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New life sciences building rises at former jail site

A new health-focused facility aims to expand cancer care and jobs by 2027.

News

City leaders broke ground Tuesday on a 90,000-square-foot life sciences building at the long-stalled &quot;fail jail&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="site near Ford Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/06/another-change-for-gilbert-s-gratiot-site" data-vars-content-id="3168faff-e9ac-499e-97ae-d601e1f8f6ad" data-vars-headline="New life sciences building rises at former jail site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/06/another-change-for-gilbert-s-gratiot-site" target="_self">site near Ford Field</a>.Why it matters: The project, led by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dan Gilbert&#x27;s Bedrock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/01/hudsons-detroit-condos-for-sale-high-rise" data-vars-content-id="3168faff-e9ac-499e-97ae-d601e1f8f6ad" data-vars-headline="New life sciences building rises at former jail site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/01/hudsons-detroit-condos-for-sale-high-rise" target="_self">Dan Gilbert&#x27;s Bedrock</a>, is part of Detroit&#x27;s push to expand its economic base beyond autos by leaning into health care and life sciences.

Inside Sakura Novi's new retail and dining hub

The development aims to bring destination retail while reflecting the city's growing Asian American population.

Business

<figure><img alt="A gif that shows Joe grabbing a sun shaped stuffed animal from a claw machine " height="450" id="403cfb0c-4af5-49be-b0ad-492afb08195a" src="https://images.axios.com/CW2s28E3G6LbI4LZ4UedCTh4hxs=/2026/04/16/1776363839551.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Joe&#x27;s successful claw machine endeavor at Klawsome! in Novi. GIF: Annalise Frank/Axios</figcaption></figure>A new development in Novi is turning a stretch of suburbia into a hub for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asian-inspired retail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/18/168-asian-mart-expansion-madison-heights" data-vars-content-id="a39be478-b0cd-42d8-824a-4f3ee83cdc74" data-vars-headline="Inside Sakura Novi&#x27;s new retail and dining hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/18/168-asian-mart-expansion-madison-heights" target="_self">Asian-inspired retail</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sakura Novi" data-vars-click-url="https://sakuranovi.com/" data-vars-content-id="a39be478-b0cd-42d8-824a-4f3ee83cdc74" data-vars-headline="Inside Sakura Novi&#x27;s new retail and dining hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sakuranovi.com/" target="_blank">Sakura Novi</a> reflects a shift in suburban retail that blends housing, dining and shopping to serve a growing Asian population and draw visitors from across the region.

Mapped: How Metro Detroit electric bills stack up

Energy costs are climbing, with gas prices and rate hikes adding pressure on households.

Money

Wayne County residents spend an estimated average of $131 per month on their home electric bills, per an Axios analysis of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://electricity.heatmap.news/" data-vars-content-id="22d7916e-9b84-4895-933e-ae16b13349e8" data-vars-headline="Mapped: How Metro Detroit electric bills stack up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://electricity.heatmap.news/" target="_blank">data</a> collected and shared by climate newsroom Heatmap News.Why it matters: Tensions over rising energy bills and power-hungry AI data centers are emerging as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="key political issue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/data-centers-midterms-state-bans-bills-ai" data-vars-content-id="22d7916e-9b84-4895-933e-ae16b13349e8" data-vars-headline="Mapped: How Metro Detroit electric bills stack up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/data-centers-midterms-state-bans-bills-ai" target="_self">key political issue</a> nationwide and should be a potent force in this year&#x27;s midterms.

Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate

Officials question whether zoning changes alone will lower housing costs.

A plan to ease <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/down-payment-metro-detroit-house-home-mortgage" data-vars-content-id="4dd18359-3e1f-4e70-a8c0-605e1059ddbf" data-vars-headline="Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/down-payment-metro-detroit-house-home-mortgage" target="_self">housing costs</a> by loosening zoning rules is drawing pushback from local officials and planners, who say the approach alone won&#x27;t guarantee affordability.Why it matters: Michigan faces a significant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/03/michigan-is-short-195000-housing-units-for-low-income-renters-report-shows.html" data-vars-content-id="4dd18359-3e1f-4e70-a8c0-605e1059ddbf" data-vars-headline="Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/03/michigan-is-short-195000-housing-units-for-low-income-renters-report-shows.html" target="_blank">housing shortage</a>, with rising prices pushing first-time buyers out of the market.

