan&#x27;s falling fertility rate mimics U.S. decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-is-old-and-getting-older-experts-warn-of-looming-consequences/" target="_blank">repercussions for schools</a> and future statewide economic growth.

State asks residents to report gray fox sightings

Your sighting could help researchers track a rare species in Michigan.

Environment

The state wants your help spotting the elusive gray fox.Why it matters: The small animals, less common than the iconic red fox, are not well understood and their population is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the decline" data-vars-click-url="https://outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/articles/understanding-gray-fox-distribution-throughout-southern-illinois-forests" data-vars-content-id="03bb685e-f94c-40e5-84e3-57fc5389ea6d" data-vars-headline="State asks residents to report gray fox sightings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/articles/understanding-gray-fox-distribution-throughout-southern-illinois-forests" target="_blank">on the decline</a> in the Midwest and Northeast, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

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.

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.

Sheffield victorious as Detroit's next mayor

Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield will bring 12 years of City Council experience to the executive seat.

City Council President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mary Sheffield" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/22/mary-sheffield-mayor-town-hall-election-campaign" data-vars-content-id="0b4615f1-5178-463a-b21e-d4ccb8db2649" data-vars-headline="Sheffield victorious as Detroit&#x27;s next mayor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/22/mary-sheffield-mayor-town-hall-election-campaign" target="_self">Mary Sheffield</a> was elected as Detroit&#x27;s first woman mayor Tuesday night, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the Associated Press" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/live/2025-election-updates-news?tab=0000019a-26a5-dde3-a1df-b7a573150000#0000019a-51cf-d001-abdb-7bcf0d5b0000" data-vars-content-id="0b4615f1-5178-463a-b21e-d4ccb8db2649" data-vars-headline="Sheffield victorious as Detroit&#x27;s next mayor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/live/2025-election-updates-news?tab=0000019a-26a5-dde3-a1df-b7a573150000#0000019a-51cf-d001-abdb-7bcf0d5b0000" target="_blank">per the Associated Press</a>.Why it matters: Sheffield will bring 12 years of City Council experience to the executive seat in January.

2025 voter guide: Nov. 4 elections in Detroit and beyond

Detroit voters will choose a new mayor and council this year — plus, suburban issues to watch.

Here&#x27;s everything you need to know to be prepared for this year&#x27;s Nov. 4 general election in Detroit — and across the metro region.<ul><li>We have details on Detroit city races, suburban issues to watch and information on how to vote.</li></ul>

Election 🗳️

What Michigan primary voters need to know

Stevens and El-Sayed battle for Senate in Michigan

DOJ to monitor Detroit polls during Michigan primary

Michigan primary debate week begins

Michigan kicks off primary voting with absentee ballots