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Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair

A successful first fair helped the Detroit artist launch a full-time ceramics business.

News

For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit artist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" target="_self">Detroit artist</a> Genevieve VanZandt, the Ann Arbor Art Fair proved she could make a living as a full-time artist.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="VanZandt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" target="_blank">VanZandt</a> is among dozens of Detroit-area artists at this month&#x27;s fair — one of the country&#x27;s largest and among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several upcoming fairs across the region" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" target="_self">several upcoming fairs across the region</a>.

7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works

From Waka to Hamlin Pub, here's the latest on upcoming restaurant openings.

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s a universal truth that restaurants come and go — and we&#x27;ve seen some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big closures recently" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" target="_blank">big closures recently</a>.On the flip side, we&#x27;re also waiting (im)patiently on exciting openings.Why it matters: Delays in some restaurants&#x27; opening timelines reflect the various <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">challenges</a> many small businesses face, from financing to permitting, construction and staffing difficulties.

Michigan has eighth highest liquor taxes in nation

Michigan has the eighth highest tax on distilled spirits in the country.

Michiganders pay more in taxes for their liquor than in most other states, a tax research group finds.Why it matters: Alcohol taxes vary dramatically from state to state, meaning the same can of beer, glass of wine or fancy cocktail can cost significantly more depending on where you order it.

Where to find a trendy Hugo spritz in Metro Detroit

Where to find the Hugo spritz in Metro Detroit.

The spritz is looking a little less orange these days.The big picture: Although Aperol spritz remains a warm-weather staple, the pale green Hugo spritz — typically made with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur and soda water with mint and lime for garnish — is emerging as a major summer cocktail.

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.

Politics

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>

Detroit neighborhood solar projects seek shift to DTE

The switch could raise costs, but help avoid more delays.

Environment

Detroit plans to transfer three neighborhood <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solar projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/07/10/detroit-city-council-considers-neighborhood-solar-fields" data-vars-content-id="fe1c4028-fc9f-4759-98f6-7e7acbbbb730" data-vars-headline="Detroit neighborhood solar projects seek shift to DTE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/07/10/detroit-city-council-considers-neighborhood-solar-fields" target="_self">solar projects</a> to DTE Energy after its original Boston-based contractor exited solar development following a private-equity acquisition.Why it matters: The switch from Lightstar Renewables will likely involve higher costs, though a final price tag isn&#x27;t known yet.

Detroit City Chatter: Career moves and money matters

Our weekly roundup of city government news.

Welcome back to our regular city government update!💼 Job moves: The city is working on selecting a new leader for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Planning and Development Department" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/planning-and-development-department" data-vars-content-id="fd6eed9b-374c-449f-a36e-a7b24e907f0f" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: Career moves and money matters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/planning-and-development-department" target="_blank">Planning and Development Department</a> that shepherds the city&#x27;s physical growth across neighborhoods.

Sheffield's pro-business case on poverty

The mayor argues anti-poverty policy is key to the economic futures of Detroit and Michigan.

Mayor Mary Sheffield made the business case for lifting Detroit&#x27;s most impoverished residents Thursday at the Mackinac Policy Conference.Why it matters: Fighting poverty is an economic growth strategy in the best interest of corporations and the state at large, Sheffield argued in a keynote speech on Mackinac Island.

Whitmer says she won't run for president in 2028

The Michigan governor is not joining the 2028 Democratic field.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closed the door on a 2028 presidential run on Thursday morning, then appeared to backtrack later in the day during an on-stage discussion at the Mackinac Policy Conference.Why it matters: The two-term governor has been one of Democrats&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most closely watched" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/whitmer-retreat-campaign-president-2028" data-vars-content-id="4eb7663c-dc67-4f52-9f34-e928ce54890b" data-vars-headline="Whitmer says she won&#x27;t run for president in 2028" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/whitmer-retreat-campaign-president-2028" target="_self">most closely watched</a> potential contenders, and her eventual decision will reshape the early 2028 field.

Detroit City Chatter: New civil rights hire

Plus, more additions to an influential economic development board.

Welcome back to our weekly city policy roundup.💼 Hiring news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jade Mathis" data-vars-click-url="https://jadeemathis.com/" data-vars-content-id="b6d1e066-446f-4fc3-93d2-0b6321f3503f" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: New civil rights hire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jadeemathis.com/" target="_blank">Jade Mathis</a>, a civil rights attorney, public speaker and mental health advocate, is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next director" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitmi.gov/news/mayor-mary-sheffield-appoints-jade-e-mathis-director-civil-rights-inclusion-opportunity-megan" data-vars-content-id="b6d1e066-446f-4fc3-93d2-0b6321f3503f" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: New civil rights hire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitmi.gov/news/mayor-mary-sheffield-appoints-jade-e-mathis-director-civil-rights-inclusion-opportunity-megan" target="_blank">next director</a> of Detroit&#x27;s Civil Rights, Inclusion &amp; Opportunity Department. Much of her past work has focused on criminal justice reform.

Duggan exits governor race

The independent candidate's supporters are now up for grabs in one of the country's marquee governor's races.

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent campaign for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/duggan-2026-michigan-election-chaos" data-vars-content-id="63917611-abb7-401f-bc2f-1e2d570534a9" data-vars-headline="Duggan exits governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/duggan-2026-michigan-election-chaos" target="_self">independent campaign for governor</a> Thursday, telling supporters he no longer sees a viable path to victory as national political forces reshape Michigan&#x27;s race.Why it matters: Duggan built a broad coalition of labor groups, business leaders and elected officials from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="both parties" data-vars-click-url="https://mikeduggan.com/more-than-200-current-and-former-elected-officials-from-across-michigan-and-party-lines-endorse-mike-duggans-independent-bid-for-governor/" data-vars-content-id="63917611-abb7-401f-bc2f-1e2d570534a9" data-vars-headline="Duggan exits governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mikeduggan.com/more-than-200-current-and-former-elected-officials-from-across-michigan-and-party-lines-endorse-mike-duggans-independent-bid-for-governor/" target="_blank">both parties</a> around his anti-partisanship message. Those supporters are now up for grabs in one of the country&#x27;s marquee governor&#x27;s races.

Politics 🇺🇸

Detroit City Chatter: A spotlight on ICE vehicle pursuits

Michigan primary debate week begins

Detroit City Chatter: ShotSpotter extension approved

Michigan legislators aim to ban surveillance pricing

Gordie Howe Bridge pathway opening still uncertain