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Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes

The museums say stable funding is needed as their financial reserves dwindle.

Culture

Two Detroit museum institutions are seeking new funding through a millage to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wright Museum of African American History" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thewright.org/" data-vars-content-id="f9191bcc-f333-4745-bf38-d7665aae4d9b" data-vars-headline="Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thewright.org/" target="_blank">Wright Museum of African American History</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Historical Society" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroithistorical.org/" data-vars-content-id="f9191bcc-f333-4745-bf38-d7665aae4d9b" data-vars-headline="Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroithistorical.org/" target="_blank">Detroit Historical Society</a> are major anchors of the city&#x27;s cultural district.

RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism

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

News

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.

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.

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.

Inside Hamtramck's cozy Awafi Cafe

Yemeni coffee, sandwiches and sweets fill this little cafe.

Food and Drink

Hamtramck&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Awafi Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/awaficafe?igsh=NTNrMGRuOHozMmR5" data-vars-content-id="1992327b-2eb5-416b-85bd-2eb0b24af7ca" data-vars-headline="Inside Hamtramck&#x27;s cozy Awafi Cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/awaficafe?igsh=NTNrMGRuOHozMmR5" target="_blank">Awafi Cafe</a> is a little storefront with a lot to offer.The vibe: Service is friendly in the space decorated with greenery.

Auburn Hills' Bagel Spot lives up to the hype

Bagel Spot delivers hefty bagels, quality ingredients and a loaded breakfast menu.

👋 Joe here, surrounded by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bagels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/15/metro-detroit-bagel-shops-trend" data-vars-content-id="3f6f73d8-f29a-418e-8c35-eca5d2ea80c8" data-vars-headline="Auburn Hills&#x27; Bagel Spot lives up to the hype" 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/metro-detroit-bagel-shops-trend" target="_self">bagels</a> as big as your face. Really.Flashback: Readers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stuffed our inbox" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/18/metro-detroit-favorite-bagel-shops" data-vars-content-id="3f6f73d8-f29a-418e-8c35-eca5d2ea80c8" data-vars-headline="Auburn Hills&#x27; Bagel Spot lives up to the hype" 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/metro-detroit-favorite-bagel-shops" target="_self">stuffed our inbox</a> a few months ago with their favorite bagel shops and we set out to try a few of them.

In third year, Detroit Sandwich Party expands

About 50 vendors will serve sandwiches at the free September festival.

Expect more room this year to eat more sandwiches at the third annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Sandwich Party" data-vars-click-url="https://easternmarket.org/events/detroit-sandwich-party-2026/" data-vars-content-id="bbcbf586-20eb-4761-a31c-fd07e509d861" data-vars-headline="In third year, Detroit Sandwich Party expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://easternmarket.org/events/detroit-sandwich-party-2026/" target="_blank">Detroit Sandwich Party</a> — and no, hot dogs aren&#x27;t invited.Why it matters: The free, one-day festival Sunday, Sept. 6 will gather around 50 vendors selling sample-size sandwiches.

Unc's Pizza opens in downtown Detroit

Unc's Pizza opens Tuesday in Capitol Park with pies, wings and mozzarella sticks.

Things to Do

Another option for Detroit-style pizza has entered the scene.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Unc&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://uncspizza.com/" data-vars-content-id="146f26bf-2eb0-4183-a636-ceecefd721b5" data-vars-headline="Unc&#x27;s Pizza opens in downtown Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://uncspizza.com/" target="_blank">Unc&#x27;s Pizza</a> opens Tuesday in downtown&#x27;s Capitol Park.

Savory cocktails shake up Metro Detroit

Here's where to get them in Metro Detroit.

Picture this: You walk into a cocktail bar, order a cute cocktail, take a sip and taste … Cheetos?Why it matters: Savory cocktails have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gaining popularity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelking/2025/04/11/savory-cocktails-are-having-a-moment/" data-vars-content-id="e0fcc3d3-07b1-4c91-b4a9-97a3eb09b745" data-vars-headline="Savory cocktails shake up Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelking/2025/04/11/savory-cocktails-are-having-a-moment/" target="_blank">gaining popularity</a> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent years" data-vars-click-url="https://theweek.com/culture-life/savoury-cocktails-drinks-spicy" data-vars-content-id="e0fcc3d3-07b1-4c91-b4a9-97a3eb09b745" data-vars-headline="Savory cocktails shake up Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theweek.com/culture-life/savoury-cocktails-drinks-spicy" target="_blank">recent years</a>.

Metro Detroit restaurants perfect for solo dining

Solo dining is booming. Here are three Metro Detroit spots worth trying.

Solo dining is having a moment, with reservations for one jumping 23% over the past year, booking app OpenTable says.Why it matters: That growth may look like another sign of America&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="loneliness epidemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/05/loneliness-epidemic-third-places-social-infrastructure" data-vars-content-id="5c59d2cc-9d6a-44a8-bcbf-84d7f9e18c89" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit restaurants perfect for solo dining" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/05/loneliness-epidemic-third-places-social-infrastructure" target="_self">loneliness epidemic</a>. But many solo diners say eating alone offers a rare chance to slow down, reflect and savor the small stuff.

First Sip: Croissants and coffee at Brew-ti-ful in Detroit

The straightforward cafe offers a neighborhood vibe and comfortable seating.

👋 Annalise here, after a pleasant morning at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Brew-ti-ful Coffee House" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitbrewtifulcoffeehouse.com/" data-vars-content-id="bdcc06f7-b38c-488c-bee3-0ee9c94b57c7" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Croissants and coffee at Brew-ti-ful in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitbrewtifulcoffeehouse.com/" target="_blank">Detroit Brew-ti-ful Coffee House</a> on the west side.The vibe: Brew-ti-ful&#x27;s space is open and inviting. It delivers the vibe of a straightforward, neighborhood coffee shop.

Chicken Shack rolls out crispier tenders

We tried Chicken Shack's new tenders to see if the recipe lives up to the hype.

🫡 Joe here, on the chicken-tender beat in Metro Detroit.Dig in: Chicken Shack, a local chain, debuted a new recipe for its tenders on Monday.

7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works

From Waka to Hamlin Pub, here's the latest on upcoming restaurant openings.

It&#x27;s a universal truth that restaurants come and go — and we&#x27;ve seen some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big closures recently" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" target="_blank">big closures recently</a>.On the flip side, we&#x27;re also waiting (im)patiently on exciting openings.Why it matters: Delays in some restaurants&#x27; opening timelines reflect the various <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">challenges</a> many small businesses face, from financing to permitting, construction and staffing difficulties.

Michigan has eighth highest liquor taxes in nation

Michigan has the eighth highest tax on distilled spirits in the country.

Michiganders pay more in taxes for their liquor than in most other states, a tax research group finds.Why it matters: Alcohol taxes vary dramatically from state to state, meaning the same can of beer, glass of wine or fancy cocktail can cost significantly more depending on where you order it.

Food and Drink 🍽

Inside Hamtramck's cozy Awafi Cafe

Auburn Hills' Bagel Spot lives up to the hype

In third year, Detroit Sandwich Party expands

Unc's Pizza opens in downtown Detroit

Savory cocktails shake up Metro Detroit