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Johnson digs in after GOP resistance torpedoes DHS funding deal

"They sent us a bill that literally put the number zero in the bill ... we can't do that."

Politics & Policy

House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Johnson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/27/mike-johnson-dhs-funding-freedom-caucus" data-vars-content-id="1479629a-4f61-4373-94ae-e850c27642df" data-vars-headline="Johnson digs in after GOP resistance torpedoes DHS funding deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/27/mike-johnson-dhs-funding-freedom-caucus" target="_self">Mike Johnson</a> is inching closer to hard red lines on future negotiations over the Department of Homeland Security.<ul><li>&quot;They sent us a bill that literally put the number zero in the bill for the funding of border security and customs and immigration enforcement. We can&#x27;t do that,&quot; Johnson (R-La.) said Tuesday on Fox News.</li><li>At the same time, President Trump is weighing whether to use a rare constitutional power to force Congress to return next week, he told the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Post" data-vars-click-url="https://nypost.com/2026/03/31/us-news/trump-considers-ending-congresss-two-week-recess-for-a-rare-special-session-to-end-dhs-shutdown/" data-vars-content-id="1479629a-4f61-4373-94ae-e850c27642df" data-vars-headline="Johnson digs in after GOP resistance torpedoes DHS funding deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nypost.com/2026/03/31/us-news/trump-considers-ending-congresss-two-week-recess-for-a-rare-special-session-to-end-dhs-shutdown/" target="_blank">New York Post</a> on Tuesday.</li></ul>Why it matters: Senate Republicans have already yielded to Dems&#x27; shutdown hostage taking on ICE funding, and Trump — who&#x27;s been all over the place — weakened the GOP&#x27;s leverage by paying TSA.

Trump's White House ballroom project halted by judge

The judge said Trump is the "steward," not the "owner" of the White House, and that the project requires Congress' approval.

A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="004ed2d0-e416-4498-a16b-193ad688df0a" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s White House ballroom project halted by judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s</a> sprawling plans to build a massive ballroom where the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Wing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/08/white-house-east-wing-expansion-ballroom-design-plans" data-vars-content-id="004ed2d0-e416-4498-a16b-193ad688df0a" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s White House ballroom project halted by judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/08/white-house-east-wing-expansion-ballroom-design-plans" target="_self">East Wing</a> of the White House once stood. Why it matters: U.S. District Judge Richard Leon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27929843-national-trust-for-historic-preservation-in-the-united-states-v-national-park-service-opinion/" data-vars-content-id="004ed2d0-e416-4498-a16b-193ad688df0a" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s White House ballroom project halted by judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27929843-national-trust-for-historic-preservation-in-the-united-states-v-national-park-service-opinion/" target="_blank">said</a> Trump is the &quot;steward,&quot; not the &quot;owner&quot; of the White House, and that the project &quot;must stop until Congress authorizes its completion.&quot;

Anthropic leaked 500,000 lines of its own source code

The company marketing itself as the safety-first AI lab just had its second major security blunder.

Business

Source material powering Anthropic&#x27;s Claude Code leaked for the second time in just over a year, publicly exposing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="50cf01a8-3f40-4bb4-aaef-f33e494cf53e" data-vars-headline="Anthropic leaked 500,000 lines of its own source code" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI</a> coding tool&#x27;s full architecture, unreleased features and internal model performance data.Why it matters: The leak hands competitors a detailed unreleased feature roadmap and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deepens questions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/29/claude-mythos-anthropic-cyberattack-ai-agents" data-vars-content-id="50cf01a8-3f40-4bb4-aaef-f33e494cf53e" data-vars-headline="Anthropic leaked 500,000 lines of its own source code" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/29/claude-mythos-anthropic-cyberattack-ai-agents" target="_self">deepens questions</a> about operational security at a company that sells itself as the safety-first AI lab.

Finish Line: Let your geek flag fly

<figure><img alt="Illustration of a hand making the Vulcan greeting holding a flag with the nerd emoji on it" height="1080" id="14a7ae8b-9111-45cb-b2f7-cd0da7a24148" src="https://images.axios.com/gFc6AGaTCOhd5KDH-v51vWeM4tA=/2026/03/24/1774380265277.jpeg" width="1920" srcset="https://images.axios.com/LGFaWjlh7UeVGs-E_KBptba1oKM=/0x0:1920x1080/1920x1080/2026/03/24/1774380265277.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/91QsPWXR2uQvy8U-NJjSXYRPft0=/0x0:1920x1080/1600x900/2026/03/24/1774380265277.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/GY8TGQg3a6lpTUfR5BZj2zaE_oI=/0x0:1920x1080/1366x768/2026/03/24/1774380265277.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/c08y7-HAH_jv1XbmCmgdGazuKN8=/0x0:1920x1080/1024x576/2026/03/24/1774380265277.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/9N92zY9AxJUeBCPWRhmBYZbfExg=/0x0:1920x1080/768x432/2026/03/24/1774380265277.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/_6ylQP66eLqHUezsRETJvi4qrr0=/0x0:1920x1080/640x360/2026/03/24/1774380265277.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/KnHjtX0SI5BPPf21gEJss14zsuk=/0x0:1920x1080/320x180/2026/03/24/1774380265277.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Stock: Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Growing up as a scrawny Star Trek nerd in the &#x27;90s, I learned pretty quickly to hide that part of myself to avoid being bullied just because I knew a little Klingon (Qapla&#x27;!).<ul><li>Now, approaching my 40s, I&#x27;ve learned to let my geek flag fly — and I&#x27;m glad for it.</li></ul>The big picture: Part of what makes this easier is that the world has changed, and yes, I&#x27;m older. But geek culture is mainstream culture now.

