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Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes

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

Culture

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 confronts AI election deepfakes

A patchwork of state laws means voters face different rules for political deepfakes.

Politics

AI-generated attack ads and campaign content are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rampant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/16/ai-deepfake-ads-campaigns-midterms" data-vars-content-id="cfc7a484-967e-4c48-94c2-18a30f4563d2" data-vars-headline="Michigan confronts AI election deepfakes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/16/ai-deepfake-ads-campaigns-midterms" target="_self">rampant</a> leading up to the midterms.Why it matters: More use of AI makes it harder for voters to determine fact from fiction, per the state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Attorney General" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection/election-protection-2026/protecting-michigan-voters-from-ai-generated-election-misinformation" data-vars-content-id="cfc7a484-967e-4c48-94c2-18a30f4563d2" data-vars-headline="Michigan confronts AI election deepfakes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection/election-protection-2026/protecting-michigan-voters-from-ai-generated-election-misinformation" target="_blank">Department of Attorney General</a>.

RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism

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

News

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.

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.

Harris endorses Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate

The endorsement comes as Democrats unite after a bruising Michigan primary.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan&#x27;s U.S. Senate seat.The big picture: El-Sayed is taking on Republican Mike Rogers in the nationally high-profile race that&#x27;ll be a sprint to November after Michigan&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/05/michigan-elections-dsa-wfp-uaw-progressives-win" data-vars-content-id="5ab32b8f-c4b9-477e-b8a3-6d1880b7f2e1" data-vars-headline="Harris endorses Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/05/michigan-elections-dsa-wfp-uaw-progressives-win" target="_self">Tuesday primary</a>.

Thanedar loses to socialist in Democratic primary for congress

Progressive McKinney won in the heavily Democratic district.

Politics & Policy

State Rep. Donavan McKinney bested two-term incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar in Tuesday&#x27;s Democratic primary to represent Michigan&#x27;s 13th Congressional District.Why it matters: The lifelong Detroiter&#x27;s win likely returns Detroit to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black representation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/08/04/shri-voters-didnt-care-racial-politics-detroit" data-vars-content-id="afce33fe-0a17-4e5a-af5c-35ea913120cb" data-vars-headline="Thanedar loses to socialist in Democratic primary for congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/08/04/shri-voters-didnt-care-racial-politics-detroit" target="_self">Black representation</a> in Congress, which ended with Thanedar&#x27;s 2022 victory.

Gordie Howe bridge finally opens

The new border crossing opened Monday at noon without any big backups.

Transit

After a long and controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wind-up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/24/gordie-howe-bridge-opens-monday" data-vars-content-id="b3cb7ae8-e767-4ec9-981f-02e71e45073a" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe bridge finally opens" 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/gordie-howe-bridge-opens-monday" target="_self">wind-up</a>, the Gordie Howe International Bridge opened Monday without big backups.Why it matters: There are now three ways to get through North America&#x27;s biggest trade crossing by vehicle: the tunnel downtown, the Ambassador Bridge and Gordie Howe.

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.

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.

City Chatter: Detroit hires first retail-attraction director

A former Bedrock executive will lead efforts to draw more retailers, and other city news.

Welcome back to our regular roundup of city government happenings!🛍️ TJ Maxx when? Mayor Mary Sheffield tapped a former executive with Dan Gilbert&#x27;s real estate firm, Bedrock, for a newly created role to lure big-name retailers to Detroit.

Michigan primary debate week begins

Statewide debates for governor and U.S. Senate begin Tuesday ahead of the Aug. 4 primary.

&quot;Debate week&quot; starts Tuesday, with candidates for governor and U.S. Senate set to square off on statewide TV ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aug. 4 primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" data-vars-content-id="3400135f-5c2c-41d0-8e03-58ed402d83a1" data-vars-headline="Michigan primary debate week begins" 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">Aug. 4 primary</a>.Why it matters: There are plenty of local current events to tackle — from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="widespread power outages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/07/06/thousands-still-without-power-michigan-more-storms-possible-monday/90818125007/" data-vars-content-id="3400135f-5c2c-41d0-8e03-58ed402d83a1" data-vars-headline="Michigan primary debate week begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/07/06/thousands-still-without-power-michigan-more-storms-possible-monday/90818125007/" target="_blank">widespread power outages</a> frustrating households across Metro Detroit to the ongoing saga of the Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="delayed opening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/26/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-windsor-plan-opening" data-vars-content-id="3400135f-5c2c-41d0-8e03-58ed402d83a1" data-vars-headline="Michigan primary debate week begins" 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">delayed opening</a>.

Detroit City Chatter: ShotSpotter extension approved

Plus: Belle Isle aims for beach expansion.

Welcome back to our regular city policy roundup.🚨 Gun detection tech: City Council narrowly approved a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ShotSpotter contract" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/09/08/shotspotter-debate-heats-up-detroit" data-vars-content-id="8c92ab95-2d5b-4af4-81ce-649fc7e8fd0d" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: ShotSpotter extension approved" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/09/08/shotspotter-debate-heats-up-detroit" target="_self">ShotSpotter contract</a> extension on Tuesday — the same day the contract was set to expire. Dozens of members of the public spoke for and against the $2 million extension running through March 2027.

Michigan legislators aim to ban surveillance pricing

The proposal would prohibit using personal data to raise prices for individual shoppers.

Business

Local lawmakers want to stop corporations from using your online search history and other personal data to charge more for necessary items like airline tickets or a new baby stroller.Why it matters: More leaders around Michigan and the U.S. are interested in stopping businesses from using surveillance pricing.

Gordie Howe Bridge pathway opening still uncertain

The bridge's walking path is expected to open sometime after vehicle traffic begins.

With the lack of clarity around the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/10/trump-threat-gordie-howe-bridge-michigan-economy" data-vars-content-id="3adad168-5526-49ce-8e1e-0fbc064a643f" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe Bridge pathway opening still uncertain" 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">Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s</a> opening date, those eager to try out its landmark walking path will need to be patient.The latest: The 1.5-mile walking and biking pathway is expected to open somewhere around a week after the bridge finally opens for vehicle traffic, according to Todd Scott, the executive director of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Greenways Coalition" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitgreenways.org/" data-vars-content-id="3adad168-5526-49ce-8e1e-0fbc064a643f" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe Bridge pathway opening still uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitgreenways.org/" target="_blank">Detroit Greenways Coalition</a>. <ul><li>The coalition secured pedestrian access to the bridge and has helped plan out the pathway&#x27;s operations.</li></ul>

Politics 🇺🇸

Michigan confronts AI election deepfakes

Harris endorses Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate

Thanedar loses to socialist in Democratic primary for congress

Gordie Howe bridge finally opens

Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait