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CVS opens pharmacy-focused stores in Metro Detroit

New CVS stores focus on prescriptions and basic care, with a Redford event set for April 30.

News

CVS is opening two new pharmacy-focused stores on Grand River Avenue, about 7 miles apart, as it rolls out a smaller-format model in Metro Detroit.Why it matters: The format is meant to expand access to pharmacy care, particularly in underserved communities or areas with fewer nearby pharmacies.

Inside Sakura Novi's new retail and dining hub

The development aims to bring destination retail while reflecting the city's growing Asian American population.

Business

<figure><img alt="A gif that shows Joe grabbing a sun shaped stuffed animal from a claw machine " height="450" id="403cfb0c-4af5-49be-b0ad-492afb08195a" src="https://images.axios.com/CW2s28E3G6LbI4LZ4UedCTh4hxs=/2026/04/16/1776363839551.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Joe&#x27;s successful claw machine endeavor at Klawsome! in Novi. GIF: Annalise Frank/Axios</figcaption></figure>A new development in Novi is turning a stretch of suburbia into a hub for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asian-inspired retail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/18/168-asian-mart-expansion-madison-heights" data-vars-content-id="a39be478-b0cd-42d8-824a-4f3ee83cdc74" data-vars-headline="Inside Sakura Novi&#x27;s new retail and dining hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/18/168-asian-mart-expansion-madison-heights" target="_self">Asian-inspired retail</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sakura Novi" data-vars-click-url="https://sakuranovi.com/" data-vars-content-id="a39be478-b0cd-42d8-824a-4f3ee83cdc74" data-vars-headline="Inside Sakura Novi&#x27;s new retail and dining hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sakuranovi.com/" target="_blank">Sakura Novi</a> reflects a shift in suburban retail that blends housing, dining and shopping to serve a growing Asian population and draw visitors from across the region.

James wavers on Oakland County GOP debate

Uncertainty over his debate plans raises the stakes in a wide-open Michigan GOP gubernatorial primary.

U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) has not committed to next week&#x27;s Oakland County GOP gubernatorial debate, raising questions about his strategy in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still-fluid primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/01/22/secretary-of-state-jocelyn-benson-michigan-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="45b03ae6-0a3f-4ed3-8829-f6a1f6b561c4" data-vars-headline="James wavers on Oakland County GOP debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/01/22/secretary-of-state-jocelyn-benson-michigan-governor-race" target="_self">still-fluid primary</a>.Why it matters: The Oakland County debate is an early test for GOP candidates in one of the state&#x27;s most important regions — and a chance to shape the primary as the field solidifies after Tuesday&#x27;s filing deadline.

Michigan Dems clash and unite ahead of midterms

Big winners were Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit.

Politics

Michigan Democrats are focused on the contentious fall midterms after a record-turnout endorsement convention Sunday reflected both internal divisions and hopes of unity.Why it matters: Progressive candidates won out in top races during the 7,200-attendee event at Huntington Place, highlighting disagreement on subjects like the war in Gaza, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the News" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/04/20/michigan-democratic-party-state-convention-detroit/89600339007/" data-vars-content-id="f9f24ba5-fcb2-4c18-9a48-15d86a6a00e5" data-vars-headline="Michigan Dems clash and unite ahead of midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/04/20/michigan-democratic-party-state-convention-detroit/89600339007/" target="_blank">per the News</a>.

Detroit rolling out new speed humps citywide

Residents can opt out of new speed humps by an April 24 deadline.

Detroit will install 312 new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="speed humps" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/department-public-works/complete-streets/speed-humps" data-vars-content-id="92f2e547-8616-4470-961f-82ab966a78c7" data-vars-headline="Detroit rolling out new speed humps citywide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/department-public-works/complete-streets/speed-humps" target="_blank">speed humps</a> this year on residential streets throughout the city, officials announced Wednesday.Why it matters: Detroit has added more than 10,000 speed humps since 2016 to help prevent speeding and reckless driving.

Detroit seeks fix for unreliable bus tracking

The mayor's budget proposal includes raising pay for drivers and engineers, plus new bus shelters.

Transit

Detroit&#x27;s transit leaders aim to improve a key lagging metric: real-time tracking for riders, who sometimes can&#x27;t tell when the bus will show up.Why it matters: The new mayor&#x27;s administration sees transit upgrades as key to growing the city&#x27;s population and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="improving poverty outcomes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nlc.org/article/2023/06/29/how-transportation-can-drive-economic-mobility/" data-vars-content-id="fec5a93b-e342-4c30-94b2-2c64f8f383ad" data-vars-headline="Detroit seeks fix for unreliable bus tracking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nlc.org/article/2023/06/29/how-transportation-can-drive-economic-mobility/" target="_blank">improving poverty outcomes</a>.

I-94 rebuild brings lane closures near DTW

Drivers should expect lane reductions and ramp closures near the Southfield Freeway interchange.

A three-year, $353 million rebuild of I-94 near DTW is underway between Romulus and Dearborn, bringing extended lane reductions to a heavily traveled stretch of highway.Why it matters: Traffic will be reduced to one or two lanes in each direction on a stretch of I-94 that carries up to 150,000 vehicles daily.

Trump's threat to block Gordie Howe bridge divides Michigan leaders

Some warn a delay could hamper progress on trade, jobs and border security.

