The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority says there will be a $5.75 toll for cars crossing the Gordie Howe International Bridge. That’s $4.25 cheaper than the Ambassador Bridge. 

Commercial trucks, oversized and larger passenger vehicles will be charged $8.90 cents per-axle. There will also be discount passes available for frequent crossers. The so-called “Breakaway” program will offer 25% cheaper tolls for passenger vehicles, while trucks receive more than 20% off. 

The Gordie Howe Bridge still has no opening date, but officials say plans to open it early this year remain on-track, despite President Trump threatening to block the span from opening last month. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Measles in Michigan 

Health officials are reporting Michigan’s first measles case of 2026. The Detroit Free Press says an adult who had traveled to Florida exposed people in various locations in Wayne and Washtenaw counties between March 4 and 8.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. Officials say anyone who is not vaccinated is likely to get ill if exposed.

Measles rates are on the rise across the country as vaccination rates are declining. 

Preventing sexual abuse in church

The Archdiocese of Detroit announced a plan to prevent sexual abuse in church. The Detroit News reports new policies include fingerprinting clergy and volunteers who work with children and appointing a monitor for those removed from ministry who will coordinate with law enforcement.

Archbishop Edward Weisenburger announced the initiative in a pastoral letter posted to the archdiocese website Wednesday.

Belle Isle Casino reopens on 313 Day

Belle Isle Conservancy is hosting a full day of free activities for 313 Day, including the reopening of the Belle Isle Casino. The casino has been closed since 2023 for infrastructure upgrades thanks to $4.75 million in relief funding.

The 313 Day events are also part of the Conservancy’s rebrand for the island. The Belle Isle Aquarium, Nature Center, and Dossin Great Lakes Museum will have extended hours. The Music On Belle Isle Group is also hosting activities under the Flynn Pavilion form 3-7 p.m.

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

People voted for President Donald Trump, in part, because he promised to shake things up. Change is happening in many spaces, including those related to public health.

In Michigan, and across the country, fewer people are getting vaccinated, more people are sick, and less individuals have health insurance. Life is also different for people who lead local public institutions. 

Kate Guzman is the Oakland County Health Officer. She spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent about the current measles outbreaks, the rise in flu cases, and what she’s doing to try to keep people healthy during President Trump’s second term in office. 

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