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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.

What Michigan primary voters need to know

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

News

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.

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.

Wildfire smoke blankets Metro Detroit

Smoke remains at dangerous levels before a cold front brings cleaner air this weekend.

Canadian <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfire smoke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/19/state-launches-new-wildfire-website" data-vars-content-id="aaeb0ef2-0be9-4a04-9e6b-314d2b353311" data-vars-headline="Wildfire smoke blankets Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/19/state-launches-new-wildfire-website" target="_self">wildfire smoke</a> will continue blanketing Metro Detroit on Friday, though a weekend cold front is expected to finally bring relief.Why it matters: The smoke pushed the region&#x27;s air pollution to historically high levels Thursday.

Readers say Vernors belongs in Michigan's time capsule

We asked for suggestions to improve Michigan's contributions to the America250 capsule.

History

America&#x27;s 250th anniversary celebration includes a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new time capsule with artifacts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/29/michigan-america-250-time-capsule" data-vars-content-id="eff8301e-23bb-47e4-a127-67f595486d9a" data-vars-headline="Readers say Vernors belongs in Michigan&#x27;s time capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/29/michigan-america-250-time-capsule" target="_self">new time capsule with artifacts</a> from all 56 states and territories, and our readers say Vernors should have made it in.Driving the news: We asked for suggestions to improve Michigan&#x27;s contributions: a decorative dollar piece featuring an old automotive assembly line, a Petoskey stone and a chunk of copper representing our mining history and Indigenous culture.

What Michigan put in the America250 time capsule

It will remain sealed until America's 500th birthday in 2276.

America&#x27;s Time Capsule is chock full of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic items" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/" data-vars-content-id="6adcd36a-dd9e-4aa2-834b-644818f118c8" data-vars-headline="What Michigan put in the America250 time capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/" target="_blank">historic items</a>, and Michigan&#x27;s contribution might just date back the furthest of any state.The big picture: The 900-pound steel capsule is part of the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th anniversary celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" data-vars-content-id="6adcd36a-dd9e-4aa2-834b-644818f118c8" data-vars-headline="What Michigan put in the America250 time capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" target="_self">250th anniversary celebration</a> and includes artifacts from the federal government, plus all 56 states and territories.

Podcast explores Detroit's history of Black Catholic activism

The series delves into faith, civil rights and widespread church closures.

Religion

A local journalist&#x27;s new longform podcast examines Detroit&#x27;s history as a proving ground for the influential Black Catholic movement.Why it matters: This little-known civil rights story details the Black Catholic community&#x27;s fight to preserve its churches and identity, while involving broader Detroit trends of white flight and deindustrialization.

Vernors fans get a fizzy celebration

The free event brings back vintage ads, ice cream and the Vernors Gnome.

Culture

Detroit&#x27;s own ginger ale, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vernors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/08/11/trying-vernors-michigan" data-vars-content-id="fd2779e1-c237-4207-971c-c00873c48142" data-vars-headline="Vernors fans get a fizzy celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/08/11/trying-vernors-michigan" target="_self">Vernors</a>, is celebrating its 160th anniversary with a daylong party Sunday at Eastern Market.Why it matters: Like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Better Made" data-vars-click-url="https://bettermade.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqFKojepfv1ohEcn1GYAm5ToNhYzUd159bDbAQfwFIpx2RYfJlx" data-vars-content-id="fd2779e1-c237-4207-971c-c00873c48142" data-vars-headline="Vernors fans get a fizzy celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bettermade.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqFKojepfv1ohEcn1GYAm5ToNhYzUd159bDbAQfwFIpx2RYfJlx" target="_blank">Better Made</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Faygo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.faygo.com/" data-vars-content-id="fd2779e1-c237-4207-971c-c00873c48142" data-vars-headline="Vernors fans get a fizzy celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.faygo.com/" target="_blank">Faygo</a>, Vernors is a local brand woven into the city&#x27;s identity across generations.

"Michael" biopic highlights Motown Records

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

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.

Business

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.