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What Michigan primary voters need to know

Find early voting, absentee ballot and registration information before you vote.

News

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" data-vars-content-id="8687e737-ed01-4090-b338-7f91a27a701b" data-vars-headline="What Michigan primary voters need 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/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" target="_self">primary season</a> and voters only have a few weeks left before the election.Why it matters: The Aug. 4 primary will determine which Democratic and Republican candidates advance to November&#x27;s general election.

Metro Detroit bookstores thrive despite reading slump

Bookstores are reinventing themselves as community gathering places.

Business

Fewer Americans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reading books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" data-vars-content-id="a85a50f3-2e12-42b0-9868-ebb7ee96f51e" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit bookstores thrive despite reading slump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" target="_self">reading books</a>, but here&#x27;s the plot twist: The bookstore is still staging a comeback.Why it matters: Once left for dead in the wake of Amazon&#x27;s rise and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="death of Borders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" data-vars-content-id="a85a50f3-2e12-42b0-9868-ebb7ee96f51e" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit bookstores thrive despite reading slump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" target="_blank">death of Borders</a>, Barnes &amp; Noble and independent booksellers have pulled off a stunning turnaround, opening new stores and reporting higher sales.

Detroit LGBTQ+ chamber expands statewide

The group plans to bring resources and advocacy to entrepreneurs across Michigan.

The Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber has expanded statewide, becoming the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce" data-vars-click-url="https://mipridechamber.com/expands-statewide-as-the-michigan-pride-chamber-of-commerce/" data-vars-content-id="84e00872-31ce-4827-a9b3-5af10b4a8863" data-vars-headline="Detroit LGBTQ+ chamber expands statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mipridechamber.com/expands-statewide-as-the-michigan-pride-chamber-of-commerce/" target="_blank">Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce</a>.Why it matters: The group&#x27;s leaders say that all across this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="purple" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/18/midwest-2024-trump-election-battleground" data-vars-content-id="84e00872-31ce-4827-a9b3-5af10b4a8863" data-vars-headline="Detroit LGBTQ+ chamber expands statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/18/midwest-2024-trump-election-battleground" target="_self">purple</a> state, entrepreneurs need support to grow — whether they&#x27;re in metropolitan southeast Michigan, the west side of the state or rural country in the UP.

Gordie Howe bridge opens Monday after decades

The long-awaited border crossing opens at noon with lower tolls and faster routes.

The long-awaited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gordie Howe International Bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/22/gordie-howe-bridge-canada-celebration-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="6e997112-b356-43d3-8968-6ca439c1474c" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe bridge opens Monday after decades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/22/gordie-howe-bridge-canada-celebration-tariffs" target="_self">Gordie Howe International Bridge</a> opens to traffic at noon Monday despite U.S.-Canada trade tensions that scrapped plans for a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony.Why it matters: After decades of planning, construction and political battles, the new Detroit-Windsor crossing provides an alternative to the Ambassador Bridge while adding another major gateway for trade and travel.

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.

Transit

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.

Gordie Howe bridge walking path to open Aug. 5

It's the start of walking and cycling travel between Detroit and Windsor.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="walking and cycling path" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/26/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-windsor-plan-opening" data-vars-content-id="3ee6c00d-ccb1-4870-b425-3b4ae3697c9d" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe bridge walking path to open Aug. 5" 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">walking and cycling path</a> will open Aug. 5, just over a week after the bridge opens to vehicle traffic on July 27, officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said on X" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/GordieHoweBrg/status/2077437990570274964?s=20" data-vars-content-id="3ee6c00d-ccb1-4870-b425-3b4ae3697c9d" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe bridge walking path to open Aug. 5" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/GordieHoweBrg/status/2077437990570274964?s=20" target="_blank">said on X</a> yesterday.Why it matters: Public interest has followed the progression of the unique pathway that&#x27;ll allow visitors and locals to walk from one country to another.

Detroit unveils major road repair program

Pothole-plagued roads lead to car repairs, which are getting more costly.

Some of Detroit&#x27;s most pothole-marred roads are getting repaired this summer.Why it matters: It&#x27;s an affordability issue. The cost of owning and repairing a car <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is going up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/02/car-ownership-costs-rising-loans-insurance-michigan" data-vars-content-id="cca896de-672c-4c14-bcc8-c828220fb140" data-vars-headline="Detroit unveils major road repair program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/02/car-ownership-costs-rising-loans-insurance-michigan" target="_self">is going up</a>, and our region&#x27;s poor road conditions directly contribute to that burden.

Metro Detroit grapples with rise of e-bikes and e-motos

Officials say many of the vehicles causing confusion fall outside state definitions.