Exclusive: Jamie Dimon's plan to rescue the American Dream

JPMorgan Chase wants to deploy $80 billion in small-business lending over the next decade.

Economy

Capitalism has left some people behind, JPMorgan Chase chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon said on &quot;The Axios Show&quot; — and he wants his bank to help create economic opportunities for as many of them as possible.The big picture: &quot;I&#x27;ve been speaking about the fraying of the American Dream for years. And I think you have to acknowledge that there&#x27;s a flaw,&quot; especially for lower-income Americans, Dimon told Axios CEO Jim VandeHei.

Officers suspended over Border Patrol calls

Two officers faced discipline after contacting federal immigration agents.

Immigration

DPD Sgt. Denise Wallet and officer James Corsi were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="suspended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/detroit-sergeant-officer-suspended-without-pay-contacting-border-patrol-during-traffic-stop" data-vars-content-id="9a28a5f4-6165-4783-a020-59c05b232c67" data-vars-headline="Officers suspended over Border Patrol calls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/detroit-sergeant-officer-suspended-without-pay-contacting-border-patrol-during-traffic-stop" target="_blank">suspended</a> in February for calling Customs and Border Protection for assistance during traffic stops, in apparent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violation of DPD policy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/30/how-detroit-police-limits-working-with-ice" data-vars-content-id="9a28a5f4-6165-4783-a020-59c05b232c67" data-vars-headline="Officers suspended over Border Patrol calls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/30/how-detroit-police-limits-working-with-ice" target="_self">violation of DPD policy</a> against coordinating with federal immigration officials.State of play: The two incidents led to the potential deportation of two people, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Free Press" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2026/02/13/detroit-police-suspended-immigration-officials-cbp-ice-customs-border-protection/88665857007/" data-vars-content-id="9a28a5f4-6165-4783-a020-59c05b232c67" data-vars-headline="Officers suspended over Border Patrol calls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2026/02/13/detroit-police-suspended-immigration-officials-cbp-ice-customs-border-protection/88665857007/" target="_blank">the Free Press</a>.

How to watch Tigers Opening Day (good luck)

Fans may not know how to watch until hours before first pitch in San Diego.

Sports

The Tigers&#x27; Opening Day is Thursday in San Diego — and the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TV broadcast situation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/12/tigers-end-fanduel-sports-network-deal" data-vars-content-id="321dbdbf-d3b4-47b7-8101-e44574aa937d" data-vars-headline="How to watch Tigers Opening Day (good luck)" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/12/tigers-end-fanduel-sports-network-deal" target="_self">TV broadcast situation</a> is still in flux.Why it matters: Fans may not know exactly how to find the game until hours before first pitch at 4:10pm.

How Detroit police limits working with ICE

Memos show how police interact with federal immigration authorities and where limits lie.

Detroit police leaders say the department isn&#x27;t in the &quot;immigration business&quot; and mostly isn&#x27;t communicating with ICE.Why it matters: As immigration enforcement ramps up nationwide, some cities are navigating growing pressure from President Trump&#x27;s administration threatening funding cuts and legal action on those who publicly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="limit cooperation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.whitehouse.gov/videos/president-trump-delivers-remarks-to-the-detroit-economic-club/" data-vars-content-id="2df4d4fc-3d4e-4a49-808c-0b7cfa4510c7" data-vars-headline="How Detroit police limits working with ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/videos/president-trump-delivers-remarks-to-the-detroit-economic-club/" target="_blank">limit cooperation</a> with ICE.

Detroit Packard Plant plan halted by new mayor's administration

City ends redevelopment talks to consider new options for Packard site.

