Detroit plans to transfer three neighborhood solar projects to DTE Energy after its original Boston-based contractor exited solar development following a private-equity acquisition.

Why it matters: The switch from Lightstar Renewables will likely involve higher costs, though a final price tag isn't known yet.

• Delays have already cost months of valuable time and city officials say a swap is the fastest and best path forward.

State of play: The city is building ground-mounted solar arrays over 165 acres in five predominantly vacant sections of Detroit, after a community application process. In exchange for allowing the solar fields, nearby homeowners are in the process of getting free energy-efficiency upgrades.

Catch up quick: The goal is to clean up blighted areas and bring them into productive use, while helping meet the city's targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• But critics have questioned whether the solar arrays might hinder future development, as well as relocations and land acquisitions for the project.

The latest: As initially approved by City Council in stages in 2024 and 2025, three neighborhood solar projects were contracted to Lightstar and two to DTE Energy.

• Council's approval is sought to transfer Lightstar's assignments to DTE with updated terms.

What they're saying: After months of delays, the city learned Lightstar would no longer be developing projects after its acquisition and could no longer fulfill its contract, corporation counsel Conrad Mallett told a council committee Monday.

• Transferring to DTE would mean taking into account increases in equipment and labor costs, but also avoiding a lengthy legal battle with Lightstar and keeping the program moving efficiently.
• "I do want to point out that we worked very diligently not to be here," Mallett said.

Between the lines: Lightstar planned to allow farming alongside solar arrays at two sites. DTE's panel design won't allow for that, so the utility instead plans direct investments in participating urban farmers, Detroit senior strategic initiatives director Trisha Stein tells Axios.

What's next: City Council will consider the amendment. Angela Whitfield Calloway raised concerns Tuesday about the timeline and delays with Lightstar.

• But officials say they need approval soon, ahead of a July 4 deadline to use federal tax credits.

Zoom in: Work is underway for DTE's two projects. The farthest along is Van Dyke/Lynch, where panels have been installed.

• See maps of the solar zones.

Detroit's own ginger ale, Vernors, is celebrating its 160th anniversary with a daylong party Sunday at Eastern Market.

Why it matters: Like Better Made and Faygo, Vernors is a local brand woven into the city's identity across generations.

The big picture: The iconic ginger ale with a spicy kick was created by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor in 1866. It remains a fixture at local party stores and supermarkets.

For many Detroiters, Vernors is more than a pop. Kids drink Vernors when they are sick. Vernors with ice cream is the quintessential summer drink.

• "Everybody has a story about Vernors in their life," Keith Wunderlich, founder of the Vernors Club and author of a book on the brand, tells Axios.

Wunderlich recalled generations of memories tied to the brand. His own parents dated in the 1940s at the Vernors facility along Woodward Avenue, which was a frequent stop before or after a trip to nearby Boblo.

• "It's just part of our culture," he says.

Zoom in: Sunday's Eastern Market block party will feature Boston Coolers, Vernors cocktails, vintage advertisements, historical exhibits and even the return of Vernors ice cream for the first time since the 1980s.

If you go: The celebration will include 10 interactive history stations highlighting the drink's Detroit roots, an appearance by the Vernors Gnome and a chance to sample a little-known Vernors cream ale recipe.

• The free event runs from 1-4 p.m. on Riopelle Street.

📬 Have a Vernors memory to share? Hit reply to this email! Your response might appear in a future newsletter.

📊 Detroit lost its latest legal challenge to prove its U.S. Census population was undercounted. (Detroit News 🔒)

🍸 Pine Hall, a rooftop cocktail bar at the Hudson's Detroit development, opens today. (WXYZ)

📚 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said literacy would be her top priority this year. Bridge Michigan looked at what's been accomplished and what's left to be done, from more money for teacher training to a new literacy council.

🚨 Police are seeking information about a hit-and-run near Chandler Park on Tuesday that killed a man in his 60s. (WDIV)

⚽ World Cup watch party: Detroit City FC is hosting a major watch party at Campus Martius tomorrow for team USA's World Cup opener against Paraguay.

• Gates open at 7:30pm. Kickoff at 9pm.
• Free and all ages. Must claim a ticket.

🏳️‍🌈 People's Pride Potluck: A community-focused event with an open mic, kids' activities and potluck-style eating.

• 3pm Saturday in Palmer Park.

🎨 Berkley Art Bash: More than 180 artists and makers, live music, street eats and kids activities.

• 10am-6pm Saturday.
• 12 Mile Road between Coolidge and Greenfield.
• Dogs are welcome.
• Our summer art fair guide

🌈 Warren City Pride: A fully family-oriented Pride with vendors and entertainment on the Warren Civic Library lawn.

• Noon-6pm Saturday.

🎤 Concerts in Boston-Edison: In its 17th season, the Detroit neighborhood's summer series continues with Pathe Jassi, a bassist and singer from Senegal.

• 6-8:30pm Saturday.
• Tickets: $67.60

Livonia's Irish Fest and an animal adoption fest