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Axios Detroit
DTW doesn't rank high for TSA complaints
Data: TSA via Data Liberation Project; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosDetroit Metro Airport has a lower-than-average rate of TSA complaints compared with other airports, per data from the transportation agency.Why it matters: Air passengers nationwide are reporting complaints at a higher rate than before the pandemic, according to an analysis by the Data Liberation Project.State of play: DTW ranked 49th in the country out of 103 major airports for the number of complaints per capita between January 2023 and January 2024.By the numbers: We logged 2,336 complaints in that year, for a rate of 15.76 complaints per 100,000 passengers.Comparatively, Newark β the...
Michigan ranks in nation's top third for women in municipal office
Data: Rutgers; Map: Axios VisualsMore than 35% of Michigan's municipal officeholders are women, according to a new report from the Center For American Women and Politics at Rutgers.That puts us at 16th in the nation.The big picture: Following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's election in 2018, the state went from the middle of the pack to the top third in the nation in terms of getting women into local office.Zoom in: The nine-member Detroit City Council has a female majority. Other local women also hold important offices, including Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy and Lathrup Village Mayor Kelly Garrett.Michigan ranks 14th in state legislative representation, which the report also analyzed.Five of the seven Democrats who represent Michigan in the U.S. House are women.Zoom out: Colorado leads the nation (46.1%) for its share of women holding municipal office.Sign up for Axios Detroit for free.
Gilly's sports bar to debut for Tigers' home opener
Gilly's Clubhouse, a Dan Gilbert-backed sports bar, opens downtown on Friday for the Tigers' home opener.The big picture: Gilly's and a lower-level bar called Saksey's are intended to honor the spirit and legacy of Nick Gilbert, Dan Gilbert's son who co-created the concepts. Nick Gilbert died last year at age 26 from neurofibromatosis.What to expect: Gilly's will start its tailgate party at 10am Friday, alongside other bars and venues downtown that will be getting in on the action.Gilly's also plans to host watch parties April 25-27 for the NFL Draft. Two more views of Gilly's.The vibe: The sports bar's offerings include a massive 120-square-foot TV, vintage interior design details and artwork from Detroit-based Davariz Broaden and Tyrrell Winston, per a news release. Nick Gilbert's brothers Grant Gilbert and AJ Gilbert helped with branding, merchandise and staff uniforms.The menu is wide-ranging, from coffee and fresh-pressed juice to burgers, wings and grain bowls.If you go: 1550 Woodward Ave. downtown. Hours are 11am-midnight Sunday-Thursday and 11am-2am Friday and Saturday.Sign up for Axios Detroit for free.
Cass Corridor burger truck hits the spot
βπΌ Hey guys, it's Sam.The Burger Truck is known for its playful recipes, but the classic burger I ordered with double patties, cheese and pickles did not disappoint.State of play: The food truck on Cass Avenue across from Old Miami is one of the food truck chain's nine Metro Detroit locations.What to expect: Burgers with halal beef patties can come topped with Cheetos or Doritos, or even mozzarella.I went plain Jane and got the All-American burger, which was juicy and well-seasoned. The Cajun fries were fresh and crispy.If you go: 3929 Cass Ave.Open 11am-10pm Monday-Thursday, 11am-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday and noon-9pm Sunday. The Burger Truck sits across from Old Miami in the Cass Community United Methodist Church lot.Sign up for Axios Detroit for free.
Detroit businesses eager to benefit from NFL Draft
Local businesses are clamoring to work with the NFL Draft and benefit from the burst of economic activity that comes with it.Why it matters: Restaurants, clothing shops and other businesses all over the city are getting involved to make the April 25-27 draft an authentic Detroit experience.A lot of money is on the table. Organizers expect visitors to spend hundreds of millions; the NFL's budget for the event is $25 million.State of play: Some businesses have contracts for catering, janitorial and other services.Restaurants and merchants will set up in the event's downtown footprint at food trucks and pop-ups inside empty...
Detroit businesses eager to benefit from NFL Draft
Local businesses are clamoring to work with the NFL Draft and benefit from the burst of economic activity that comes with it.Why it matters: Restaurants, clothing shops and other businesses all over the city are getting involved to make the April 25-27 draft an authentic Detroit experience.A lot of money is on the table. Organizers expect visitors to spend hundreds of millions; the NFL's budget for the event is $25 million.State of play: Some businesses have contracts for catering, janitorial and other services.Restaurants and merchants will set up in the event's downtown footprint at food trucks and pop-ups inside empty...
Remembering Detroit's Mother Waddles`
When struggling Detroiters needed help, the Rev. Charleszetta "Mother" Waddles and her army of volunteers were there for nearly three decades.Why it matters: Waddles, whose name continues to reverberate throughout the area's social services community, helped uplift others with a sense of dignity and self-esteem.Flashback: The Mother Waddles Perpetual Mission offered free food and clothing, a free medical clinic, job counseling and even emergency funds β all by donations.Waddles began the mission at 3700 Gratiot Ave. in 1958 after convincing a landlord to let her open it from a vacant storefront, according to the Detroit Historical Society.She preached there every...