Development

Mayor Mary Sheffield&#x27;s administration has canceled a redevelopment vision for part of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Packard Plant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/12/01/packard-plant-redevelopment-housing-jobs-project" data-vars-content-id="9dd404fc-eb91-4bb1-80c6-7e10ef29e76d" data-vars-headline="Detroit Packard Plant plan halted by new mayor&#x27;s administration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/12/01/packard-plant-redevelopment-housing-jobs-project" target="_self">the Packard Plant</a>, one of Detroit&#x27;s most notorious relics.State of play: A splashy December press conference featuring former Mayor Mike Duggan unveiled a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new plan" data-vars-click-url="https://packardpark.com/" data-vars-content-id="9dd404fc-eb91-4bb1-80c6-7e10ef29e76d" data-vars-headline="Detroit Packard Plant plan halted by new mayor&#x27;s administration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://packardpark.com/" target="_blank">new plan</a> for housing and recreation on the languishing site.

Detroit rents edge down, but housing still costly

Rents in Detroit dipped slightly, but many renters still face high housing costs.

News

Detroit&#x27;s median <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/02/08/rent-metro-detroit-still-rising" data-vars-content-id="83f4acdd-4e29-4a26-89f8-dff32a5ca384" data-vars-headline="Detroit rents edge down, but housing still costly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/02/08/rent-metro-detroit-still-rising" target="_self">rent</a> is down slightly in 2026 compared to last year, while other Midwestern cities aren&#x27;t so lucky.Why it matters: Housing remains unaffordable for many.

Black Leaders Detroit expands into home rehab

The group now offers zero-interest loans to support local housing developers.

Real Estate

A local organization known for assisting small Black-owned businesses is venturing into a new arena: home rehab.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Leaders Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.blackleadersdetroit.org/" data-vars-content-id="7afe523f-14a2-4031-9664-e92b50864e27" data-vars-headline="Black Leaders Detroit expands into home rehab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.blackleadersdetroit.org/" target="_blank">Black Leaders Detroit</a> (BLD) has provided grants and zero-interest loans worth more than $6 million to entrepreneurs since 2020.

Bosch opens hydrogen facility in metro Detroit

The new site will produce hydrogen for testing and future mobility uses.

Bosch opened a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hydrogen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/08/28/detroit-is-exploring-hydrogen-as-a-clean-fossil-fuel-alternative" data-vars-content-id="af57eb57-034b-44be-af4a-30a131ac2892" data-vars-headline="Bosch opens hydrogen facility in metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/08/28/detroit-is-exploring-hydrogen-as-a-clean-fossil-fuel-alternative" target="_self">hydrogen</a> production facility this week in suburban Detroit, part of a broader push for clean, reliable energy.Why it matters: Detroit wants to remain a global center of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mobility innovation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/30/eastern-market-clean-freight-pilot" data-vars-content-id="af57eb57-034b-44be-af4a-30a131ac2892" data-vars-headline="Bosch opens hydrogen facility in metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/30/eastern-market-clean-freight-pilot" target="_self">mobility innovation</a>. Hydrogen is among the technologies that city and state officials want to harness if it starts moving from pilot projects to real-world use.

Property owners launch Rivertown improvement zone

The new zone will fund cleaning, landscaping and security in the neighborhood.

A revitalization strategy is growing in Detroit in which property owners band together to pay voluntary, tax-like fees to upgrade their corridors.Why it matters: The creation of a third Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) in Detroit is an example of property owners and businesses buying into the future of their communities — in a city where landowner negligence is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="all too common" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0UcYXWCPR8" data-vars-content-id="39a92960-3509-4aa4-a721-48a394582f4c" data-vars-headline="Property owners launch Rivertown improvement zone" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0UcYXWCPR8" target="_blank">all too common</a>.

Sweet 16 sets up big night for Michigan teams

U-M and MSU play hours apart Friday with Elite Eight spots on the line.

March Madness hits full tilt Friday as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wolverines and Spartans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/20/um-michigan-state-ncaa-tournament-first-round-wins" data-vars-content-id="11aaa1d2-048d-4cd3-b904-8b411d31bc03" data-vars-headline="Sweet 16 sets up big night for Michigan teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/20/um-michigan-state-ncaa-tournament-first-round-wins" target="_self">Wolverines and Spartans</a> tip off within hours of each other in the men&#x27;s Sweet 16.Why it matters: The schedule sets up a rare, all-night stress test for fans across Metro Detroit — with both teams playing for a spot in the Elite Eight.

Detroit sees biggest mayoral turnout since 2017

More than 115,000 Detroiters voted in the mayor's race, marking an uptick in turnout.

Voter turnout improved for this year&#x27;s Detroit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayoral race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="e567f87f-8d4f-4791-822c-548d84e09a9d" data-vars-headline="Detroit sees biggest mayoral turnout since 2017" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" target="_self">mayoral race</a>, but more than three-quarters of the electorate remained on the sidelines.The big picture: Detroiters have been less enthusiastic to vote in municipal elections than gubernatorial and presidential elections in the last 25 years, per a Free Press <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/2025/06/15/detroit-duggan-municipal-elections-mayor-voters-michigan-president/83767785007/" data-vars-content-id="e567f87f-8d4f-4791-822c-548d84e09a9d" data-vars-headline="Detroit sees biggest mayoral turnout since 2017" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/2025/06/15/detroit-duggan-municipal-elections-mayor-voters-michigan-president/83767785007/" target="_blank">analysis</a> of city voting trends.