Sheffield unveils budget with youth, wages as priorities

She wants added transit funding, youth programs and living wages for Detroit city employees.

Politics

Alleviating poverty and helping youth took top billing in Mayor Mary Sheffield&#x27;s first proposed budget, released Monday.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.6 billion general fund budget" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/office-chief-financial-officer/ocfo-divisions/office-budget" data-vars-content-id="18cbe8ba-cf65-4dda-a0db-0ec151acd97c" data-vars-headline="Sheffield unveils budget with youth, wages as priorities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/office-chief-financial-officer/ocfo-divisions/office-budget" target="_blank">$1.6 billion general fund budget</a> proposal — $3 billion across all funding sources — is an early indicator of how Sheffield could use city resources to turn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="18cbe8ba-cf65-4dda-a0db-0ec151acd97c" data-vars-headline="Sheffield unveils budget with youth, wages as priorities" 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">campaign</a> promises into action.

Metro Detroit gas prices surge after Iran strikes

Metro Detroit drivers are now paying more than $3 per gallon on average.

Gasoline prices are jumping in Detroit and elsewhere as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="oil prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/oil-prices-iran-trump-rubio-mitigate-costs" data-vars-content-id="b9f476d2-9744-4621-bdbd-3e7626c072e8" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit gas prices surge after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/oil-prices-iran-trump-rubio-mitigate-costs" target="_self">oil prices</a> spike following the U.S. and Israel <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strikes on Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" data-vars-content-id="b9f476d2-9744-4621-bdbd-3e7626c072e8" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit gas prices surge after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" target="_self">strikes on Iran</a>, reflecting market fears of extended geopolitical upheaval.Why it matters: Americans use about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="370 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=23&amp;t=10" data-vars-content-id="b9f476d2-9744-4621-bdbd-3e7626c072e8" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit gas prices surge after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=23&amp;t=10" target="_blank">370 million</a> gallons of gas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&amp;s=mgfupus2&amp;f=m" data-vars-content-id="b9f476d2-9744-4621-bdbd-3e7626c072e8" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit gas prices surge after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&amp;s=mgfupus2&amp;f=m" target="_blank">per day</a>, so price increases have an immediate effect on their pocketbooks and mood about the economy.

Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds

Importers may need to sue to recover billions collected under the rejected trade law.

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court declared a large swath of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s tariffs illegal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="16ce12e7-9ee2-47c6-85cd-47f671a163e0" data-vars-headline="Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s tariffs illegal</a>, the question is whether businesses — or everyday Americans — will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get refunds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-states-refunds" data-vars-content-id="16ce12e7-9ee2-47c6-85cd-47f671a163e0" data-vars-headline="Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-states-refunds" target="_self">get refunds</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trade Partnership Worldwide" data-vars-click-url="https://tradepartnership.com/" data-vars-content-id="16ce12e7-9ee2-47c6-85cd-47f671a163e0" data-vars-headline="Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tradepartnership.com/" target="_blank">Trade Partnership Worldwide</a> estimates $126 billion is at stake.

Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers

The program provides monthly cash to mothers during pregnancy and families with newborns.

Health

Applications opened Monday for a unique local program giving new mothers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cash assistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/29/detroit-mayor-cash-plans-families" data-vars-content-id="f81f47ab-e2de-40d4-b673-ebe81d3385ee" data-vars-headline="Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/29/detroit-mayor-cash-plans-families" target="_self">cash assistance</a> without strings attached.Why it matters: Bringing Rx Kids to Detroit is an early move in new Mayor Mary Sheffield&#x27;s goal to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progress on childhood poverty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/28/luke-shaefer-anti-poverty-program-city" data-vars-content-id="f81f47ab-e2de-40d4-b673-ebe81d3385ee" data-vars-headline="Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/28/luke-shaefer-anti-poverty-program-city" target="_self">progress on childhood poverty</a>.

