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Scoop: Romulus pushes back as federal document confirms ICE facility plan

The city is exhausting all of its options to oppose the facility.

News

A newly uncovered federal document confirms the U.S. government&#x27;s intent to use a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Romulus warehouse as an ICE detention facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/proposed-ice-detention-facility-romulus-michigan" data-vars-content-id="11ce4249-ffed-4368-8292-ef8c8d09a5e1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Romulus pushes back as federal document confirms ICE facility plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/proposed-ice-detention-facility-romulus-michigan" target="_self">Romulus warehouse as an ICE detention facility</a> — even as the city&#x27;s mayor said he still doesn&#x27;t know who owns the property or how many people could be held there.Why it matters: The disclosure marks the first official federal acknowledgment tied directly to the site near DTW. It sets up a potential clash over local zoning authority and federal power, Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight told Axios Detroit in an exclusive interview Thursday.

Wayne State professor's new book digs into race and space in Detroit

The book explores race, borders and power in the city's recovery.

Culture

A new book about race, place and Detroit&#x27;s revitalization examines how narratives about the city&#x27;s recovery from bankruptcy may benefit outsiders while marginalizing residents.Why it matters: In &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Never Left: Black Space, White Borders, Latino Crossings" data-vars-click-url="https://nyupress.org/9781479826827/detroit-never-left/" data-vars-content-id="39ea950a-fba5-4bf4-846f-81263468fa18" data-vars-headline="Wayne State professor&#x27;s new book digs into race and space in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nyupress.org/9781479826827/detroit-never-left/" target="_blank">Detroit Never Left: Black Space, White Borders, Latino Crossings</a>,&quot; author <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nicole Trujillo-Pagán" data-vars-click-url="https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/bb3729" data-vars-content-id="39ea950a-fba5-4bf4-846f-81263468fa18" data-vars-headline="Wayne State professor&#x27;s new book digs into race and space in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/bb3729" target="_blank">Nicole Trujillo-Pagán</a> aims to challenge the city&#x27;s corporate-driven story.

Detroit winters are getting shorter

A new Climate Central analysis finds winter now starts later and/or ends earlier in Detroit.

Climate change has shaved more than a week off of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit&#x27;s winters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/21/arctic-cold-snap-subzero-temperatures-weather" data-vars-content-id="581960a2-986f-48d2-9b59-fc7e148a5830" data-vars-headline="Detroit winters are getting shorter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/21/arctic-cold-snap-subzero-temperatures-weather" target="_self">Detroit&#x27;s winters</a> in recent years.The big picture: This winter has been brutally cold, snowy and icy for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="millions of Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/23/blizzard-warning-travel-ban-new-york-jersey" data-vars-content-id="581960a2-986f-48d2-9b59-fc7e148a5830" data-vars-headline="Detroit winters are getting shorter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/23/blizzard-warning-travel-ban-new-york-jersey" target="_self">millions of Americans</a> — yet winters are getting shorter across most U.S. cities.

Lions headed to Germany for 2026 NFL game

Detroit will give up a home game to play at Allianz Arena in the NFL's international series.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Lions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/12/04/lions-playoff-hopes-dallas-game" data-vars-content-id="edaed31f-f1de-41f0-9ab4-475e97e6df88" data-vars-headline="Lions headed to Germany for 2026 NFL game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/12/04/lions-playoff-hopes-dallas-game" target="_self">The Lions</a> are headed to Germany this year as part of the NFL&#x27;s international schedule, the league <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced yesterday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-to-play-international-game-in-munich-in-2026" data-vars-content-id="edaed31f-f1de-41f0-9ab4-475e97e6df88" data-vars-headline="Lions headed to Germany for 2026 NFL game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-to-play-international-game-in-munich-in-2026" target="_blank">announced yesterday</a>.Why it matters: The franchise already has several connections to Germany — from star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown&#x27;s heritage (his mother was born there) to the team&#x27;s German-inspired mascot, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Leo Löwe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/detroit-lions_leol%C3%B6we-detroitlions-nflgermany-activity-7340800413543096321-QAeP/" data-vars-content-id="edaed31f-f1de-41f0-9ab4-475e97e6df88" data-vars-headline="Lions headed to Germany for 2026 NFL game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/detroit-lions_leol%C3%B6we-detroitlions-nflgermany-activity-7340800413543096321-QAeP/" target="_blank">Leo Löwe</a>.&quot;

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.

Transit

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.

Detroit's mayoral candidates weigh in on improving transit

Candidates committed to boosting funding for public transit discussed their visions Wednesday night.

Candidates for mayor committed to boosting funding for public transit in a Wednesday-night forum hosted by nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Transportation Riders United" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroittransit.org/" data-vars-content-id="1c3e278c-7f93-4371-9144-1fcc83b04796" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s mayoral candidates weigh in on improving transit" 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>.The big picture: Metro Detroit invests about a third of what many other metros spend on public transit, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroittransit.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/State-of-Transit-Report-2025-WEB.pdf" data-vars-content-id="1c3e278c-7f93-4371-9144-1fcc83b04796" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s mayoral candidates weigh in on improving transit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroittransit.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/State-of-Transit-Report-2025-WEB.pdf" target="_blank">recent report</a> from the nonprofit, and bus options and reliability have long fallen short of need.

Oakland County leader wants rapid bus service on Woodward

David Coulter spoke with Axios at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

Oakland County Executive David Coulter thinks a dedicated rapid bus lane down Woodward Avenue into Detroit may be the best next big step to improve public transit.

Transit 🚗

I-94 rebuild brings lane closures near DTW

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

How EV fees stack up in Michigan

Truck ban begins on key Southwest Detroit streets

East Jefferson gets raised bus platforms