Sheffield kicks off mayoral transition with Rise Higher plan

She wants this to be the most inclusive transition the city has seen.

Politics

There is little time to waste for Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, who launched her transition effort just hours after her landslide victory Tuesday night.Why it matters: How the transition goes and who is involved will provide an early peek into the workings of a Sheffield administration.

Metro Detroit growth slows amid immigration drop

New Census data shows slower growth in Metro Detroit as immigration declines nationwide.

Metro Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="modest population gains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/17/metro-detroit-adds-residents-census-shows" data-vars-content-id="eb02662b-03f9-4550-98ae-600fee6b74b4" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit growth slows amid immigration drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/17/metro-detroit-adds-residents-census-shows" target="_self">modest population gains</a> are flattening as immigration falls nationwide, new Census data shows.Why it matters: Any local population increase is welcome after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decades of decline" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/detroit-us-census-population-1f1f2ef32a46d4310e95dfc5e9c5a2c4" data-vars-content-id="eb02662b-03f9-4550-98ae-600fee6b74b4" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit growth slows amid immigration drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/detroit-us-census-population-1f1f2ef32a46d4310e95dfc5e9c5a2c4" target="_blank">decades of decline</a>.

Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom

A new spot called Spiedo with rotisserie meats and veggies is expected to open there.

Food and Drink

Brewery Jolly Pumpkin closed its Midtown taproom and pizzeria on Sunday, with a Mediterranean restaurant expected to replace it.State of play: The closure leaves a popular, retail-heavy block of Canfield Street without restaurants or bars for now.<ul><li>That is, until a new restaurant called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spiedo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.spiedoa2.com/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.spiedoa2.com/" target="_blank">Spiedo</a> opens, offering rotisserie meats and grilled veggies, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit News reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/03/30/brad-greenhills-spiedo-concept-to-take-over-jolly-pumpkin-midtown/89388290007/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/03/30/brad-greenhills-spiedo-concept-to-take-over-jolly-pumpkin-midtown/89388290007/" target="_blank">Detroit News reports</a>.</li><li>This will be the second location for Ann Arbor&#x27;s Spiedo, started by Brad Greenhill, the chef behind Thai Corktown restaurant Takoi, and Michael Goldberg, per the News.</li><li>Motor City Brewing Works <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shut its doors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/01/14/motor-city-brewing-detroit-close-beer-sales-slump-michigan/88176608007/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/01/14/motor-city-brewing-detroit-close-beer-sales-slump-michigan/88176608007/" target="_blank">shut its doors</a> across the street from Jolly Pumpkin last winter and Traffic Jam &amp; Snug <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was a total loss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2022/05/31/fire-rekindled-at-traffic-jam-snug-restaurant-in-detroits-midtown/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2022/05/31/fire-rekindled-at-traffic-jam-snug-restaurant-in-detroits-midtown/" target="_blank">was a total loss</a> after its 2022 fire.</li></ul>Catch up quick: Jolly Pumpkin, founded in 2004 and known for its sours, has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewery.jollypumpkin.com/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewery.jollypumpkin.com/" target="_blank">locations</a> in Ann Arbor, Dexter, East Lansing and Traverse City.<ul><li>Its Grand Rapids taproom closed in 2024 and Royal Oak closed in 2023.</li><li>Jolly Pumpkin is part of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northern United Brewing Co" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nubco.net/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nubco.net/" target="_blank">Northern United Brewing Co</a>., based in Dexter, while its restaurant operations are run by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mission Restaurant Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.missionrestaurantgroup.com/our-brands" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.missionrestaurantgroup.com/our-brands" target="_blank">Mission Restaurant Group</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crain&#x27;s reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/cdb-jolly-pumpkin-detroit-closes-20260330/?utm_source=Sailthru&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Newsletter-breaking-news-20260330&amp;utm_term=" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/cdb-jolly-pumpkin-detroit-closes-20260330/?utm_source=Sailthru&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Newsletter-breaking-news-20260330&amp;utm_term=" target="_blank">Crain&#x27;s reports</a>.</li></ul>The big picture: The decades-long craft beer boom has been fading.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$28.8 billion nationwide industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/statistics-and-data/national-beer-stats/" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/statistics-and-data/national-beer-stats/" target="_blank">$28.8 billion nationwide industry</a> faces a crisis as competition and waning interest lead to downsizing, mergers and closures, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios reported last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" target="_self">Axios reported last year</a>.</li></ul>The intrigue: Starting in 2023, Jolly Pumpkin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shared a space" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/01/05/detroit-avalon-international-breads-closing" data-vars-content-id="f8562b9b-6c73-49a2-8d59-c7b278329fdd" data-vars-headline="Jolly Pumpkin closes Midtown taproom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/01/05/detroit-avalon-international-breads-closing" target="_self">shared a space</a> with 25-year-old Avalon International Breads, which moved its original cafe into the back of the restaurant.<ul><li>It&#x27;s unclear what&#x27;s next for the Avalon cafe. Axios requested comment.</li></ul>

Romulus ICE dispute moves to court

Michigan and Romulus are suing to stop a proposed ICE detention center conversion.

