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Abdul El-Sayed's star rises after Senate win

Viral speeches, national interviews and policy debates are raising expectations for the senator-elect.

News

Abdul El-Sayed is commanding a national spotlight a week after his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic Senate victory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/michigan-senate-results-el-sayed-rogers" data-vars-content-id="1958e197-ce96-40ec-aeaf-e212fb0c175e" data-vars-headline="Abdul El-Sayed&#x27;s star rises after Senate win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/michigan-senate-results-el-sayed-rogers" target="_self">historic Senate victory</a>, from serious debates over Israel and healthcare to viral moments from his election-night speech.Why it matters: El-Sayed&#x27;s victory has propelled him to a new level of prominence, bringing fresh scrutiny to his ambitious policy agenda and raising expectations for what he can accomplish in office.

What's new for downtown Detroit's holidays

Explore free rides, two festive shopping areas, Santa photos and a Coney dog with a twist.

Things to Do

Expect a new carousel ride, chip-sprinkled Coney dogs and perhaps a Grinch sighting when you join the holiday revelry in downtown Detroit this year.Context: The annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Decked Out Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.deckedoutdetroit.com/holiday-overview/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=search_ppc&amp;utm_campaign=evergreen_dod_holiday2026&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=15507446772&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADKb2x6rmPVeQ6eaticgfWi2kE9IR&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAnsvXBhCqARIsAHKgGNbT27sIkHFHJEZoP3sKGbJCgv2WqsynoGBD6VUptoGA06136dMBbckaArGGEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="682c71f1-692c-4b73-9bcf-70d28d12328f" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new for downtown Detroit&#x27;s holidays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.deckedoutdetroit.com/holiday-overview/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=search_ppc&amp;utm_campaign=evergreen_dod_holiday2026&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=15507446772&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADKb2x6rmPVeQ6eaticgfWi2kE9IR&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAnsvXBhCqARIsAHKgGNbT27sIkHFHJEZoP3sKGbJCgv2WqsynoGBD6VUptoGA06136dMBbckaArGGEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Decked Out Detroit</a> festivities are mostly free, produced by prominent downtown landlord Bedrock and partners. GM joined this year, after moving its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="global headquarters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/16/general-motors-to-leave-rencen-headquarters" data-vars-content-id="682c71f1-692c-4b73-9bcf-70d28d12328f" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new for downtown Detroit&#x27;s holidays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/16/general-motors-to-leave-rencen-headquarters" target="_self">global headquarters</a> into the Hudson&#x27;s building.

Michigan small businesses embrace AI

A new survey shows how Michigan entrepreneurs are using AI and where they see risks.

Business

Local small businesses are embracing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/ai-employee-purpose-productivity-ceos" data-vars-content-id="ea35486e-fb20-4b02-bdcd-c934f0c194fb" data-vars-headline="Michigan small businesses embrace AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/ai-employee-purpose-productivity-ceos" target="_self">AI</a>, though many say it&#x27;s not central to their work, according to Goldman Sachs survey data shared with Axios.The big picture: Big and small companies are figuring out whether to incorporate AI into their workflows, and what that means for productivity and creativity.

Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: Nov. 13-15 

Motor City Comic Con,  Fleetwood Mac singalong, holiday shopping and more.

Things to do around Metro Detroit this weekend:🎤 Sing your heart out to Fleetwood Mac with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Choir! Choir! Choir!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flagstarstrand.com/event-details/choir-choir-choir" data-vars-content-id="1fb111e6-9f28-4a93-a490-b7f4e7b141c3" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: Nov. 13-15 " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flagstarstrand.com/event-details/choir-choir-choir" target="_blank">Choir! Choir! Choir!</a>, an interactive singalong celebrating the band&#x27;s greatest hits at Pontiac&#x27;s Flagstar Strand Theatre.

Detroit frees up thousands of Land Bank properties

Thousands of previously restricted properties are opening up to potential buyers.

