POLITICS
States Hide Data Center Tax Break Costs, Study Finds
A new Good Jobs First study finds 14 states don't disclose tax revenue lost to data center subsidies, with some states losing over $1 billion annually.
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POLITICS
GOP Lawmakers Push to Reverse Medicaid Expansion in 3 States
Republican lawmakers in Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Dakota want voters to alter or repeal Medicaid expansion, threatening coverage for hundreds of thousands.
POLITICS
Military Abortion Silence Deepens, Researchers Say in 2026
Researchers say a culture of silence around abortion access for active-duty military has made recruiting study participants nearly impossible in 2026.
POLITICS
Vibrio Bacteria Spreading Up the Atlantic Coast: What to Know
Warming ocean temperatures are pushing deadly Vibrio bacteria into new coastal territories. Here's what health officials say about the growing risk.
POLITICS
Detroit's Lifeline H2O Program: When Will It Reopen?
Detroit's Lifeline H2O water affordability program has closed to new applicants, with reopening expected summer 2026. Here's what residents need to know.
POLITICS
Detroit Pays $4M in LaVone Hill Wrongful Conviction Settlement
Detroit City Council approved a $4 million settlement for LaVone Hill, who spent 22 years in prison after police fabricated evidence to convict him.
POLITICS
DDOT Gets New Bus Tracking System to Fix Real-Time Predictions
Detroit City Council approved a $1.2M contract with Swiftly Inc. to fix DDOT's broken real-time bus tracking. Rollout expected within 30 days.
POLITICS
MI Healthy Climate Conference Focuses on Green Funding
About 700 attendees gathered in Detroit for the MI Healthy Climate Conference, spotlighting green funding, workforce development, and industrial decarbonization.
POLITICS
Artist Salvages Historic Tiles Before Highland Towers Demolition
Detroit artist Tim Burke races to recover rare Flint Faience tiles from Highland Park's Highland Towers Apartments before the building is demolished.
BUSINESS
Ford Philanthropy & Carhartt Open Detroit ToolBank
Ford Philanthropy and Carhartt have opened the Detroit ToolBank in Milwaukee Junction, giving nonprofits and community groups affordable tool access.
POLITICS
Martha and the Vandellas' Fight for Fair Pay and Dignity
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas shaped Black female artistry and fought for fair pay, leaving a legacy that still resonates in 2026.
POLITICS
GOP States Move to Punish Red Flag Gun Law Enforcement
Six states have banned red flag gun orders, with three more weighing bans in 2026. Officials who enforce the orders now face fines or criminal charges.
POLITICS
Michigan Governor Poll 2026: Benson Leads James and Duggan
A new MSU poll shows Jocelyn Benson ahead in Michigan's 2026 governor's race, but nearly half of voters remain undecided in the three-way matchup.
POLITICS
Detroit's Contaminated Dirt Scandal Grows as Duggan Runs for Governor
Detroit is now testing over 650 sites for toxic soil contamination tied to Duggan's demolition program, as costs climb and neighborhoods face environmental risk.
BUSINESS
Continental Named Exclusive Caterer at Michigan Central Station
Continental, parent of Forte Belanger and Two Unique Catering, is now the official exclusive catering partner for all events at Michigan Central Station.
BUSINESS
2026 DBusiness Top Corporate Culture Award Winners
Twenty-three Michigan companies earned spots on DBusiness Magazine's 2026 Top Corporate Culture Award list, spanning Southeast Michigan's business community.
POLITICS
Michigan Democrats Split Over Israel at Detroit Convention
Michigan Democrats clashed over Israel-Gaza at their spring convention, as Senate candidate Haley Stevens faced loud boos from pro-Palestinian delegates in Detroit.
THINGS TO DO
Hidden Detroit: Secrets Inside the Fisher Building
Explore the Fisher Building's hidden 26th floor, stunning frescoes, and forgotten history with expert tour guide Jacob Jones in Detroit's New Center.
POLITICS
Michigan Housing Reform Bills Gain Broad Coalition Support
A bipartisan coalition of business, environmental, and housing groups urges Michigan lawmakers to pass zoning reform bills to boost housing supply and cut costs.
POLITICS
Detroit's Eviction Defense Program Faces Funding Crisis
Detroit's Right to Counsel program boosted tenant legal representation from 4% to 94%, but ARPA funding is running out with no clear replacement in sight.
