Key dates, deadlines and resources to help you navigate Michigan’s 2026 elections.
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Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information, Transportation
Wayne County transit millage explained: what it is, how much it costs
The Free Press recently spoke with officials from Wayne County, SMART and the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) about the proposed millage and how it will affect residents and taxpayers. Here is what to know:
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Detroit City Notebook
A new stage, play features for Spirit Plaza
Among the new amenities for the park are a covered stage, a swing set and a larger and more inclusive play area with a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round and a climbing tower for a range of ages and abilities.
Posted inArts & Culture
Movement 2026: Scenes from Hart Plaza
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Movement featured a slate of local, national and international artists
Posted inHousing, Political and Public Policy Information
Detroit’s high property taxes are driving a housing affordability crisis – how can city leaders bring down costs?
Detroiters paid the highest effective property tax rate among major cities in the United States at 3.02% in 2024, according to a study from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.
Posted inGuest Commentary, Health and Welfare, Political and Public Policy Information
New SNAP rules requiring that benefits be used at stores selling healthier food could backfire
Under the stricter new rules, all retailers accepting SNAP as payment must sell at least seven kinds of food in each of those four categories.
Posted inMichigan Government
What Mike Duggan’s exit means for Michigan governor’s race
Mike Duggan’s departure resets Michigan governor’s race in political climate he — and experts — say increasingly favors Democrats.
Posted inEnvironment, Political and Public Policy Information
What EPA’s PFAS rollback means for contaminated Michigan drinking water
The Trump administration announces it’s rescinding federal drinking water limits for four of six PFAS compounds, weakening protections for Michigan communities dealing with widespread contamination from the toxic “forever chemicals.”
Posted inArts & Culture, Culture Canvas
Detroit guide to Movement Music Festival preparties, afterparties
Just as popular as the festival itself are the official and unofficial Movement preparties and afterparties outside Hart Plaza. Bars and clubs across the city participate, from Spkrbox to MotorCity Wine to Northern Lights.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook, Health and Welfare
Detroit to pay $52K to fix soil contamination at one demo site
This represents a fraction of the millions of dollars under consideration by the city’s legislative body for a broader analysis and backfill remediation stemming from work performed by the demolition firm Gayanga Co.