The fight over a proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE detention facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/26/romulus-ice-detention-facility-federal-document" data-vars-content-id="29166f51-63fe-44a4-9827-6e7be95369dd" data-vars-headline="Romulus ICE dispute moves to court" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/26/romulus-ice-detention-facility-federal-document" target="_self">ICE detention facility</a> in Romulus has moved into a legal battle, while local opposition and political pressure continue.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/ag/-/media/Project/Websites/AG/releases/2026/March/Romulus-Complaint-ICE-DHS.pdf" data-vars-content-id="29166f51-63fe-44a4-9827-6e7be95369dd" data-vars-headline="Romulus ICE dispute moves to court" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/ag/-/media/Project/Websites/AG/releases/2026/March/Romulus-Complaint-ICE-DHS.pdf" target="_blank">The lawsuit</a> puts the project&#x27;s future in the hands of a federal judge.

Detroit rolling out new speed humps citywide

Residents can opt out of new speed humps by an April 24 deadline.

Detroit will install 312 new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="speed humps" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/department-public-works/complete-streets/speed-humps" data-vars-content-id="92f2e547-8616-4470-961f-82ab966a78c7" data-vars-headline="Detroit rolling out new speed humps citywide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/department-public-works/complete-streets/speed-humps" target="_blank">speed humps</a> this year on residential streets throughout the city, officials announced Wednesday.Why it matters: Detroit has added more than 10,000 speed humps since 2016 to help prevent speeding and reckless driving.

State sues over ICE facility planned near DTW

Michigan officials say ICE failed to coordinate on a proposed detention site.

The state and the city of Romulus have filed a lawsuit seeking to block a proposed ICE detention facility near DTW, escalating a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dispute Axios Detroit has been tracking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/proposed-ice-detention-facility-romulus-michigan" data-vars-content-id="abec9a00-1011-44e2-aa43-795eddb3c854" data-vars-headline="State sues over ICE facility planned near DTW" 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">dispute Axios Detroit has been tracking</a>.Why it matters: The legal challenge marks the state&#x27;s most aggressive move yet as federal officials advance plans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="without detailed coordination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/26/romulus-ice-detention-facility-federal-document" data-vars-content-id="abec9a00-1011-44e2-aa43-795eddb3c854" data-vars-headline="State sues over ICE facility planned near DTW" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/26/romulus-ice-detention-facility-federal-document" target="_self">without detailed coordination</a> with state or local regulators.

Wayne State opens free tuition program to transfers

Eligible transfer students can now get two years of tuition covered at Wayne State.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wayne State&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/25/wayne-state-richard-bierschbach-president" data-vars-content-id="8378d76a-d39a-4558-b732-89549ccda2e8" data-vars-headline="Wayne State opens free tuition program to transfers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/25/wayne-state-richard-bierschbach-president" target="_self">Wayne State&#x27;s</a> free tuition program will be extended to transfer students this fall for the first time.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wayne State Guarantee" data-vars-click-url="https://wayne.edu/admissions/guarantee" data-vars-content-id="8378d76a-d39a-4558-b732-89549ccda2e8" data-vars-headline="Wayne State opens free tuition program to transfers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wayne.edu/admissions/guarantee" target="_blank">Wayne State Guarantee</a> was launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in 2023" data-vars-click-url="https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/wayne-state-launches-free-tuition-program-lower-income-students/" data-vars-content-id="8378d76a-d39a-4558-b732-89549ccda2e8" data-vars-headline="Wayne State opens free tuition program to transfers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/wayne-state-launches-free-tuition-program-lower-income-students/" target="_blank">in 2023</a> to open more higher education opportunities to lower income new students.

Chávez abuse investigation tapped Wayne State archive

A Detroit archive holds records tied to new allegations involving César Chávez.