Nessel goes up against DTE's rate hike request
Attorney General Dana Nessel is looking to challenge DTE's rate increase request of $450 million.The big picture: Nessel routinely attempts to intervene in utility rate hike requests to save customers money, per a news release from her office.State of play: DTE's latest plea comes just four months after it was permitted to increase rates by another $368 million.Between the lines: The accumulation of hundred-million-dollar rate increases is unprecedented and unsustainable for ratepayers, the office's preliminary analysis found.What they're saying: "This latest rate hike request from DTE is, frankly, absurd," Nessel said in the release. "DTE is following their usual playbook, incessant and oppressive rate hike requests not grounded in reality, but rather based on the financial aspirations of their corporate shareholders."The other side: DTE says the increase is necessary to improve the electrical grid and make it more reliable, per the Free Press. It would allow DTE to find power outage locations more quickly, lower the number of outages by 30% and slice the length of time for outages in half.What's next: A pre-hearing is slated for April 26 in DTE's case.Sign up for Axios Detroit for free.
Remembering Detroit's Mother Waddles`
When struggling Detroiters needed help, the Rev. Charleszetta "Mother" Waddles and her army of volunteers were there for nearly three decades.Why it matters: Waddles, whose name continues to reverberate throughout the area's social services community, helped uplift others with a sense of dignity and self-esteem.Flashback: The Mother Waddles Perpetual Mission offered free food and clothing, a free medical clinic, job counseling and even emergency funds β all by donations.Waddles began the mission at 3700 Gratiot Ave. in 1958 after convincing a landlord to let her open it from a vacant storefront, according to the Detroit Historical Society.She preached there every...
Nessel goes up against DTE's rate hike request
Attorney General Dana Nessel is looking to challenge DTE's rate increase request of $450 million.The big picture: Nessel routinely attempts to intervene in utility rate hike requests to save customers money, per a news release from her office.State of play: DTE's latest plea comes just four months after it was permitted to increase rates by another $368 million.Between the lines: The accumulation of hundred-million-dollar rate increases is unprecedented and unsustainable for ratepayers, the office's preliminary analysis found.What they're saying: "This latest rate hike request from DTE is, frankly, absurd," Nessel said in the release. "DTE is following their usual playbook, incessant and oppressive rate hike requests not grounded in reality, but rather based on the financial aspirations of their corporate shareholders."The other side: DTE says the increase is necessary to improve the electrical grid and make it more reliable, per the Free Press. It would allow DTE to find power outage locations more quickly, lower the number of outages by 30% and slice the length of time for outages in half.What's next: A pre-hearing is slated for April 26 in DTE's case.Sign up for Axios Detroit for free.
FOIA Friday: Michigan public records reform advances
Michigan lawmakers are finally working to open themselves and the governor's office to Freedom of Information Act requests.Why it matters: Senate Bills 669 and 670 would end wholesale exemptions from public records requests that shield the governor, lieutenant governor and state lawmakers.The exemptions allow them to govern with less public scrutiny.Catch up quick: The state Senate's ethics committee approved the bills this month, teeing them up for a vote in the full Senate."This is the strongest version of the bills we've ever brought forward," bill sponsor Sen. Jeremy Moss tells Axios.Unlike past efforts that focused on subjecting the governor's office...
Most Michiganders don't attend religious services
Data: Household Pulse Survey; Note:Β Adults who say they never attend or attend less than once a year; Map: Alice Feng/AxiosThose attending this year's Easter services will be in the minority: A majority of Michigan adults don't go to church or religious services, a new analysis of U.S. Census data shows.Why it matters: More than three-quarters of Americans say religion's role in public life is shrinking, according to a recent study by Pew Research Center survey β the highest level since the group first started tracking such sentiment in 2001.By the numbers: 51% of Michigan adults say they never or seldom...
Little Caesars' viral Crazy Puffs are worth it
The new fast food item taking over the internet is a bite-sized spin on a local staple.Driving the news: Food influencers and reviewers are rushing to try Little Caesars' new Crazy Puffs after the Detroit-based pizza chain launched them March 11.The intrigue: The puffs are filled with cheese, stacked pieces of pepperoni and dough β "pockets of pizza perfection," Little Caesars claims.It's also a bargain: one four-pack costs $3.99.Yes, but: You might want to call in or order ahead online if you want them ready on arrival.π Sam's thought bubble: I went to a packed Little Caesars on Warren Avenue yesterday and waited about 30 minutes. My pepperoni puffs were hot and crisp but they came without seasoning.The missing garlic butter drizzle and dusting of oregano would have really made these special.Pro tip: Be careful biting into one, that pizza sauce will stain your shirt.Sign up for Axios Detroit for free.
New director shares his vision for U of M's innovation center
The U of M Center for Innovation being built downtown has a new director who is already planning the graduate and workforce development programs that will be offered when it opens in 2027.Why it matters: The $250 million facility has a lot of hopes riding on it β it's been pitched as a catalyst for more development in the District Detroit, as well as an economic driver.Driving the news: We spoke this week with UMCI director Scott Shireman, who started the job Jan. 1 to help fulfill U of M's new mission around building accessible careers.Starting in May, residents can...
