Detroit

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Detroit with Annalise Frank and Joe Guillen.

Axios Detroit

Standard

Detroit Alerts

Alert

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Detroit.

Axios Detroit Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Detroit Partners

Detroit Members

Membership

U.S.-Canada tensions hit Metro Detroit tourism

Tourism organizations are scaling back advertising as Canadians travel elsewhere.

Business

Visit Detroit, the region&#x27;s tourism bureau, isn&#x27;t advertising to Canadian tourists as renewed U.S.-Canada <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trade tensions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/us-canada-tariffs-trade-trump-carney" data-vars-content-id="86a6a429-3657-4743-8c3d-4482b63d01dd" data-vars-headline="U.S.-Canada tensions hit Metro Detroit tourism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/us-canada-tariffs-trade-trump-carney" target="_self">trade tensions</a> continue to lead visitors to other destinations. Why it matters: Last year&#x27;s tariff dispute, and the current one, greatly impact <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Metro Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/04/17/detroit-sees-drop-in-visitors-from-canada" data-vars-content-id="86a6a429-3657-4743-8c3d-4482b63d01dd" data-vars-headline="U.S.-Canada tensions hit Metro Detroit tourism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/04/17/detroit-sees-drop-in-visitors-from-canada" target="_self">Metro Detroit</a>. Tourism from Canada is significant here, considering our busy Detroit-Windsor crossings.

Power outages could trigger $42 bill credits

Michigan automatically requires credits for certain extended power outages.

News

Still without power? You could be in line for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$42 bill credit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/commission/news-releases/2025/09/11/mpsc-raises-bill-credit-to-42-for-customers-experiencing-long-or-repeat-outages" data-vars-content-id="31b0f3fa-0de1-41e0-a189-15de6deb55eb" data-vars-headline="Power outages could trigger $42 bill credits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/commission/news-releases/2025/09/11/mpsc-raises-bill-credit-to-42-for-customers-experiencing-long-or-repeat-outages" target="_blank">$42 bill credit</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="More than 260,000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/severe-weather-disrupts-power-to-over-80000-customers-in-metro-detroit/" data-vars-content-id="31b0f3fa-0de1-41e0-a189-15de6deb55eb" data-vars-headline="Power outages could trigger $42 bill credits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/severe-weather-disrupts-power-to-over-80000-customers-in-metro-detroit/" target="_blank">More than 260,000</a> DTE customers were without power Thursday after severe storms swept through Metro Detroit.

Yemeni cafes from Metro Detroit surge nationwide

Haraz, Qahwah House and others are growing to dozens of locations across the U.S.

Food and Drink

Yemeni coffee cafes have expanded beyond Metro Detroit as favorites among coffee shop enthusiasts everywhere.The buzz: Yemeni cafe brands like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Qahwah House" data-vars-click-url="https://qahwahhouse.com/" data-vars-content-id="1320ea78-d559-4dec-86ca-7b805b8c9305" data-vars-headline="Yemeni cafes from Metro Detroit surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://qahwahhouse.com/" target="_blank">Qahwah House</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shibam Coffee Co." data-vars-click-url="https://shibamcoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="1320ea78-d559-4dec-86ca-7b805b8c9305" data-vars-headline="Yemeni cafes from Metro Detroit surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://shibamcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Shibam Coffee Co.</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Qamaria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.qamariacoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="1320ea78-d559-4dec-86ca-7b805b8c9305" data-vars-headline="Yemeni cafes from Metro Detroit surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.qamariacoffee.com/" target="_blank">Qamaria</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Haraz Coffee House" data-vars-click-url="https://harazcoffeehouse.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorAPHjJ676lGpVjllchwZX3uUiyQQ1lzdtBZEwzF4rjdkF__SEF" data-vars-content-id="1320ea78-d559-4dec-86ca-7b805b8c9305" data-vars-headline="Yemeni cafes from Metro Detroit surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://harazcoffeehouse.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorAPHjJ676lGpVjllchwZX3uUiyQQ1lzdtBZEwzF4rjdkF__SEF" target="_blank">Haraz Coffee House</a> started in and around Dearborn and have grown to dozens of locations nationwide.

Michigan braces for fall tick surge

Blacklegged ticks enter another peak activity period this fall.

This year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tick season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/01/be-prepared-this-tick-season-in-michigan" data-vars-content-id="0659705a-5aba-4497-a19a-effebacf0520" data-vars-headline="Michigan braces for fall tick surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/01/be-prepared-this-tick-season-in-michigan" target="_self">tick season</a> has been a doozy — and another surge is coming in the fall.Why it matters: Tick bites can pose serious health risks, transmitting pathogens that cause illnesses including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lyme disease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/04/lyme-disease-symptoms-treatment" data-vars-content-id="0659705a-5aba-4497-a19a-effebacf0520" data-vars-headline="Michigan braces for fall tick surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/04/lyme-disease-symptoms-treatment" target="_self">Lyme disease</a> and triggering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alpha-gal syndrome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/alpha-gal-ags-tick-meat-allergy-cases" data-vars-content-id="0659705a-5aba-4497-a19a-effebacf0520" data-vars-headline="Michigan braces for fall tick surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/alpha-gal-ags-tick-meat-allergy-cases" target="_self">alpha-gal syndrome</a>, an allergy to red meat.

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.

Gordie Howe bridge finally opens

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

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.

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.

Transit 🚗

Bridge pathway opens Wednesday. Here's what to know

Gordie Howe bridge finally opens

Gordie Howe Bridge opening nears after long wait

Gordie Howe bridge walking path to open Aug. 5

Detroit unveils major road repair program