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Tarik Skubal returns to face Tigers

The former Tigers ace is set to face his old team less than a month after the trade.

Sports

In Dodger blue, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tarik Skubal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/24/tarik-skubal-trade-rumors-start-royals" data-vars-content-id="64005ebe-7f90-447f-b271-c42c9ea37397" data-vars-headline="Tarik Skubal returns to face Tigers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/24/tarik-skubal-trade-rumors-start-royals" target="_self">Tarik Skubal</a> is scheduled to take the mound against his former team Saturday at Comerica Park.Why it matters: His return comes less than a month after the Tigers traded away their homegrown star, a painful reminder for fans who expected Skubal to be Detroit&#x27;s ace for years.

Dolly Parton's impact in Michigan and across the country

As tributes roll in, the performer's legacy stretches wide.

Culture

An outpouring of tributes from local musicians followed Dolly Parton&#x27;s death Tuesday at 80, including from Eminem, who shared a heartfelt <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="letter she wrote him" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/people/2026/08/25/eminem-and-other-detroit-musicians-honor-dolly-parton-on-social-media/91465418007/" data-vars-content-id="8e340cb5-8fc9-4a71-a802-fc10ea239c37" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton&#x27;s impact in Michigan and across the country" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/people/2026/08/25/eminem-and-other-detroit-musicians-honor-dolly-parton-on-social-media/91465418007/" target="_blank">letter she wrote him</a>.

Banana coffee takes off in Metro Detroit

Banana is popping up in lattes and matcha across local coffee shops.

Food and Drink

Already the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most-eaten" data-vars-click-url="https://yougov.com/en-us/ratings/fruits" data-vars-content-id="4e4f59ee-c2f2-4e90-9216-3b07855549aa" data-vars-headline="Banana coffee takes off in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://yougov.com/en-us/ratings/fruits" target="_blank">most-eaten</a> fresh fruit in America, bananas are ripe for the beverage market beyond smoothies in Metro Detroit and across the country.By the numbers: Banana is the fastest-growing beverage ingredient flavor over the past year at restaurants, per Circana market data.

Detroit's freight boom puts truck rules to the test

A terminal expansion could put Detroit's new truck restrictions to the test.

News

More trucks are expected at a major Southwest Detroit freight terminal as it expands — testing the city&#x27;s recent progress <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="keeping them off neighborhood streets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/02/truck-traffic-restrictions-southwest-ban" data-vars-content-id="1658d881-c715-437a-8152-156372eacd92" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s freight boom puts truck rules to the test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/02/truck-traffic-restrictions-southwest-ban" target="_self">keeping them off neighborhood streets</a>.Why it matters: Southwest Detroit residents have endured decades of heavy truck traffic that brings noise, pollution and safety concerns to residential streets.

Metro Detroit pushes back on license plate readers

Cities are dropping cameras while lawmakers weigh statewide rules.

A growing backlash against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="automated license plate readers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/flock-camera-local-opposition-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="06d6532f-33c4-457e-bf7a-9f04b690ede0" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit pushes back on license plate readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/flock-camera-local-opposition-surveillance" target="_self">automated license plate readers</a> is spreading across Metro Detroit, where communities are removing cameras, rejecting new ones and — in some cases — vandals are taking matters into their own hands.Why it matters: Police say the cameras help them quickly find suspects, stolen vehicles and missing people. Privacy advocates worry increasingly sophisticated networks can track people&#x27;s movements with insufficient oversight.

Michigan voters to weigh utility political spending

The November proposal would limit contributions and require more ad disclosure.

Utilities have long been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major political players" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/03/01/pressure-mounts-dte-consumers-outages-michigan" data-vars-content-id="c151aeaa-bd13-46f7-9f0b-29fa0d44066b" data-vars-headline="Michigan voters to weigh utility political spending" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/03/01/pressure-mounts-dte-consumers-outages-michigan" target="_self">major political players</a> in Michigan. This fall, voters will decide whether to rein in some of that influence.Why it matters: The proposal would limit how some of Michigan&#x27;s most powerful companies can spend money in politics and require more disclosure about who&#x27;s paying for political ads.