A key document in the New York Times&#x27; investigation into sexual abuse allegations involving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="César Chávez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations" data-vars-content-id="5544e31c-aeb4-47bf-8570-0617c93e6bb0" data-vars-headline="Chávez abuse investigation tapped Wayne State archive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations" target="_self">César Chávez</a> was found not in California, where he led the United Farm Workers, but in Detroit.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Times&#x27; investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html?unlocked_article_code=1.UVA.fWbt.UG-G6Ic2Ks-Y&amp;smid=url-share" data-vars-content-id="5544e31c-aeb4-47bf-8570-0617c93e6bb0" data-vars-headline="Chávez abuse investigation tapped Wayne State archive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html?unlocked_article_code=1.UVA.fWbt.UG-G6Ic2Ks-Y&amp;smid=url-share" target="_blank">The Times&#x27; investigation</a>, published Wednesday, is prompting a reassessment of Chávez&#x27;s legacy.

Tiny ambush bug photo lands global contest spot

A macro photo taken in a Ferndale yard is a finalist in a global wildlife contest.

The natural world&#x27;s beauty can be found anywhere, even in the front yard of a suburban Detroit photographer.Why it matters: Joseph Ferraro, of Ferndale, is among 24 finalists for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wildlife Photographer of the Year People&#x27;s Choice Award" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice" data-vars-content-id="572321c1-9c61-427b-9531-b3e4b9c4a327" data-vars-headline="Tiny ambush bug photo lands global contest spot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice" target="_blank">Wildlife Photographer of the Year People&#x27;s Choice Award</a>.

Spring gardening season starts in Metro Detroit

Gardeners are prepping soil and starting seeds as spring planting season gets underway.

Environment

Whether you&#x27;re a green gardener or an old hand with well-worn raised beds, it&#x27;s time to rejoice and get started — planting season is here.Why it matters: Anyone who&#x27;s watched their herbs fade from green to brown knows gardening is a fickle hobby, and timing is of the essence.

Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: March 27-29

Egg hunts, DJ sets, ceramic art exhibitions and more!

Things to Do

🏺 Check out various public exhibitions of ceramic art around the city as part of a giant national conference <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taking place now through Saturday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/24/ceramics-conference-exhibits-region-nceca" data-vars-content-id="20a0512e-0672-4d7f-bb46-7d9ad0921877" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: March 27-29" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/24/ceramics-conference-exhibits-region-nceca" target="_self">taking place now through Saturday</a>.🦁 It&#x27;s a big weekend for theater with multiple shows of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Lion King" data-vars-click-url="https://us.atgtickets.com/events/disneys-the-lion-king/detroit-opera-house/" data-vars-content-id="20a0512e-0672-4d7f-bb46-7d9ad0921877" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: March 27-29" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://us.atgtickets.com/events/disneys-the-lion-king/detroit-opera-house/" target="_blank">The Lion King</a>&quot; at the Detroit Opera House now through April 5, and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mamma Mia!" data-vars-click-url="https://us.atgtickets.com/events/mamma-mia/fisher-theatre/" data-vars-content-id="20a0512e-0672-4d7f-bb46-7d9ad0921877" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: March 27-29" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://us.atgtickets.com/events/mamma-mia/fisher-theatre/" target="_blank">Mamma Mia!</a>&quot; at the Fisher Theatre through Sunday.

Tigers kick off 2026 season on the road

The home opener at Comerica Park is set for April 3.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Tigers&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/04/01/detroit-tigers-aim-for-playoff-return-in-2025" data-vars-content-id="076d226b-55a2-4052-9cc0-b527505a38ee" data-vars-headline="Tigers kick off 2026 season on the road" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/04/01/detroit-tigers-aim-for-playoff-return-in-2025" target="_self">The Tigers&#x27;</a> season starts Thursday at 4:10pm on the road against the San Diego Padres.Why it matters: Baseball is back, but you&#x27;ll have to wait until April 3 for the home opener at Comerica Park.

Clay takes center stage in Detroit this week

A major traveling ceramics event features exhibitions across the city open to the public.

Culture

Thousands of ceramicists are descending on Detroit this week for a national conference that&#x27;ll show them how the city&#x27;s arts scene is taking shape.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts" data-vars-click-url="https://nceca.net/" data-vars-content-id="10100560-4e36-4b00-a330-20f6ef992847" data-vars-headline="Clay takes center stage in Detroit this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nceca.net/" target="_blank">National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts</a> (NCECA) Wednesday-Saturday is seeing record registration numbers of over 5,000, per an email sent to attendees.

Frame Work: Soul Studio exhibition celebrates artists with special needs

"A Little Bit of Light" exhibit opens in Bloomfield Hills.

A new art exhibition in Bloomfield Hills was inspired by the quote: &quot;A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.&quot;The big picture: The artwork on display is from about a dozen artists with special needs who participate in a program called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soul Studio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.friendshipcircle.org/locations/soul_studio" data-vars-content-id="002a12ff-0c69-45c4-bae1-6c03fac2d43c" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: Soul Studio exhibition celebrates artists with special needs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.friendshipcircle.org/locations/soul_studio" target="_blank">Soul Studio</a>.

