Axios Detroit

June 09, 2026
It's Tuesday and we're rollin' now.
🌧️ Today's weather: Showers and thunderstorms, with a high of 85 and a low of 67.
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Situational awareness: A ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the Gordie Howe International Bridge is scheduled for Friday, the Detroit News reports.
- The bridge's opening has been in question since President Trump threatened to block it in February.
Today's newsletter is 982 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Detroit River gets cleanup boost
The Detroit River is getting $10 million from the federal and state governments to fix one of its last big environmental concerns.
Why it matters: The river, long polluted by industry, waste and stormwater runoff, has undergone extensive remediation work since being declared an "area of concern" in 1987.
State of play: The new public dollars will target contaminated sediment — or the solids at the bottom of the river.
- Sediment is the Detroit River's "last major remaining" hurdle to its complete restoration, per the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, or EGLE, but it's a big one.
Zoom in: Experts will study and design a plan to remove contaminated materials in the riverbed and complete more habitat restoration.
- More funding for the actual cleanup will be needed.
Reality check: A full solution to the contaminated sediment problem could cost $1 billion, Planet Detroit reported last year.
Follow the money: The Environmental Protection Agency is providing $6.5 million through the Great Lakes Legacy Act, with another $3.5 million through a state fund designed to boost federally funded infrastructure, climate and economic development projects.
Catch up quick: Recreation areas, shoreline and natural habitats have been restored along the Detroit riverfront, Belle Isle and downriver islands over the years, while some contaminated industrial sites have been targeted and cleaned.
- For example, fish habitats were restored between 2017 and 2024 on the uninhabited Sugar Island near Lake Erie — an important area for fish-spawning.
What they're saying: "The Detroit River is one of Michigan's most important natural and economic resources, and this investment marks another major step forward in restoring its health and protecting its future," EGLE director Phil Roos said in a news release.
- "Through strong partnerships at the federal, state and local levels, we are making real progress cleaning up contamination, restoring critical habitat and reconnecting communities to the river. This funding ensures that momentum continues."
2. Larkin's trade list
Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin stunned the NHL last week with news of his trade request. Now he has a short list of teams to which he wants to be traded, the Free Press reports.
Why it matters: Larkin's trade request is another setback for a once-elite franchise that hasn't made the playoffs in a decade.
State of play: Larkin is under contract through the 2030-31 season and has a no-trade clause, giving him leverage in determining his next team.
Driving the news: Larkin has just three teams on his list of acceptable destinations, per the Freep.
- Florida Panthers: The defending Stanley Cup champions are expected to remain in the mix next season.
- Vegas Golden Knights: Vegas currently leads the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 in the Stanley Cup Final.
- Minnesota Wild: The playoff team has several of Larkin's USA Hockey teammates.
Catch up quick: The Red Wings drafted Larkin, a Waterford native who turns 30 next month, with the No. 15 pick in 2014 after one season at U-M.
- He was named the Wings' 37th captain in 2021.
Between the lines: Larkin has not commented publicly on his demand, but it's widely believed he is tired of watching the playoffs from the sidelines in Detroit. He also reportedly has a frosty relationship with Wings general manager Steve Yzerman.
What's next: The Wings are expected to seek another top-line center in return for their hometown star. But getting fair market value for Larkin will be difficult because the rest of the league knows he wants to be traded, per MLive.
3. The Grapevine: You heard it here
📱 The Detroit Land Bank has rolled out new outreach tools, including an AI chatbot and Instagram, to help residents navigate buying and rehabbing vacant properties. (BridgeDetroit)
🐧 Three penguin chicks have hatched at the Detroit Zoo. Two are being reared in the main habitat area and may be visible to the public for the next few weeks. (WXYZ)
A 36-year-old inmate at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti died on Saturday, the prison's third unexpected death in less than a month. (Fox 2)
4. New Ethiopian dining option
👋 Annalise here, keeping track of the food stalls that cycle in and out of Detroit Shipping Co. in Cass Corridor.
The latest addition is Konjo Me, Chef Helina Melaku's Ethiopian pop-up that started during the pandemic.
Dig in: I highly enjoyed the vegan combo ($16), with three dishes — spiced red lentils, split peas and cabbage with carrots — alongside spongy injera bread.
- The stall also sells beef, chicken or fish dishes, as well as larger platters.
- It's a needed Ethiopian cuisine option in Detroit.
Zoom out: Detroit Shipping Co. is a food hall made from shipping containers, offering varied food options from different vendors.
- Konjo Me replaces Halal Street, which sold NYC-style rice bowls and wraps with chicken, lamb or falafel.
- I still need to try Sushi Lounge, another new-ish offering at Shipping Co. opened by Bangkok 96 chef Genevieve Vang.
5. "I Voted" sticker contest heats up
It's time to cast your ballot for Michigan's "I Voted" sticker design contest.
Driving the news: Voting is open through June 30 to pick three winners in each of three categories — elementary/middle school, high school and general residents.
- The state received more than 2,000 submissions.
Winners will be announced later this summer. The stickers will be available for the November general election.
Our picks:
😌 Joe is back in the saddle after a relaxing staycation last week. He played a little golf, visited family and tried out a couple new recipes.
😁 Annalise is glad Joe got some relaxing time, and glad to have him back!
Edited by Tyler Buchanan.
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