Economy

President Trump&#x27;s sudden threat on Monday to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge from opening early this year could have dire consequences for Michigan&#x27;s economy, critics say.Why it matters: For years, Michigan and Detroit have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="counting on" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitchamber.com/statement-detroit-regional-chamber-on-the-gordie-howe-international-bridge/" data-vars-content-id="1fe8f109-fc3c-4662-8735-dddc162841d3" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s threat to block Gordie Howe bridge divides Michigan leaders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitchamber.com/statement-detroit-regional-chamber-on-the-gordie-howe-international-bridge/" target="_blank">counting on</a> the bridge&#x27;s opening to usher in a new era of international commerce, border security and tourism.

How EV fees stack up in Michigan

Michigan isn't among the states that have their own tax breaks on EVs.

Federal tax credits for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric vehicle purchases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/ev-credit-electric-vehicle-sales-cost" data-vars-content-id="87d879a9-b1d5-4286-9aa1-ec0a0cd0fab1" data-vars-headline="How EV fees stack up in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/ev-credit-electric-vehicle-sales-cost" target="_self">electric vehicle purchases</a> are now dead, and Michigan isn&#x27;t among the states that have their own tax breaks for EVs.Why it matters: States differ in offering financial rewards and/or charging higher fees for EV users. That variation reflects an industry in flux, as policymakers try to balance environmental goals with the need for more funding to pay for roads and infrastructure.

Truck ban begins on key Southwest Detroit streets

New truck rules aim to reduce noise and safety hazards for residents.

New trucking restrictions in Southwest Detroit neighborhoods go into effect Monday to help address the health and safety hazards facing residents surrounded by persistent truck traffic.Why it matters: The restrictions will prohibit or limit trucks on several key Southwest roads — including Livernois Avenue, Dragoon Street, Clark Avenue and Scotten Street — where residents have dealt with noise, dust, vibrations and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high asthma rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2024/09/10/detroit-asthma-capital-new-report-challenging/75158234007/" data-vars-content-id="eb13c345-9794-45a4-924f-f8861d84b12d" data-vars-headline="Truck ban begins on key Southwest Detroit streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2024/09/10/detroit-asthma-capital-new-report-challenging/75158234007/" target="_blank">high asthma rates</a>.

East Jefferson gets raised bus platforms

The elevated platforms make it easier to get on and off, improving safety and travel times.

New bus platforms are being installed this month along East Jefferson Avenue as part of the city&#x27;s strategy to improve its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transit system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/04/21/ddot-bus-frequency-improved-on-several-routes" data-vars-content-id="26cb9159-66d6-462a-a2f8-a2cfde802fc8" data-vars-headline="East Jefferson gets raised bus platforms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/04/21/ddot-bus-frequency-improved-on-several-routes" target="_self">transit system</a>.Why it matters: The elevated platforms make it easier to get on and off, improving safety and travel times along a major thoroughfare, DDOT officials say.

Windsor tunnel bus to Detroit shutting down Aug. 31

Windsor is ending the cross-border bus route on Aug. 31 due to budget cuts.

Windsor&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tunnel bus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/01/14/windsor-tunnel-bus-in-jeopardy" data-vars-content-id="b3724045-7f39-49d9-b337-eacbdf2a185d" data-vars-headline="Windsor tunnel bus to Detroit shutting down Aug. 31" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/01/14/windsor-tunnel-bus-in-jeopardy" target="_self">tunnel bus</a> to Detroit is set to close later this month for budgetary reasons.Why it matters: The tunnel bus has operated seven days a week, offering an affordable way (at $10 each way) for both Canadians and Detroiters to cross the border.

A tale of stop signs at a Midtown intersection

A street safety saga finally saw some action.

👋 Annalise here, reporting that stop signs just got installed at a dangerous intersection in Midtown near my place after some safety complaints.Why it matters: With only one set of stop signs at Ferry and John R streets and completely obstructed views of oncoming traffic, walking or driving through the intersection required a leap of faith.

The Gordie Howe Bridge may become a global cycling destination

The new Detroit-Windsor bridge will offer connections to major trails, as well as tourism opportunities on both sides of the border.

Later this year, cyclists should be able to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wake up in Detroit and pedal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/09/11/detroit-by-drone-gordie-howe-international-flyover" data-vars-content-id="b71bbdc2-7a79-44fb-bdcd-7b7bf526cf5c" data-vars-headline="The Gordie Howe Bridge may become a global cycling destination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/09/11/detroit-by-drone-gordie-howe-international-flyover" target="_self">wake up in Detroit and pedal</a> to a picturesque Canadian winery without hopping in a car.Why it matters: Leaders expect the 1.5-mile Gordie Howe International Bridge between Michigan and Ontario that&#x27;s been decades in the making to bolster trade and alleviate border congestion — but its impact on green tourism is being underestimated, per local cycling and trail advocate Todd Scott.

Waymo speeds across America

Waymo speeds across America, including in Detroit

A map showing the cities where Waymo operates and where they've announced future operation as of February 24, 2026. They currently operate in 10 cities, mostly on the West coast, Texas, and Florida. In Atlanta and Austin, they partner with Uber. They are expanding to an additional 16 cities in the northeast and Midwest.

Transit 🚗

Waymo speeds across America, including in Detroit

Michigan permissive of autonomous vehicles like Waymo

Detroit rolling out new speed humps citywide

Detroit seeks fix for unreliable bus tracking

I-94 rebuild brings lane closures near DTW