Best Detroit patios for spring drinks, coffee

From rooftop views to cozy cafes, these Detroit patios are prepping for spring.

It&#x27;s the first day of spring, and we&#x27;re already craving that first patio beer.Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a long winter. We deserve a local drink out in the sunshine without wind or snow pummeling us.

Saffron De Twah trims hours, teases new cafe

Chef Omar Anani says rising costs are squeezing restaurants as he plans a new cafe concept.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Notable" data-vars-click-url="https://detroit.eater.com/2020/2/26/21154387/james-beard-awards-semifinalists-detroit-michigan-restaurants-chefs-bars-bakers" data-vars-content-id="abdb25d0-4eab-4081-8d03-24c13ec67bd5" data-vars-headline="Saffron De Twah trims hours, teases new cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroit.eater.com/2020/2/26/21154387/james-beard-awards-semifinalists-detroit-michigan-restaurants-chefs-bars-bakers" target="_blank">Notable</a> Moroccan restaurant Saffron De Twah has narrowed its hours to weekends while its founder works up a new cafe concept.Why it matters: The small restaurant on Gratiot Avenue isn&#x27;t sustainable in its current form, chef Omar Anani wrote in a letter to supporters last week while teasing several upcoming changes.

First sip: Decent vibes at east side coffee shop

The recently opened Decent Detroit cafe offers stellar baked goods and a relaxed vibe.

👋 Annalise here, with the latest installment of our series visiting cute <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Metro Detroit coffee shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/02/monday-coffee-club-dearborn-mediterranean-bagel-review" data-vars-content-id="b22d5480-cdd9-4ff8-94e9-2300cd595818" data-vars-headline="First sip: Decent vibes at east side coffee shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/02/monday-coffee-club-dearborn-mediterranean-bagel-review" target="_self">Metro Detroit coffee shops</a>.Dig in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Decent Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/decentdetroit/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="b22d5480-cdd9-4ff8-94e9-2300cd595818" data-vars-headline="First sip: Decent vibes at east side coffee shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/decentdetroit/?hl=en" target="_blank">Decent Detroit</a> opened in 2024 on the edge of Grosse Pointe Park near the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood.

First sip: Dearborn's Monday Coffee Club

A creamy Mediterranean bagel and roomy seating make this a strong work spot.

☕️ Joe here, with the second installment of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="series checking out coffee shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/20/first-sip-dovetail-warren-coffee-shop-review" data-vars-content-id="173d6cb9-f63d-4f47-afbc-e3f45e02c302" data-vars-headline="First sip: Dearborn&#x27;s Monday Coffee Club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/20/first-sip-dovetail-warren-coffee-shop-review" target="_self">series checking out coffee shops</a> around Metro Detroit.Dig in: I was in the Dearborn area last week while reporting in Romulus and stopped at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday Coffee Club" data-vars-click-url="https://mondaycoffeeclubmi.com/" data-vars-content-id="173d6cb9-f63d-4f47-afbc-e3f45e02c302" data-vars-headline="First sip: Dearborn&#x27;s Monday Coffee Club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mondaycoffeeclubmi.com/" target="_blank">Monday Coffee Club</a> to write.

First sip: Good old strangeness at The Dovetail in Warren

Axios Detroit is visiting coffee shops around the region to find our faves.

👋 Annalise here! Joe and I will be trying out coffee shops across the region to see which have the best flavors, ambiance and conditions for remote work.First up, my visit to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Dovetail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/thedovetaildetroit/" data-vars-content-id="0e693b86-ae1b-461a-8bf0-0d371e0963ca" data-vars-headline="First sip: Good old strangeness at The Dovetail in Warren" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/thedovetaildetroit/" target="_blank">The Dovetail</a>, a very chill, very odd cafe in Warren.

Fish fries kick off across metro Detroit

Local churches and halls start Friday fish fries for Lent this week.

Fish fry season is back! Ash Wednesday marked the start of Lent, when many Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays.The big picture: Most fish fries start this week and continue each Friday through either March 27 or Good Friday on April 3.

Dirty soda finally bubbles up in Metro Detroit

Utah's dirty soda trend is gaining traction in with shops and pop-ups.

Social media has exploded in the last couple of years with a drink trend long favored by the Latter-day Saint community: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dirty soda" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2022/11/23/dirty-soda-swig-nicole-tanner-private-equity" data-vars-content-id="18703504-9246-4f1d-94c8-eb9bff3923af" data-vars-headline="Dirty soda finally bubbles up in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2022/11/23/dirty-soda-swig-nicole-tanner-private-equity" target="_self">dirty soda</a>.State of play: Michigan has been slow to absorb the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dirty soda movement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eater.com/23041658/dirty-soda-trend-tiktok-coffee-mate-creamer" data-vars-content-id="18703504-9246-4f1d-94c8-eb9bff3923af" data-vars-headline="Dirty soda finally bubbles up in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eater.com/23041658/dirty-soda-trend-tiktok-coffee-mate-creamer" target="_blank">dirty soda movement</a>, with few options available until recently.