City leaders respond to District Detroit delay
Since District Detroit developers delayed construction of their 17-story office building, city leaders have reacted with a mix of understanding, optimism and a touch of "I told you so."Why it matters: Previous development plans around Little Caesars Arena have a history of delays and unmet promises.State of play: The city is banking on the $1.5 billion megadevelopment from the Ilitches' Olympia Development and billionaire Stephen Ross' Related Cos. to help downtown grow and attract new businesses.The office building has been put on hold due to ββdifficulty financing office space.Between the lines: Given the Ilitches' reputation for overpromising and underdelivering, some...
Things to do this weekend in Detroit: March 29-31
This weekend, you can watch some March Madness, cheer on the Michigan Panthers or listen to live music at an art show.Here's what's happening:π Little Caesars Arena hosts the NCAA Tournament's men's Midwest regional, Friday through Sunday.Sparty and Oakland fans might want to stay home β nosebleed seats start at $212.π¦ Bob Marley's sons, Grammy award-winning brothers Damian "Jr Gong" Marley and Stephen "Ragga" Marley, will perform their own catalogs and a medley of their father's classics Friday night at The Fillmore.Tickets start at $60.π The Michigan Panthers are back at Ford Field on Saturday for Week 1 of the UFL's inaugural season.Tickets start at $22.π₯ NSFW: The music and art show Saturday at The Riverside Detroit features art from local artists Bre'ann White and Bakpak Durden, with performances from host Rob Apollo, John Fm, Ziggy Waters, $cottib, Nova Blu and more.Tickets are available online for $12.65 until Friday.π₯ The Corktown music festival begins on Good Friday and continues through Sunday at Corktown Tavern, Gaelic League, Batch Brewing Company and Nancy Whiskey.Free!Sign up for Axios Detroit for free.
Sizing up Whitmer's 2026 replacement
Speculation reignited over potential successors to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after Pete Buttigieg appeared open to the idea at an Axios event last week.Why it matters: Michigan has elected two Republicans and two Democrats since the turn of the century. Should another Democrat succeed the term-limited Whitmer, Democrats would maintain their longest hold on the governor's office since the 1960s.Taking back the governor's office will be instrumental if Republicans want to undo Democratic gains made by the party's first trifecta in almost 40 years.The intrigue: There are several officeholders whose names have been floated as possible Democratic primary candidates in 2026:...
Detroit House Hunting: Waterfront proximity in Jefferson Chalmers
The asking price just got slashed by $15,000 on this four-bedroom colonial in Jefferson Chalmers.Welcome back to our recurring local real estate spotlight.Why it matters: The east-side neighborhood is known for its historic and natural beauty, with waterfront parks, boat launches and places to fish nearby.577 Chalmers St., $219,900State of play: Flooring in the living areas and bedrooms was updated a few years ago, and the kitchen has been renovated with granite countertops, newer cabinets and lighting.The primary bedroom has a balcony overlooking the backyard and a concrete patio for outdoor entertaining. Kitchen upgrades include newer cabinets and lighting. Between the lines: Jefferson Chalmers is a great place if you like to get on the water, but it's known to be flood-prone.City officials have been working on solutions, Outlier reports, including the water department's Basement Backup Protection Program.π Joe's thought bubble: Most home purchases carry risks β few scarier than potential flooding β but this opportunity to live near the water at a discount is worth a look.Sign up for Axios Detroit for free.
Good Chinese takeout in Detroit on Jefferson
π€ Howdy, fellow lazies. Sam here.If you're like me and never feel like making food, finding a consistent Chinese takeout spot is essential.Dig in: Pekin Pavillion on Jefferson serves large portions of American-style Chinese food for a bargain, at least in 2024 money.I ordered sesame chicken, fried rice and an egg roll ($10.95) and six crab Rangoon ($8.25).What to expect: The food usually takes a while. I probably waited 15 minutes in the dingy waiting room on the other side of the kitchen. But the food made up for it.The sesame sauce was sweet and tangy and the rice was soft and pleasant.But the real star was the crab Rangoon. Hot, fresh and filled with creamy imitation crab and cheese β they're my favorite anywhere outside of Chicago's Chinatown. Pekin PavillionState of play: Pekin Pavillion is across from Nicky D's on Jefferson near Belle Isle.If you go: Open daily from 11:30am to 10pm at 6905. E Jefferson Ave.Not to be confused with Peking Express, which is two minutes up the road.Sign up for Axios Detroit for free.
Detroit's Diarra Kilpatrick stars in new BET+ mystery
"Diarra From Detroit," a new show on BET+, could follow "Sister, Sister" and "Martin" as the next hit Black comedy series set in Detroit.Why it matters: Detroit native Diarra Kilpatrick is the show's creator, executive producer, writer and star, Axios' Maxwell Millington reports.Prior to this series, Kilpatrick was a comedy writer and had recurring roles in HBO's "Perry Mason" and Tracy Morgan's sitcom "The Last O.G."Zoom in: Kilpatrick's artistic background started at Bates Academy. She was part of the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and went to high school at Detroit Country Day.What they're saying: Kilpatrick told Axios about capturing...
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