POLITICS
How Immigration Shapes Michigan's Economic Strategy
Michigan's growth strategy depends on immigrants, who make up 28% of physicians and 30% of software developers, according to state planning documents.
POLITICS
Michigan Court Strikes Down Pregnancy Exclusion in End-of-Life Care
Michigan's Court of Claims ruled the pregnancy exclusion in end-of-life care unconstitutional, restoring pregnant patients' rights to have their medical wishes honored.
POLITICS
Detroit Honors JoAnn Watson With Memorial Street Sign
Detroit memorialized 'Queen Mother' JoAnn Watson with a street sign ceremony at Central High School, honoring her decade of advocacy on City Council.
POLITICS
Michigan House Passes Voter ID Bill Along Party Lines
The Michigan House passed House Bill 4765 requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register and photo ID at polls in a straight party-line vote.
POLITICS
Lawmakers Urge Whitmer to Free Gravely Ill Michigan Prisoner
Nine Michigan lawmakers and human rights groups are urging Gov. Whitmer to use compassionate release to free a gravely ill woman sickened by prison mold.
POLITICS
Why Illinois Is the Top Out-of-State Abortion Destination
Nearly 1 in 4 out-of-state abortion patients chose Illinois in 2025. Learn how geography, policy, and funding made it a Midwest haven.
POLITICS
Andy Beshear Tells Michigan Democrats to Ditch Party Jargon
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear urged Michigan Democrats to swap political jargon for plain speech, arguing that language is costing the party crucial voters.
POLITICS
Michigan Lowers Air Quality Alert Threshold for Wildfire Smoke
Michigan now issues air quality alerts at the orange AQI level, sending earlier warnings to residents as wildfire smoke season approaches in 2026.
POLITICS
Whitmer Expands Michigan Emergency to 5 Counties, 2 Cities
Gov. Whitmer expanded Michigan's state of emergency to cover five more counties and two cities as flooding and tornado damage spreads across the state.
POLITICS
DHS Scales Back Immigrant Warehouse Detention Plans
Homeland Security Secretary Mullin negotiates compromises on immigrant detention centers in Arizona and other states after fierce local government pushback.
POLITICS
Michigan Parents Urge Legislature to Pass Kids Over Clicks Bill
AG Dana Nessel and Sen. Polehanki hosted a roundtable with parents and advocates pushing Michigan's Kids Over Clicks social media restrictions.
POLITICS
Judge Weighs Stay on Enbridge Line 5 Reroute in Wisconsin
A Wisconsin judge says he'll only halt Enbridge Line 5 reroute construction if the Bad River Band's appeal has a real chance of succeeding in court.
POLITICS
Michigan House Cuts $10B from Health Department Budget
The Republican-led Michigan House advanced a $31B MDHHS budget, cutting billions from Whitmer's request while adding Medicaid and SNAP eligibility checks.
POLITICS
Nessel Defends Michigan AG Budget She Won't Execute
Michigan AG Dana Nessel touts 54 Trump lawsuits and $2.24B in relief while seeking a $4.3M budget increase for her successor to spend.
FOOD & DINING
Detroit Teacher Uses Garden to Teach Kids Healthy Eating
Shirley Brezzell's outdoor garden at Detroit's Mackenzie School turns reluctant students into curious eaters through hands-on growing and cooking.
POLITICS
Detroit Urges Water Conservation as Flood Watch Continues
Metro Detroit is under a flood watch through Thursday night. DWSD urges residents to cut water use and clear catch basins to protect sewer systems.
POLITICS
Unlocking Detroit's Talent Through Education Access
Detroit residents face barriers to education and workforce growth. Flexible, affordable learning pathways could unlock the city's untapped talent pool.
POLITICS
Detroit Mayor Sheffield Unveils 6-Point Summer Safety Plan
Mayor Mary Sheffield and Police Chief Todd Bettison announced a six-point summer safety plan targeting violent crime through prevention, enforcement, and youth engagement.
THINGS TO DO
Free College Fair Coming to Southwest Detroit
SHPE Detroit hosts a free bilingual college fair in Southwest Detroit, offering FAFSA help, financial aid workshops, and college guidance for Latino families.
SPORTS
Detroit Pistons Playoff Experience at Little Caesars Arena
The Detroit Pistons are bringing fan fests, new food items, free t-shirts, and special in-game surprises for their first home playoff games.
POLITICS
Trump's Push to Control the 2026 Midterm Elections
New reporting reveals how Trump's effort to dominate the 2026 midterms runs through Michigan, echoing the Antrim County controversy of 2020.
