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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.

Solo travel takes off in Metro Detroit

Searches are soaring as travelers embrace freedom, spontaneity and new connections.

Google searches for &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solo travel" data-vars-click-url="https://trends.google.com/explore?geo=505&amp;q=solo%2520travel&amp;date=all" data-vars-content-id="ab2f88e7-263a-49c8-b78a-49d9b7a1dfff" data-vars-headline="Solo travel takes off in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://trends.google.com/explore?geo=505&amp;q=solo%2520travel&amp;date=all" target="_blank">solo travel</a>&quot; hit a nationwide record high in 2026, including in Metro Detroit, where searches peaked in February.Why it matters: Solo travel is booming as more people embrace the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want — without waiting for someone else&#x27;s PTO to line up.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Aug. 21-23

RenFest, live music, a summer sidewalk sale on Cass and more.

Things to Do

🛍️ Shop the North Cass <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summer Sidewalk Sale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clickondetroit.com/live-in-the-d/2026/08/18/sidewalk-sale-set-to-offer-special-deals-and-a-unique-shopping-experience/" data-vars-content-id="c08afa2d-ee3f-4bee-8b8f-c5d2e79f1e95" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Aug. 21-23" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clickondetroit.com/live-in-the-d/2026/08/18/sidewalk-sale-set-to-offer-special-deals-and-a-unique-shopping-experience/" target="_blank">Summer Sidewalk Sale</a> on Saturday with more than 25 vendors.<ul><li>11am-6pm. Free to attend!</li></ul>

Plan your Michigan fall color getaway

Peak color season is coming. Here's where to go — book soon!

Environment

Look alive, leaf peepers! If you haven&#x27;t booked your fall foliage travel, now&#x27;s the time.Why it matters: Michiganders know autumn is the peak time to enjoy the Mitten State&#x27;s natural beauty, whether that means a half-day on Belle Isle or a four-hour drive for a weekend getaway.

Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: Aug. 14-16

Art, Tigers baseball and the Woodward Dream Cruise are on tap.

🛞 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Woodward Dream Cruise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.woodwarddreamcruise.com/" data-vars-content-id="9cd019ba-69e8-48c2-b60b-cff8a6e509b8" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: Aug. 14-16" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.woodwarddreamcruise.com/" target="_blank">Woodward Dream Cruise</a>: The summer tradition that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="everyone loves to hate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/woodward-dream-cruise/2025/08/10/nostalgic-or-a-nuisance-woodward-dream-cruise-turns-30/85508438007/" data-vars-content-id="9cd019ba-69e8-48c2-b60b-cff8a6e509b8" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: Aug. 14-16" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/woodward-dream-cruise/2025/08/10/nostalgic-or-a-nuisance-woodward-dream-cruise-turns-30/85508438007/" target="_blank">everyone loves to hate</a> rolls up and down Woodward Avenue, from 8 Mile to Pontiac.<ul><li>The official cruise is Saturday, 9am-9pm, with community events along the route. Expect heavy traffic all weekend.</li></ul>

August skywatching guide for Metro Detroit

Here are the celestial sights worth stepping outside to see this month.

Aerospace

August is one of the year&#x27;s best months for skywatching. From shooting stars to a nearly eclipsed full Moon, here&#x27;s what&#x27;s worth watching in the weeks ahead.Why it matters: Recent smoky skies are a reminder not to take clear nights for granted.

In third year, Detroit Sandwich Party expands

About 50 vendors will serve sandwiches at the free September festival.

Food and Drink

Expect more room this year to eat more sandwiches at the third annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Sandwich Party" data-vars-click-url="https://easternmarket.org/events/detroit-sandwich-party-2026/" data-vars-content-id="bbcbf586-20eb-4761-a31c-fd07e509d861" data-vars-headline="In third year, Detroit Sandwich Party expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://easternmarket.org/events/detroit-sandwich-party-2026/" target="_blank">Detroit Sandwich Party</a> — and no, hot dogs aren&#x27;t invited.Why it matters: The free, one-day festival Sunday, Sept. 6 will gather around 50 vendors selling sample-size sandwiches.

Unc's Pizza opens in downtown Detroit

Unc's Pizza opens Tuesday in Capitol Park with pies, wings and mozzarella sticks.

Another option for Detroit-style pizza has entered the scene.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Unc&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://uncspizza.com/" data-vars-content-id="146f26bf-2eb0-4183-a636-ceecefd721b5" data-vars-headline="Unc&#x27;s Pizza opens in downtown Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://uncspizza.com/" target="_blank">Unc&#x27;s Pizza</a> opens Tuesday in downtown&#x27;s Capitol Park.

A bridge, a bear and unicycles: Biking the Gordie Howe on Day 1

An Axios reporter traversed the bridge on opening day, talking with locals.

Development

🚲 Annalise here. On Wednesday morning, two wheels <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="took me" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="82732f90-2042-4f89-a66d-b08111e6c621" data-vars-headline="A bridge, a bear and unicycles: Biking the Gordie Howe on Day 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" target="_self">took me</a> to another country and back.Why it matters: Canadians and Americans marveled together while traversing the Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s free, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-awaited" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="82732f90-2042-4f89-a66d-b08111e6c621" data-vars-headline="A bridge, a bear and unicycles: Biking the Gordie Howe on Day 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" target="_self">long-awaited</a> pedestrian and cycling pathway for the first time.

Bridge pathway opens Wednesday. Here's what to know

Expect lines, bring your travel documents and plan ahead.

Transit

Wednesday is the second part of the Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s long-awaited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/28/gordie-howe-bridge-finally-opens" data-vars-content-id="52b4f14a-ba50-48cf-a73a-844e76dee81c" data-vars-headline="Bridge pathway opens Wednesday. Here&#x27;s what to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/28/gordie-howe-bridge-finally-opens" target="_self">opening</a> — the pedestrian and cycling pathway.Why it matters: The bridge authority is urging patience, as it expects long lines for the 1.8-mile international path&#x27;s 8am opening.

Detroit art show explores animal relationships

The free exhibition will also host a pet adoption event.

The non-human stars of our lives are on display at Detroit Artists Market in Midtown.The big picture: In the art exhibition &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Friends: Furry &amp; Fictional" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitartistsmarket.org/2026/07/01/friends-furry-and-fictional/" data-vars-content-id="cdd2c1bd-e6cd-48e3-b27b-808c06c35a4f" data-vars-headline="Detroit art show explores animal relationships" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitartistsmarket.org/2026/07/01/friends-furry-and-fictional/" target="_blank">Friends: Furry &amp; Fictional</a>,&quot; 15 artists explore the relationships between people and animals.

Things to Do 🗓

Solo travel takes off in Metro Detroit

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Aug. 21-23

Plan your Michigan fall color getaway

Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: Aug. 14-16

August skywatching guide for Metro Detroit