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Amazon's drone delivery service lands in Metro Detroit

The service now averages more than 100 daily drone deliveries.

Business

<figure><img alt="An Amazon Prime Air drone takes off from the company&#x27;s Pontiac fulfillment center." height="450" id="4bdc164b-124c-4e83-abf7-d1337511fb61" src="https://images.axios.com/1F1xPeAIsRmKDy-aS-33bYhRt64=/2026/05/11/1778524196296.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>An Amazon Prime Air delivery drone takes off from the Pontiac fulfillment center site. GIF: Joe Guillen/Axios</figcaption></figure>If you see a big white-and-blue drone flying overhead, chances are it&#x27;s making an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amazon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/05/amazon-logistics-ups-fedex" data-vars-content-id="9e155fc2-bb80-45fb-a217-e01f4b73c936" data-vars-headline="Amazon&#x27;s drone delivery service lands in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/05/amazon-logistics-ups-fedex" target="_self">Amazon</a> delivery.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amazon Prime Air" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/30/amazon-faa-drone-delivery" data-vars-content-id="9e155fc2-bb80-45fb-a217-e01f4b73c936" data-vars-headline="Amazon&#x27;s drone delivery service lands in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/30/amazon-faa-drone-delivery" target="_self">Amazon Prime Air</a> is expanding drone deliveries in Metro Detroit, but the operation remains a small layer within the company&#x27;s massive warehouse and driver network.

Detroit launches free midnight basketball league

Occupy the Summer activities start in June.

News

Basketball lovers can square off in a free nighttime league representing their neighborhoods under a new initiative from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Mary Sheffield" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/10/sheffield-city-budget-2026-youth-wages" data-vars-content-id="274eac18-55d4-4c2a-81e1-7ae76e5ba489" data-vars-headline="Detroit launches free midnight basketball league" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/10/sheffield-city-budget-2026-youth-wages" target="_self">Mayor Mary Sheffield</a>.Why it matters: Detroit wants to curb summer violence while offering young adults and kids the options <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they lack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/contributors/2026/04/22/detroit-teen-takeover-campus-martius/89725516007/" data-vars-content-id="274eac18-55d4-4c2a-81e1-7ae76e5ba489" data-vars-headline="Detroit launches free midnight basketball league" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/contributors/2026/04/22/detroit-teen-takeover-campus-martius/89725516007/" target="_blank">they lack</a> for having fun and releasing pent-up energy.

Readers reveal Metro Detroit bagel favorites

Readers sent dozens of beloved bagel spots across Metro Detroit.

Food and Drink

Our readers definitely love their bagels.Why it matters: We asked for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="your favorite bagels last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/15/metro-detroit-bagel-shops-trend" data-vars-content-id="e8a77f51-fccb-46e0-901d-dd7532e1be45" data-vars-headline="Readers reveal Metro Detroit bagel favorites" 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">your favorite bagels last week</a> and our inbox was flooded with suggested shops from Dearborn to Traverse City.

Mental health providers face burnout, shortages

Providers say stigma is easing, but care is harder to find.

Metro Detroit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mental health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/11/politics-hamper-young-lgbtq-michiganders-mental-health" data-vars-content-id="11afa92b-7b89-4bce-a11d-852cdefc1de9" data-vars-headline="Mental health providers face burnout, shortages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/11/politics-hamper-young-lgbtq-michiganders-mental-health" target="_self">mental health</a> providers say the stigma around therapy is easing. The harder part now: finding care.Why it matters: Mental Health Awareness Month arrives as more people are willing to ask for help, but therapists are increasingly strained by burnout, staffing shortages and competition from private companies.

"Michael" biopic highlights Motown Records

The film, while flawed, showcases Michael Jackson's Motown music roots.

Culture

For all its flaws, the new movie &quot;Michael&quot; does a good job highlighting the King of Pop&#x27;s ascension to superstardom, which begins with Detroit&#x27;s legendary Motown Records, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Cleveland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/21/michael-jackson-movie-review" data-vars-content-id="23740493-4a27-4e2c-b923-390e6842970e" data-vars-headline="&quot;Michael&quot; biopic highlights Motown Records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/21/michael-jackson-movie-review" target="_self">Axios Cleveland</a> music reporter Troy Smith writes.The intrigue: The Jackson 5&#x27;s breakthrough moment comes during a scene revisiting the July 12, 1968, show at Chicago&#x27;s Regal Theater that caught the attention of Motown Records creative assistant Suzanne de Passe.

A pit stop at Michigan's oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn

The New Hudson Inn is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad.

The divey New Hudson Inn in western Oakland County claims to be the oldest bar in the state, and it&#x27;s worth a visit for history buffs.The big picture: The neighborhood spot with a rich history dating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back to 1831" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" data-vars-content-id="ffef79f5-efbe-4a09-9d0f-322c380ecbd4" data-vars-headline="A pit stop at Michigan&#x27;s oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" target="_blank">back to 1831</a> is known for its burgers, jovial atmosphere and popularity with the biker crowd.

Chávez abuse investigation tapped Wayne State archive

A Detroit archive holds records tied to new allegations involving César Chávez.

A key document in the New York Times&#x27; investigation into sexual abuse allegations involving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="César Chávez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations" data-vars-content-id="5544e31c-aeb4-47bf-8570-0617c93e6bb0" data-vars-headline="Chávez abuse investigation tapped Wayne State archive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations" target="_self">César Chávez</a> was found not in California, where he led the United Farm Workers, but in Detroit.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Times&#x27; investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html?unlocked_article_code=1.UVA.fWbt.UG-G6Ic2Ks-Y&amp;smid=url-share" data-vars-content-id="5544e31c-aeb4-47bf-8570-0617c93e6bb0" data-vars-headline="Chávez abuse investigation tapped Wayne State archive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html?unlocked_article_code=1.UVA.fWbt.UG-G6Ic2Ks-Y&amp;smid=url-share" target="_blank">The Times&#x27; investigation</a>, published Wednesday, is prompting a reassessment of Chávez&#x27;s legacy.

