Wayne County has reported its first human case of West Nile virus this year.

The Wayne County Public Health Division says the person who contracted the mosquito-borne illness does not live in the county.

Chief Medical Health Officer Avani Sheth reminds residents that mosquito season is not over. She recommends limiting time outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, and removing standing water from properties, where mosquitoes can breed.

Hip-Hop Theater Festival comes to Detroit this weekend

Detroit-based music artist collective Beat Rhymes Everything Detroit, or BRED, is hosting the Hip-Hop Theater Festival this weekend.

The event is the culmination of a 16-day period in which playwrights came together to create four new plays inspired by narrative hip-hop songs.

The festival will feature a hip-hop improv showcase, a hip-hop family hour and an all-ages play.

The festival runs Aug. 28-30 at the Hilberry Gateway, 4715 Cass Ave. in Detroit. Events begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 28.

For more information, visit hip-hop-theater-fest.com.

Art on the Avenue celebrates Detroit art, design and culture

A celebration of art, design, culture and community is coming to Detroit’s historic Livernois Avenue of Fashion on Sept. 5.

Art on the Avenue 2026 will bring galleries, artists, creative businesses and retailers together along the corridor for exhibitions, art showcases, live entertainment and more.

Participating galleries include Jo’s Gallery, Sherwood Forest Art and Art in Motion.

More information is available on the events page at Detroit Month of Design.

Kroger plans two new metro Detroit stores

Kroger is investing $73.5 million to build two new metro Detroit stores in Dearborn and Commerce Township.

Both stores are set to open in 2027 and will replace existing nearby Kroger locations. Together, the new stores are expected to employ roughly 350 people.

The Dearborn store will be located at Ford Road and Mercury Drive and will replace the Kroger at 15255 Michigan Ave. It is expected to open in June 2027.

A third Kroger proposed as part of a mixed-use development in Royal Oak is awaiting full municipal approval.

I-696 access to I-75 to be restored

Access from westbound I-696 to I-75 is expected to be restored Aug. 31.

Motorists traveling westbound on I-696 will regain access to both the northbound and southbound I-75 ramps.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, both directions of I-696 and associated ramps are expected to reopen by the end of the year.

Additional work is planned along both sides of I-696 between I-75 and Dequindre Road in 2027.

Eleven Detroit city parks are receiving nearly $20 million in updates and beautification projects this year. 

All upgrades were ideas suggested by residents and block clubs in the neighborhoods near the parks. 

City Councilman Scott Benson was a persistent advocate for park improvements across the city. 

“Recreation is not just a luxury; it is a vital urban asset, and it’s a competitive edge for strong, thriving cities,” says Benson. “And this is what you see here today. Vibrant parks attract families, improve mental and physical well-being.” 

New amenities at the parks include an inclusive play area at Eliza Howell Park, the city’s first BMX bike track at Dorais Park and a multi-sport court at Jane-Lasky Park. 

Additional headlines from Thursday, July 23, 2026

Loud cars driving people away from Woodward?

Cruising Woodward is a summer tradition. But many residents near the avenue say vehicles are too loud. That is why legislators hope to crack down on modified vehicles.

Natalie Price is a Democratic state Representative from Berkley. She told WDET’s The Metro on Wednesday that some people are moving away from the Woodward corridor because the noise keeps them up at night. 

“We see property values being impacted by this noise. In November, I talked to a constituent [who] did that from out of state not realizing, and now has decided that they can’t live in the area due to this excessive noise.”

Price is proposing drivers receive ‘fix-it tickets’ instead of fines for driving excessively loud vehicles. She says that would prevent people from paying a financial penalty for driving noisy cars. 

West Nile Virus in Wayne County

Wayne County Public Health has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus this summer season. The virus has only been detected in mosquito samples; no human cases have been reported in 2026.

Officials say the best way to protect yourself is to prevent bites. West Nile Virus cannot be spread person to person and most people do not see symptoms, however 1 in 5 may experience fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash 2-14 days after a mosquito bite.

To stay safe, limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, use an EPA-registered insect repellent, and empty standing water at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding sites. 

DDOT seeks council members

The Detroit Department of Transportation is seeking residents to serve on its Local Advisory Council. DDOT is recruiting people  who live in Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and an at-large member.

The Council will help plan services for senior adults and people with disabilities.

Applications can be submitted by contacting DDOT’s ADA Coordinator at 313-316-2793. 

Hotter Than July kicks off

LGBT Detroit’s Annual Hotter Than July Festival is back and starts today. It’s the city’s longest running Black LGBT Pride event. The event kicks off with a candlelight vigil in Palmer Park by the Blue Spruce Tree at 5:30 PM.

The festival includes a bar crawl mixer tonight at 9 p.m. on the Avenue of Fashion, an Art and Film Festival honoring Duane Belin on Friday, the Palmer Park Picinic on Saturday, strolling brunch on Sunday and more! The festival will also feature a star search competition looking for Detroit’s next Drag Star.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.