The Detroit Children’s Museum has reopened for the first time in 14 years. The museum originally closed due to financial crisis within the school district. With the help of a grant of over $800,000  from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the institution was able to open it again to the public.

During its closure, the museum still lent out artifacts and STEM tools to teachers. The museum has now expanded it collection to 2.5 million artifacts including historical objects, science materials, and global treasures.

Schools are open to schedule field trips to the museum. Its open to the public for free every fourth Saturday of the month.  

Additional headlines for Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Ride to Rise program increases student ridership

Detroit’s Ride to Rise program has doubled ridership on city busses among Detroit students. That’s according to the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT).

The program allows all youth to ride DDOT busses year-round for free when they show drivers their student IDs.  

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced the program in April to reduce absenteeism in schools and provide reliable transportation for students to after school programs.  

DDOT Director Robert Kramer says the department has secured a million dollars in funding in the 2027 state budget to continue the program.  

Cyclospora outbreak continues

The state health department says more than 9,000 people in Michigan have reported coming down with a parasitic infection linked to contaminated lettuce. That’s more than twice the number of cases the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed nationwide. 

The CDC estimates Michigan has between 900 and 2,100 people who’ve gotten sick since May 1. That does not include probable cases. 

Whitmer signs new bills

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill to help people avoid losing their homes to foreclosure. The new law makes programs such as installment plans for delinquent property taxes permanent.

She also signed bills banning state lawmakers from lobbying while they’re in office and prohibiting former legislators from becoming lobbyists for two years after they leave office. 

Community Contractor Fair

The development program Ignite Detroit is hosting a Community Contractor Fair on Wednesday. The fair is for Detroit residents, homeowners, and small business owners to connect with contractors, explore home and property improvement resources, and learn about the Homeowners Property Exemption program.

The event takes place at the Northwest Activities Center—that’s 18100 Meyers Rd., Detroit, on Wednesday, July 29 from 6:30-8 p.m.  

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