POLITICS
Chris Swanson's Michigan Governor Run: The Outsider Democrat
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson is betting grassroots energy and union support can beat Jocelyn Benson in Michigan's Democratic gubernatorial primary.
POLITICS
Detroit's Shawn Smith Honored After Super Bowl LX Officiating
Detroit native Shawn Smith, the fourth Black referee to officiate a Super Bowl, was honored by Detroit City Council for his historic role at Super Bowl LX.
SPORTS
Detroit Is a Frontrunner for a PWHL Expansion Team
Detroit is reportedly among the top candidates for a PWHL expansion team, backed by record attendance at Little Caesars Arena and strong local sponsorship.
POLITICS
Cumulative Air Pollution in Southwest Detroit: What to Know
Southwest Detroit's Springwells neighborhood sits near 58 pollution sources. Here's what cumulative impact means for residents' health and quality of life.
POLITICS
Gov. Whitmer Declares Michigan Energy Emergency Amid Flooding
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared an energy emergency in Michigan as flooding causes widespread power outages, unlocking faster utility restoration powers.
POLITICS
Detroit Seeks Court Order to Seize Vacant West Side Apartments
Detroit filed two lawsuits and is seeking a court order to seize a vacant west side apartment complex plagued by illegal dumping and fines near $100,000.
POLITICS
Michigan Republicans Push to Kill Clean Energy Standard
Michigan House Republicans introduced bills to eliminate the state's 100% clean energy mandate, prioritizing reliability and affordability over emissions goals.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Birth Detroit Is Fighting the City's Infant Mortality Crisis
Detroit ranked last among 100 U.S. cities for preterm births. Birth Detroit's Leseliey Welch is working to change that with community-centered care.
POLITICS
Tlaib & Dingell Push Federal Water Affordability Bill
Michigan reps Rashida Tlaib and Debbie Dingell reintroduced the Water Access and Affordability Act to create a federal low-income water assistance program.
POLITICS
Sault Tribe Bans AI Data Centers on Tribal Lands
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians unanimously voted to block AI data centers from tribal lands after community members demanded a say.
POLITICS
Sault Tribe Adopts Moratorium on AI Data Centers
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians unanimously bans AI data centers on tribal lands after community pressure over secretive closed-door negotiations.
THINGS TO DO
Aram Mrjoian on His Debut Novel Waterline and Armenian History
Aram Mrjoian's debut novel Waterline weaves Armenian American identity, the Armenian Genocide, and family grief into a multigenerational Michigan story.
THINGS TO DO
Aram Mrjoian on His Debut Novel Waterline
Aram Mrjoian discusses 'Waterline,' his debut novel about an Armenian American family grappling with genocide, memory, and identity in suburban Michigan.
FOOD & DINING
Ryan Patrick Hooper's Favorite Detroit Food & Drink Spots
Culture columnist Ryan Patrick Hooper shares his go-to Detroit food and drink spots, from a $2 breakfast burrito to Hamtramck's best bars.
POLITICS
Jocelyn Benson's 2026 Michigan Governor Campaign Pitch
Jocelyn Benson is running for Michigan governor in 2026, campaigning on her record modernizing the Secretary of State's office and fixing broken bureaucracy.
POLITICS
Anti-Abortion Laws Seek to Redefine 'Abortion' in 2026
Lawmakers in multiple states are pushing bills to redefine 'abortion,' excluding emergency medical care—but critics say the changes may do more harm than good.
POLITICS
Michigan's Addiction Treatment Locator Has Serious Problems
Michigan's substance use disorder mapping tool is broken on mobile devices, leaving people in crisis unable to find addiction treatment when they need it most.
POLITICS
Metro Detroit After-School Program Gap Affects 400K Kids
A 2025 survey finds parents of 500,000 kids in southeast Michigan want after-school programs, but only 1 in 5 children actually has access.
POLITICS
BridgeDetroit Survey Asks Detroit Teens About Civic Life
BridgeDetroit launched a Youth Engagement Survey to learn how Detroit high schoolers get news, what issues they care about, and civic readiness.
POLITICS
Detroit Clerk Rescues Teen Who Mouthed 'Help' After Kidnapping
A gas station clerk in Detroit rescued a 16-year-old girl abducted at gunpoint from a Hamtramck bus stop after she silently mouthed 'help' through the glass.