E-bikes and other micromobility devices are appearing across Metro Detroit&#x27;s roads, sidewalks, trails and public spaces, from pedal-assisted bikes and scooters to high-powered vehicles often marketed as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="e-bikes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/07/28/e-bike-incentives-detroiters-cars-climate-michigan" data-vars-content-id="945ed141-d1e3-415b-bec1-2b1b94c9cc21" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit grapples with rise of e-bikes and e-motos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/07/28/e-bike-incentives-detroiters-cars-climate-michigan" target="_self">e-bikes</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Communities across the region" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/dearborn-heights-ban-e-bikes-city-property/" data-vars-content-id="945ed141-d1e3-415b-bec1-2b1b94c9cc21" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit grapples with rise of e-bikes and e-motos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/dearborn-heights-ban-e-bikes-city-property/" target="_blank">Communities across the region</a> are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cracking down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wxyz.com/news/region/oakland-county/south-lyon-implements-strict-new-e-bike-ordinance-to-address-safety-concerns-and-reckless-riding-on-trails" data-vars-content-id="945ed141-d1e3-415b-bec1-2b1b94c9cc21" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit grapples with rise of e-bikes and e-motos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wxyz.com/news/region/oakland-county/south-lyon-implements-strict-new-e-bike-ordinance-to-address-safety-concerns-and-reckless-riding-on-trails" target="_blank">cracking down</a> on vehicles that were much less common when many trails, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="greenways" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/05/25/southwest-greenway-detroit-joe-louis-greenway" data-vars-content-id="945ed141-d1e3-415b-bec1-2b1b94c9cc21" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit grapples with rise of e-bikes and e-motos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/05/25/southwest-greenway-detroit-joe-louis-greenway" target="_self">greenways</a> and public spaces were originally designed.

Gas prices ease in Metro Detroit

Metro Detroiters are seeing a slight dip from last month&#x27;s gas price spike, though prices remain elevated.The latest: The region&#x27;s average regular unleaded gas price was about $4.30 as of Tuesday morning, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GasBuddy data" data-vars-click-url="https://fuelinsights.gasbuddy.com/#Home/US/MI/Detroit" data-vars-content-id="dcd7e730-1f73-44f7-963b-08fe18f40f40" data-vars-headline="Gas prices ease in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fuelinsights.gasbuddy.com/#Home/US/MI/Detroit" target="_blank">GasBuddy data</a>.

Michigan drivers face soaring car costs

Higher loan payments and insurance costs are straining drivers.

Even if you put aside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/05/metro-detroit-gas-prices-average-iran" data-vars-content-id="34b6ee1c-d91b-4d4a-857b-7aff95841926" data-vars-headline="Michigan drivers face soaring car costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/05/metro-detroit-gas-prices-average-iran" target="_self">gas prices</a>, car ownership has gotten a lot more expensive in recent years.Why it matters: Though Detroit and the region have sought to improve public transit options, many people still rely on cars, making rising ownership costs hard to avoid.

Advocates promote millage for public transit gaps

The proposal would add routes, senior transit and on-demand service.

Public transit advocates are asking voters to support a millage that would expand patchwork bus routes to cover more of Wayne County.Why it matters: More than 300,000 people in Wayne County don&#x27;t or can&#x27;t drive, and many of them have few to no public transit options, nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transportation Riders United" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroittransit.org/" data-vars-content-id="8b9b13d2-bcc9-4238-b7bc-b78a0d0a6efc" data-vars-headline="Advocates promote millage for public transit gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroittransit.org/" target="_blank">Transportation Riders United</a> director Megan Owens said in a press conference Thursday.

Questions remain on Michigan Central transit hub cost

Officials say the final price won't be set until the design phase wraps in 2027.

The final cost of Michigan Central&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed transit hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/07/scoop-amtrak-mdot-michigan-central-train-bus-station" data-vars-content-id="4da7f4ef-9469-4ac7-9e08-45b9cbd1dc81" data-vars-headline="Questions remain on Michigan Central transit hub cost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/07/scoop-amtrak-mdot-michigan-central-train-bus-station" target="_self">proposed transit hub</a> won&#x27;t be clear until at least 2027, once the project completes its design phase.Why it matters: The long-planned transit hub in Corktown is a key step toward modernizing Detroit&#x27;s transit system and connecting the region to national and international rail networks.

Gas prices surge across Metro Detroit

Drivers are paying far more at the pump here and elsewhere in the Midwest.

We&#x27;re picking our jaws up off the floor after Metro Detroit&#x27;s gas prices jumped last week.Why it matters: Higher prices are squeezing household budgets — and can carry political consequences.

People Mover takes lead on Corktown transit hub plan

Plans to build a new transit hub at Detroit's Michigan Central are moving forward.

Plans to build a new transit hub at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan Central" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/06/12/michigan-central-officials-optimistic-on-resurrecting-train-service" data-vars-content-id="6b71d4ff-eaa0-46c0-aad5-a325157f3186" data-vars-headline="People Mover takes lead on Corktown transit hub plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/06/12/michigan-central-officials-optimistic-on-resurrecting-train-service" target="_self">Michigan Central</a> are moving forward, with the operator of the People Mover now taking the lead.Why it matters: The long-discussed transit hub tied to Michigan Central is a key piece of Detroit&#x27;s mobility and economic development strategy, and a shift in leadership signals the project is moving into its next phase.

A line chart that tracks average monthly regular unleaded gas prices in Metro Detroit and nationally from June 2025 to June 2026. Detroit ranges from $2.85 in December 2025 to $4.687 in May 2026. National prices range from $2.821 in January 2026 to $4.479 in May 2026.

Transit 🚗

Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait

Gordie Howe bridge walking path to open Aug. 5

Detroit unveils major road repair program

Metro Detroit grapples with rise of e-bikes and e-motos

Gas prices ease in Metro Detroit