Thousands of Detroit Land Bank properties previously held off the market are being made available for sale under reforms announced by Mayor Mary Sheffield.Why it matters: The changes aim to address <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longstanding frustrations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/having-trouble-buying-land-bank-property-it-may-be-reserved-for-development/" data-vars-content-id="a5ec2172-39c4-406a-aedc-99e19f74c20e" data-vars-headline="Detroit frees up thousands of Land Bank properties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/having-trouble-buying-land-bank-property-it-may-be-reserved-for-development/" target="_blank">longstanding frustrations</a> among residents who have struggled to purchase Land Bank properties in their neighborhoods or learn why they weren&#x27;t available.

Delorean Holmes returns to lead Detroit port

Delorean Holmes takes over as cruise tourism grows and cargo shipments face headwinds.

Delorean Holmes, a Detroit native and longtime economic development official, is returning to lead the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority.Why it matters: The public agency oversees 18 marine terminals along the Detroit and Rouge rivers, supporting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="maritime industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/05/great-lakes-ports-could-get-more-business-as-supply-chains-diversify" data-vars-content-id="eac5d235-97a8-416b-9fad-38496dfa4f27" data-vars-headline="Delorean Holmes returns to lead Detroit port" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/05/great-lakes-ports-could-get-more-business-as-supply-chains-diversify" target="_self">maritime industry</a> that generates an estimated $1 billion in economic activity and 6,000 jobs.

Metro Detroit doctors see more e-bike injuries

Doctors report motorcycle-like injuries as more children ride powerful e-bikes.

Metro Detroit doctors are seeing more injuries involving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="e-bikes and scooters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/15/michigan-ebike-rules-trails-greenways-confusion" data-vars-content-id="26bdda29-d6e7-4b21-8077-4c8221961c6a" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit doctors see more e-bike injuries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/15/michigan-ebike-rules-trails-greenways-confusion" target="_self">e-bikes and scooters</a>, including serious fractures resembling those suffered in motorcycle crashes.Why it matters: The experiences of medical professionals could help shape how Michigan policymakers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="respond to the safety risks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/14/michigan-ebike-kids-age-restrictions" data-vars-content-id="26bdda29-d6e7-4b21-8077-4c8221961c6a" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit doctors see more e-bike injuries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/14/michigan-ebike-kids-age-restrictions" target="_self">respond to the safety risks</a> posed by increasingly powerful — and popular — electric mobility devices.

Jack White joins star-studded ballot

The Detroit rocker is among the artists up for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Culture

🎸 Detroit&#x27;s own Jack White is among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nominees" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/songwriters-hall-fame-lady-gaga-shakira-b9dcf1cf7caacabd9d2c35f4c8bbb3d5" data-vars-content-id="4c86be2b-e2ee-487b-8b39-5cf7b0fd5cc3" data-vars-headline="Jack White joins star-studded ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/songwriters-hall-fame-lady-gaga-shakira-b9dcf1cf7caacabd9d2c35f4c8bbb3d5" target="_blank">nominees</a> for the 2027 Songwriters Hall of Fame, joining an eclectic lineup that includes Lady Gaga, Shakira, Pink, Boy George and Ne-Yo.Zoom out: Unlike the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame, which recognizes artists&#x27; broader musical influence, the Songwriters Hall focuses on the craft of songwriting.

El-Sayed outperformed 2024 Democrats across Metro Detroit

His gains in Dearborn, Oakland and Macomb helped deliver a historic Senate victory.

Metro Detroit helped power Abdul El-Sayed&#x27;s historic U.S. Senate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="victory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/michigan-senate-results-el-sayed-rogers" data-vars-content-id="2b9e0a24-efc7-484f-92c2-04c7741bb58b" data-vars-headline="El-Sayed outperformed 2024 Democrats across Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/michigan-senate-results-el-sayed-rogers" target="_self">victory</a> over Republican Mike Rogers on Tuesday, outperforming Democrats&#x27; 2024 showing across the region.The big picture: The results reveal a striking turnaround from two years ago, when Kamala Harris <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lost ground throughout southeast Michigan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/11/07/why-biden-outperformed-harris-throughout-metro-detroit" data-vars-content-id="2b9e0a24-efc7-484f-92c2-04c7741bb58b" data-vars-headline="El-Sayed outperformed 2024 Democrats across 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/2024/11/07/why-biden-outperformed-harris-throughout-metro-detroit" target="_self">lost ground throughout southeast Michigan</a>.

