Plans to build a new transit hub at Michigan Central are moving forward, with the operator of the People Mover now taking the lead.

Why it matters: The long-discussed transit hub tied to Michigan Central is a key piece of Detroit's mobility and economic development strategy, and a shift in leadership signals the project is moving into its next phase.

Catch up quick: Axios Detroit scooped last year that state officials were exploring the possibility of adding Amtrak and intercity bus service to Michigan Central — the 30-acre Ford-backed development in Corktown anchored by the historic train depot.

• MDOT, the city and Michigan Central later announced a plan to build a new transit hub at the site with about $40 million in funding.
• The project is envisioned to replace aging facilities and improve regional connections.

State of play: The Detroit Transportation Corporation, which owns and operates the People Mover, is leading the project.

• A request for proposals for preliminary design and engineering studies will be issued this summer.

What they're saying: "It was determined that DTC was uniquely positioned to lead this project as the local transit agency with years of expertise in rail construction and operations, station design, federal guideline adherence, placemaking, economic development, activations and events," spokesperson Ericka Alexander told Axios in an email.

Reality check: The project remains in early planning stages, and a timeline for construction has not been set beyond the design phase, according to DTC.

Flashback: The last train to depart Michigan Central left in 1988, bound for Chicago.

• At its peak in the 1940s, more than 4,000 passengers passed through the train station daily.

Follow the money: A combination of federal, state and local sources totaling about $40 million has been identified for the project.

• Public records obtained by Axios show earlier cost estimates in the $150 million to $212 million range, though DTC said those figures reflect a broader conceptual vision beyond the core project.

The big picture: Michigan Central says the transit hub remains a priority.

• The group is providing consulting services for the project and working with DTC and other partners, Beth Kmetz-Armitage, Michigan Central's director of commercial development, tells Axios.
• "The transit hub is integral to our vision for positioning Detroit as the international gateway for all of Michigan."

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With the weather warming, tick season has already begun in Michigan, bringing the risk of Lyme disease.

Why it matters: Cases have surged in recent years, but simple precautions can help you avoid getting bitten.

State of play: The bacterial infection spread through tick bites has ballooned over the last three decades across parts of the Midwest and the Northeast, with Michigan becoming more of a hot spot in the last decade, per CDC data.

• Michigan tick season runs from March through September, and ticks are becoming more common in populated places like Southeastern Michigan.
• Nearly every Michigan county has known Lyme disease risk, per the state's 2026 map.

Context: The illness with flu-like symptoms is transmitted in Michigan by blacklegged ticks, most often found in tall grass and the woods.

• Many cases are treated successfully with antibiotics, but if left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system, according to the CDC.

By the numbers: Michigan recorded 2,167 Lyme disease cases in 2025 — more than quadruple the 2020 count of 471, per the state.

Prevention and removal tips, courtesy of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan:

Prevention:

• It's tough to avoid forests and fields in the summer, but try to stay on the trail when hiking and avoid brushing against shrubbery.
• Check yourself and your dog for ticks after being outdoors.
• Use an approved insect repellent.
• Bathe within two hours of returning indoors to wash off and find ticks.
• Kill ticks on clothes by running them in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes.

Prompt removal of a tick that has bitten and attached is key:

• Use fine tweezers to carefully and steadily pull the tick off without leaving any of it behind, then sanitize the area and your hands.

Go deeper: More details on prevention and removal

⚖️ A man was arrested for allegedly running a meth lab out of Wells Hall on Michigan State's campus. (State News)

🗳️ A special election in the Midland and Saginaw areas on Tuesday to fill a vacant state Senate seat could have a powerful impact on state politics. If Republican Jason Tunney wins, it'll tie the Senate 19-19 for the rest of the year, meaning potential gridlock. (Bridge Michigan)

The state just launched a new tool that shows people where to get free gun locks.

Why it matters: The statewide Gun Lock Distribution Map is designed to help prevent unintentional shootings, youth access to firearms and suicide.

Context: A Detroit mother was charged in March after police say an unsecured gun left in her car was used by an 11-year-old who fatally shot his 6-year-old sister.

Zoom out: Michigan law requires gun owners to securely store firearms when minors are present, with potential penalties if a child accesses an unsecured weapon.

State of play: The map expands an existing program distributing locks through state police posts and local agencies. It shows 150 locations across the state with free cable-style gun locks.

• Wayne County has seven distribution sites, including Henry Ford St. John Hospital and MSP's Taylor post.

If you're ready to level up your outdoor game, consider adding a bat box to your space.

Why it matters: Hosting bats takes patience and some strategic setup, but once your winged guests are settled, the benefits abound.

• Michigan is home to nine bat species.

The big picture: Bats are under threat globally due to habitat loss. Giving them a safe place to roost helps protect these nocturnal MVPs — key pollinators that also spread seeds and devour pesky insects like mosquitoes, wasps and flies.

• A proper home can also mean they're less likely to end up in less-than-ideal spots like attics or lofts.

Zoom in: They can be purchased from most outdoor supply companies, including $39 from Home Depot or various prices at Ace Hardware.

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