RenCen overhaul would open up street level

Plans would replace the maze-like podium with walkways, public spaces and outward-facing businesses.

Major changes planned for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renaissance Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/11/rencen-redevelopment-community-benefits" data-vars-content-id="eb0fe7fd-0f89-4e44-9940-d4994f791c5b" data-vars-headline="RenCen overhaul would open up street level" 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">Renaissance Center</a> go beyond Detroit&#x27;s skyline.Why it matters: The changes would open up the notoriously difficult-to-navigate complex at street level, creating new walkways and public spaces where a five-story concrete structure now surrounds and connects the towers.

Detroit tax relief program returns

The PAYS program can erase penalties and help those eligible settle overdue property taxes.

A program helping prevent Detroiters from facing foreclosure has returned.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="foreclosure crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://outliermedia.org/bernadette-atuahene-detroit-foreclosure-crisis/" data-vars-content-id="d70371bb-07a6-44be-bf38-2acc576871fd" data-vars-headline="Detroit tax relief program returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://outliermedia.org/bernadette-atuahene-detroit-foreclosure-crisis/" target="_blank">foreclosure crisis</a> led to housing instability that puts residents&#x27; health and wellbeing at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="risk" data-vars-click-url="https://detroit.umich.edu/news-stories/detroits-legacy-of-housing-inequity-has-caused-long-term-health-impacts-%E2%88%92-these-policies-can-help-mitigate-that-harm/" data-vars-content-id="d70371bb-07a6-44be-bf38-2acc576871fd" data-vars-headline="Detroit tax relief program returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroit.umich.edu/news-stories/detroits-legacy-of-housing-inequity-has-caused-long-term-health-impacts-%E2%88%92-these-policies-can-help-mitigate-that-harm/" target="_blank">risk</a>.

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.

New pedestrian bridge arrives for Rouge Greenway

Two new bridges will help expand access to the Rouge River and regional trails.

A new pedestrian bridge has arrived in Dearborn, marking a major milestone in the expansion of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rouge Gateway Greenway" data-vars-click-url="https://therouge.org/building-the-rouge-gateway-greenway/" data-vars-content-id="b17ed3ba-38bf-40c7-90af-3e07b611f619" data-vars-headline="New pedestrian bridge arrives for Rouge Greenway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://therouge.org/building-the-rouge-gateway-greenway/" target="_blank">Rouge Gateway Greenway</a>.Why it matters: The new segment will open up more of the Rouge River to the public and help connect Hines Park and U-M Dearborn to a growing regional trail network.

RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism

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

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.

Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes

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

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.

Michigan regulator targets utility rate hikes

The proposal could change how DTE and Consumers Energy seek rate increases.

Michigan&#x27;s utility regulator says some of the rules governing DTE Energy and Consumers Energy can unnecessarily raise <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="customer costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/30/dte-474m-rate-hike-request-michigan-review" data-vars-content-id="6d60609c-63de-43b3-8cc7-473e776a26dd" data-vars-headline="Michigan regulator targets utility rate hikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/30/dte-474m-rate-hike-request-michigan-review" target="_self">customer costs</a> — and it wants lawmakers to change them.Why it matters: Years of rate increases and long-running reliability concerns have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fueled frustration" data-vars-click-url="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/06/11/michigan-lawmakers-forge-ahead-on-energy-issues-as-frustrations-with-utilities-remain/" data-vars-content-id="6d60609c-63de-43b3-8cc7-473e776a26dd" data-vars-headline="Michigan regulator targets utility rate hikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/06/11/michigan-lawmakers-forge-ahead-on-energy-issues-as-frustrations-with-utilities-remain/" target="_blank">fueled frustration</a> with Metro Detroit utilities.

News 🗞

Metro Detroit pushes back on license plate readers

Michigan voters to weigh utility political spending

RenCen overhaul would open up street level

Detroit's freight boom puts truck rules to the test

Detroit tax relief program returns