City Chatter: New media hire, big speech for Sheffield

New hire, first major speech and budget talks signal Sheffield's priorities.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Welcome back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/18/people-mover-data-center-moratorium-city-chatter" data-vars-content-id="5513af83-1b1c-4b68-a4ae-95db1cf66418" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: New media hire, big speech for Sheffield" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/18/people-mover-data-center-moratorium-city-chatter" target="_self">Welcome back</a> to our Detroit policy and politics update!💼 More job moves: Mayor Mary Sheffield continues to build out her roster, hiring longtime WDIV Local 4 journalist Ken Haddad as digital and creative director in her office of communications.

City Chatter: People Mover expansion and a news pivot

Our weekly roundup of city politics and policy news includes news of a possible data center moratorium.

Welcome back to our weekly take on Detroit politics and policy.🗣️ Data center drama: City Council members voted this week to recommend Mayor Mary Sheffield enact a two-year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moratorium on data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/11/city-chatter-council-members-data-center-worries" data-vars-content-id="7a59ca01-4e59-4cb1-93f4-c76a082f0e4f" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: People Mover expansion and a news pivot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/11/city-chatter-council-members-data-center-worries" target="_self">moratorium on data centers</a>.

Sheffield settles into historic Manoogian Mansion

Detroit's new mayor is the first female officeholder to reside in the mayor's residence.

As Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first female mayor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="0b36d00e-8a09-4112-99de-90e342077c6d" data-vars-headline="Sheffield settles into historic Manoogian Mansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" target="_self">first female mayor</a>, Mary Sheffield has become the first female officeholder to reside at the mayoral Manoogian Mansion.State of play: Sheffield has officially moved into the iconic home along the east riverfront in the Berry subdivision, a city spokesperson confirmed to Axios.

City Chatter: Council member's data center worries

Axios Detroit's regular update on local politics and policy.

Welcome back to our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regular update" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/04/city-chatter-budget-season-mayor-sheffield" data-vars-content-id="291b8773-f4fc-47bc-a293-79e3159e81a0" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Council member&#x27;s data center worries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/04/city-chatter-budget-season-mayor-sheffield" target="_self">regular update</a> on Detroit politics and policy!👋 Former candidate&#x27;s whereabouts: Saunteel Jenkins, the former city council president and nonprofit CEO who ran for mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="against winner Mary Sheffield" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/06/sheffield-kinloch-advance-general-primary-election-mayor" data-vars-content-id="291b8773-f4fc-47bc-a293-79e3159e81a0" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Council member&#x27;s data center worries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/06/sheffield-kinloch-advance-general-primary-election-mayor" target="_self">against winner Mary Sheffield</a>, appeared at a housing affordability roundtable last week with gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson.

Sheffield unveils budget with youth, wages as priorities

She wants added transit funding, youth programs and living wages for Detroit city employees.

Alleviating poverty and helping youth took top billing in Mayor Mary Sheffield&#x27;s first proposed budget, released Monday.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.6 billion general fund budget" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/office-chief-financial-officer/ocfo-divisions/office-budget" data-vars-content-id="18cbe8ba-cf65-4dda-a0db-0ec151acd97c" data-vars-headline="Sheffield unveils budget with youth, wages as priorities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/office-chief-financial-officer/ocfo-divisions/office-budget" target="_blank">$1.6 billion general fund budget</a> proposal — $3 billion across all funding sources — is an early indicator of how Sheffield could use city resources to turn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="18cbe8ba-cf65-4dda-a0db-0ec151acd97c" data-vars-headline="Sheffield unveils budget with youth, wages as priorities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" target="_self">campaign</a> promises into action.

City Chatter: Budget season is upon us

Our weekly Detroit politics feature includes a cannabis update, Sheffield's upcoming budget talk and more.

Welcome back to our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regular feature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/12/city-chatter-winnie-liao-coo-police-department" data-vars-content-id="88f0abd8-1c26-46cb-ba3d-50e2ca5a1ede" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Budget season is upon us" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/12/city-chatter-winnie-liao-coo-police-department" target="_self">regular feature</a> on city government and politics.👋 Politician&#x27;s farewell: State Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, won&#x27;t seek public office again, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Michigan Chronicle reports" data-vars-click-url="https://michiganchronicle.com/whitsett-wont-seek-reelection-to-state-house/" data-vars-content-id="88f0abd8-1c26-46cb-ba3d-50e2ca5a1ede" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Budget season is upon us" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://michiganchronicle.com/whitsett-wont-seek-reelection-to-state-house/" target="_blank">the Michigan Chronicle reports</a>.

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