POLITICS
Cass Tech Students Host Day of Giving to Fight Detroit Homelessness
A Cass Tech junior is leading a student telethon to raise $50,000 for Detroit's homeless after a heartbreaking discovery outside her school last September.
POLITICS
Metro Detroit Families Struggle to Access After-School Programs
Only 1 in 5 kids in southeast Michigan who need after-school programs are enrolled, leaving 400,000 children without access, a new report finds.
POLITICS
Detroit Forms Working Group for Data Center Zoning Policy
Councilman Scott Benson convenes cross-sector group to finalize Detroit's data center zoning framework by Dec. 31 amid a national surge in development.
POLITICS
Are Detroit's Downtown Spaces Welcoming Enough for Youth?
Detroit Council Member Santiago-Romero raises concerns about overpolicing of teens downtown and the lack of welcoming spaces for young people in the city's core.
POLITICS
CDC Data: US Birth Rates Continued Falling in 2025
New CDC data shows US births dropped 1% in 2025 to 3.6 million, continuing a decade-long decline that's sparking political debate over family policy.
POLITICS
SNAP Work Requirements Cut Benefits, Not Boost Jobs
New Brookings research finds SNAP work requirements don't increase employment but significantly reduce food assistance participation rates.
POLITICS
U-M Regent Candidate Makled Faces Antisemitism Scrutiny
Amir Makled, seeking a U-M Board of Regents seat, faces backlash over deleted social media posts sharing antisemitic content from Candace Owens.
POLITICS
Detroit Police & Fire Pension Obligations Being Managed Proactively
Detroit's Police and Fire Retirement System pushes back on alarm over pension costs, citing steady tax revenue growth and proactive fiscal management.
BUSINESS
The Seven Event Venue Opens in Ferndale at 915 E. Drayton
The Seven, a 21,000-square-foot cuisine and hospitality event venue, debuts April 17 in Ferndale after an $8M+ renovation by seasoned industry veterans.
POLITICS
Michigan School Cellphone Policies: Data From 779 Districts
A University of Michigan study tracked cellphone policies across 779 school districts ahead of a new 2026-27 statewide smartphone ban during class time.
POLITICS
Mayor Sheffield Addresses Teen Takeovers in Downtown Detroit
Mayor Mary Sheffield called a press conference to address teen takeovers in Downtown Detroit, taking a community-first approach over pure law enforcement.
BUSINESS
Western Michigan University Business School Gets $17M Gift
The Stan Lucas Trust donated $17 million to WMU's Haworth College of Business, the largest philanthropic gift in the school's history.
POLITICS
Gas Prices Soar 21% Amid Trump's War on Iran
Gas prices surged 21% in March as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, sending Michigan drivers past $4 a gallon.
POLITICS
Mary Sheffield's First 100 Days as Detroit Mayor
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield hits 100 days in office. Here's what she's accomplished on housing, youth, seniors, and the city's $3 billion budget.
POLITICS
Detroit Needs a Real Plan to Protect Immigrant Neighbors
From a teen detained on a field trip to families too afraid to leave home, Detroit's immigrant communities face a growing crisis demanding action.
BUSINESS
Ford Transforms PDC into World Headquarters South
Ford is converting its former Product Development Center in Dearborn into World Headquarters South, housing 10,000+ employees and Ford Racing by 2029.
POLITICS
Detroit Police Name Boyfriend as Person of Interest in Caitlin Tressler Case
Detroit police named Caitlin Tressler's boyfriend a person of interest after the 36-year-old vanished from her Web Street home on March 27.
REAL ESTATE
Detroit's Grandmont-Rosedale Gets $20M Senior Housing Project
Minock Park Place brings 42 affordable senior housing units and a new Mexican restaurant to Grand River Avenue in Detroit's Grandmont-Rosedale neighborhood.
THINGS TO DO
26 Things to Do in Metro Detroit This Weekend
From Riverdance's 30th anniversary at Fox Theatre to closing nights of & Juliet and Come From Away, metro Detroit's weekend is packed with must-see events.
POLITICS
Detroit Launches Programs to Boost Population and Homeownership
Mayor Mary Sheffield unveils Make Detroit Home and Down Payment Assistance to reverse population decline and grow homeownership in Detroit.
POLITICS
Detroit Adding Text-to-Pay Parking and App Upgrades
Detroit's Municipal Parking Department is rolling out Text-to-Pay meters and a multi-modal trip planning upgrade to the ParkDetroit app.