Black History Month weekend events in Metro Detroit

Museums and libraries host performances, talks and workshops across the region.

Things to Do

Black History Month closes with a weekend of cultural events across Detroit and Metro Detroit.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Wright Museum of African American History" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thewright.org/events/wright-performances-just-and-blind" data-vars-content-id="fb0ec13a-5d7b-4926-a881-ababece8d818" data-vars-headline="Black History Month weekend events in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thewright.org/events/wright-performances-just-and-blind" target="_blank">The Wright Museum of African American History</a>: Check out The Just and the Blind, a multimedia performance exploring racial profiling and the prison-industrial complex.

Rev. Jesse Jackson built lasting ties to Detroit

The civil rights leader made local connections through marches and economic justice work.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson formed a tight bond with Detroit and its local leaders over several decades fighting racial inequality and injustice.Why it matters: The civil rights icon, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who died Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/jesse-jackson-dies-civil-rights-leader" data-vars-content-id="533afa17-ce51-4680-87f3-33438b8ca314" data-vars-headline="Rev. Jesse Jackson built lasting ties to Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/jesse-jackson-dies-civil-rights-leader" target="_self">who died Tuesday</a> at 84, marched here for equal rights and advocated for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="diversity in the auto industry" data-vars-click-url="https://michiganchronicle.com/rev-jesse-jackson-rainbow-push-convene-the-22nd%E2%80%AFglobal-automotive-summit/" data-vars-content-id="533afa17-ce51-4680-87f3-33438b8ca314" data-vars-headline="Rev. Jesse Jackson built lasting ties to Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://michiganchronicle.com/rev-jesse-jackson-rainbow-push-convene-the-22nd%E2%80%AFglobal-automotive-summit/" target="_blank">diversity in the auto industry</a>.

100 years of Black History Month: Metro Detroit events to know

Museums, libraries and chefs across the metro are marking the month with special events.

Cultural and public institutions across Metro Detroit have events planned to observe key figures, themes and times in Black American history.Why it matters: 2026 marks the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100th anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://asalh.org/black-history-month/about/" data-vars-content-id="49eb9802-ead1-48db-9e98-d630c7f0eb64" data-vars-headline="100 years of Black History Month: Metro Detroit events to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://asalh.org/black-history-month/about/" target="_blank">100th anniversary</a> of Black History Month celebration and recognition in the U.S.

Sheffield victorious as Detroit's next mayor

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

Politics

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.

1970s "anti-rock" band gets new exhibition

Cranbrook tracks the rebellious art group's origins, rise and impact.

An edgy &quot;anti-rock&quot; band formed in Ann Arbor is being celebrated in a Cranbrook Art Museum exhibition.The big picture: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mythic Chaos: 50 Years of Destroy All Monsters" data-vars-click-url="https://cranbrookartmuseum.org/exhibition/mythic-chaos-50-years-of-destroy-all-monsters/" data-vars-content-id="dbd7d060-dddd-4b45-9777-0478b732dad0" data-vars-headline="1970s &quot;anti-rock&quot; band gets new exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cranbrookartmuseum.org/exhibition/mythic-chaos-50-years-of-destroy-all-monsters/" target="_blank">Mythic Chaos: 50 Years of Destroy All Monsters</a>&quot; tracks the group&#x27;s origins and inspirations as it straddled the &quot;post-hippie, pre-punk era.&quot; It evolved over the years and shifted focus among music, art, zines and film, per Cranbrook.

Historic Detroit cemetery lights up for new fall event

Elmwood Alight brings fall lights, history and nature to the historic Detroit cemetery.

Historic Elmwood Cemetery, a 179-year-old Detroit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burial ground and arboretum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/" data-vars-content-id="5fde078e-381d-487a-9951-a0dcdbd4d208" data-vars-headline="Historic Detroit cemetery lights up for new fall event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/" target="_blank">burial ground and arboretum</a>, will introduce a new nighttime illumination event this week highlighting the cemetery&#x27;s natural beauty and rich history.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elmwood Alight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/elmwood-alight" data-vars-content-id="5fde078e-381d-487a-9951-a0dcdbd4d208" data-vars-headline="Historic Detroit cemetery lights up for new fall event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/elmwood-alight" target="_blank">Elmwood Alight</a> is part of the cemetery&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fall programming" data-vars-click-url="https://www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/events-tours/events" data-vars-content-id="5fde078e-381d-487a-9951-a0dcdbd4d208" data-vars-headline="Historic Detroit cemetery lights up for new fall event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/events-tours/events" target="_blank">fall programming</a> to showcase its dual purpose as an inclusive public space welcoming nature lovers, cyclists, runners and even picnickers.

Folk star ends U of M residency with new work ahead

Rhiannon Giddens says her time at U of M shaped her upcoming projects.

Rhiannon Giddens, a folk musician who&#x27;s won a Grammy, a Pulitzer and worked with Beyoncé, just wrapped up a yearlong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="residency" data-vars-click-url="https://arts.umich.edu/u-m-artist-in-residence" data-vars-content-id="0a21eec9-bfbc-4dd8-ab1c-cf62f3637c29" data-vars-headline="Folk star ends U of M residency with new work ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arts.umich.edu/u-m-artist-in-residence" target="_blank">residency</a> at U of M, where she researched her next projects.Why it matters: Giddens was U of M&#x27;s first artist-in-residence. The biennial program started last year to amplify the work of transformative artists by inviting them to campus.