Local groups offer free tax help to claim credits

Money in the way of child and earned income tax credits are often left on the table.

Mayor Mary Sheffield and philanthropic groups are asking Detroiters to schedule free tax preparation appointments to claim tax credits.Why it matters: Thousands of residents are eligible, but may not be claiming what is, essentially, free money that could help make ends meet.

Detroit explores 1% sales tax to raise millions

City leaders are studying a new sales tax as some federal funding runs out.

A new report commissioned by the Detroit City Council explores the possibility of a new 1% city sales tax.Why it matters: Establishing a new local sales tax would be a major undertaking that could boost city coffers while raising costs for residents and visitors.

I spent $1,800 on streaming last year — here's why

A streaming audit showed I was burning cash to watch sports and shows I barely used.

💸 Joe here, with a confession: I let my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="streaming subscriptions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/24/sports-streaming-espn-fox-one" data-vars-content-id="42b92403-b830-4bab-a5c3-23080c59d3bd" data-vars-headline="I spent $1,800 on streaming last year — here&#x27;s why" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/24/sports-streaming-espn-fox-one" target="_self">streaming subscriptions</a> spiral out of control last year.Why it matters: I really paid the price.

Metro Detroit sees slow entry-level wage growth

The city and state want to attract young professionals — but is pay growing quickly enough?

While places like San Francisco and Seattle are known for high early-career salaries, it&#x27;s worth paying attention to areas seeing rapid growth in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="entry-level wages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/jobs-young-adults-labor-market" data-vars-content-id="3535ef1a-b809-4ae2-ab13-d70378c347fc" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit sees slow entry-level wage growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/jobs-young-adults-labor-market" target="_self">entry-level wages</a>, too.Why it matters: Detroit and Michigan have set their sights on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reversing sluggish population growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/mcda/reports/michigan-statewide-population-projections-through-2050-report" data-vars-content-id="3535ef1a-b809-4ae2-ab13-d70378c347fc" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit sees slow entry-level wage growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/mcda/reports/michigan-statewide-population-projections-through-2050-report" target="_blank">reversing sluggish population growth</a> and drawing in more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="young professionals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.crainsdetroit.com/workforce/gilbert-state-leaders-pitch-detroit-young-professionals" data-vars-content-id="3535ef1a-b809-4ae2-ab13-d70378c347fc" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit sees slow entry-level wage growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.crainsdetroit.com/workforce/gilbert-state-leaders-pitch-detroit-young-professionals" target="_blank">young professionals</a>.

College degree still drives higher pay in Detroit

Adults with degrees earn far more than peers without college education.

College remains a gateway to higher pay in Metro Detroit and beyond, an analysis of federal data shows.Why it matters: The earnings data stands in stark contrast with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national polling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/college-jobs-gallup-ai" data-vars-content-id="c05b2ac8-0a01-4eee-954d-43b9da182f03" data-vars-headline="College degree still drives higher pay in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/college-jobs-gallup-ai" target="_self">new national polling</a> that shows Americans are much less likely to think higher education is &quot;very important.&quot;

Axios What's Next

💰 Takeaways from the budget

Takeaways from the 2026 Detroit city budget

Axios Closer

A line chart that tracks average monthly gas prices per gallon in Detroit and nationally from March 2025 to March 2026. Detroit prices range from $2.85 in December 2025 to $3.24 in August 2025. National prices vary between $2.82 in January 2026 and $3.18 in September 2025, showing parallel trends.

Money

Mapped: How Metro Detroit electric bills stack up

Takeaways from the 2026 Detroit city budget

Sheffield unveils budget with youth, wages as priorities

Metro Detroit gas prices surge after Iran strikes

Amnesty program waives 36th District court fees