Metro Detroit gas prices surge 52%

Drivers are paying $1.54 more per gallon than they were a year ago.

Voters have plenty on their minds today. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pain at the pump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/19/gas-prices-republicans-affordability-question" data-vars-content-id="ca450f51-2b7d-4805-ae5a-432f5c4d121f" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit gas prices surge 52%" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/19/gas-prices-republicans-affordability-question" target="_self">Pain at the pump</a> is probably near the top.Why it matters: Metro Detroit gas prices have climbed more than 50% over the past year, adding to voters&#x27; broader concerns about the cost of food, utilities and other necessities.

Wayne County misses mental health filings

A WXYZ investigation found widespread gaps in court-ordered mental health treatment paperwork.

Wayne County mental health providers failed to file required outpatient treatment plans in roughly two-thirds of court-approved cases last year, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WXYZ investigation found" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/fatal-detroit-stabbing-exposes-gaps-in-court-ordered-mental-health-treatment" data-vars-content-id="851a8d66-3e82-4e22-affb-4ea21c43eafa" data-vars-headline="Wayne County misses mental health filings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/fatal-detroit-stabbing-exposes-gaps-in-court-ordered-mental-health-treatment" target="_blank">WXYZ investigation found</a>.<ul><li>In 2025, treatment plan notices were filed in just 453 of 1,380 granted mental health petitions, or 33%.</li></ul>

RenCen community benefits deal wins approval

A neighborhood council voted 8-1 to support the deal, but public funding questions remain.

Despite vocal opposition from some Detroiters, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighborhood council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/02/rencen-neighborhood-advisory-council-election" data-vars-content-id="fb72316e-9787-4269-b5df-ae930d9e1e02" data-vars-headline="RenCen community benefits deal wins approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/02/rencen-neighborhood-advisory-council-election" target="_self">neighborhood council</a> voted 8-1 Tuesday to endorse a community benefits package for the $2.2 billion redevelopment of the Renaissance Center and east riverfront.Why it matters: The vote marks a major milestone for Dan Gilbert&#x27;s Bedrock and General Motors, but the project still faces scrutiny over its nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$548 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/16/rencen-redevelopment-548-million-public-support" data-vars-content-id="fb72316e-9787-4269-b5df-ae930d9e1e02" data-vars-headline="RenCen community benefits deal wins approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/16/rencen-redevelopment-548-million-public-support" target="_self">$548 million</a> request for public incentives.

How to research your Michigan ballot

These free voter guides can help you research candidates before Nov. 3.

My absentee ballot just arrived in the mail. All three pages of it.Zoom in: I&#x27;ve spent plenty of time covering the races for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/05/michigan-governor-voter-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="fa36487d-7f19-46c8-9db7-8c9c90d34fbd" data-vars-headline="How to research your Michigan ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/05/michigan-governor-voter-guide-2026" target="_self">governor</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/07/senate-race-1-minute-voter-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="fa36487d-7f19-46c8-9db7-8c9c90d34fbd" data-vars-headline="How to research your Michigan ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/07/senate-race-1-minute-voter-guide-2026" target="_self">U.S. Senate</a>. But farther down my ballot, I found dozens of candidates for judgeships, school boards and university trustees I knew little or nothing about.

News 🗞

Detroit frees up thousands of Land Bank properties

Abdul El-Sayed's star rises after Senate win

Delorean Holmes returns to lead Detroit port

Metro Detroit doctors see more e-bike injuries

Jack White joins star-studded ballot