State and national budget updates

Michigan leaders have avoided a state government shutdown, even though the governor has not yet signed a budget by the midnight deadline. Lawmakers in Lansing reached the framework of a budget agreement late last week but released little information because many details had yet to be worked out. They’ve approved a bill to fund state government for one week to give them time to finalize their deal.

The federal government failed to reach a budget deal by its midnight deadline, resulting in a shutdown. About 30,000 federal employees live in Michigan, but it’s not clear right now how many might be affected. U.S. Mail service will continue as normal, and Social Security checks will be delivered. TSA agents will continue to work at Metro Airport because they’re considered essential workers, but they will work without pay. That could lead to longer lines at the airport. It’s not immediately clear what other service changes might affect Detroiters.

Additional headlines for October 1, 2025

Truck restrictions

The City of Detroit is announcing new restrictions today on truck traffic in Southwest Detroit. The area has dealt with semi-trucks traveling through neighborhoods for years to get from I-75 to the Ambassador Bridge. The travel clogs streets and adds to pollution in the area. The city says there will be new truck routes to keep commercial avenues freed up, and police will increase their enforcement. The new rules take effect on Monday. Truck traffic in Southwest Detroit should be further alleviated when the Gordie Howe Bridge opens next year. That structure will allow heavy trucks headed to Windsor to move directly from I-75 onto the bridge without traveling through neighborhoods.

I-75 cap

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is holding a public meeting tomorrow to discuss the future of I-75 downtown. The organization is working with the City of Detroit and the Michigan Department of Transportation to consider ways of connecting the downtown area to nearby neighborhoods. The collaboration is looking at the feasibility of placing a cap over I-75 between Third and Brush.

The plan calls for a series of parks over the freeway, which would provide space for residents, similar to the plazas over I-696 in Oak Park. The online public meeting takes place tomorrow from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. There’s more information at DowntownDetroit.org/i75cap.

Dodge Fountain

The City of Detroit is shutting down the Dodge Fountain in Hart Plaza for the rest of the year. The Construction and Demolition Department is working to make sure the structure is properly winterized so that no damage occurs during the cold weather. The fountain did not operate properly for several years, but it was repaired in 2024. The water will be turned off for the winter, but the city says the fountain’s lights will continue to operate. The fountain will return to warm-weather operations in the spring.

Tigers win on Tuesday

The Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians yesterday in their American League Wild Card game. Detroit pitcher Tarik Skubal threw 14 strikeouts for the Tigers. Game two in the best-of-three series is scheduled to take place this afternoon at Progressive Field in Cleveland. First pitch is at 1:08 p.m.