If you stepped outside in Detroit this morning, you probably noticed two things immediately. First, the snow. It is everywhere. A massive winter storm just dumped a thick blanket over the entire metro area, turning the Lodge and I-75 into absolute parking lots. Second, the energy is different. Even with the slush and the sub-zero wind chill, the city is buzzing because the Detroit Auto Show is officially back in its rightful January slot at Huntington Place.
Honestly, it feels like the old Detroit again, but in a way that actually works.
There’s a lot of noise about the city’s "renaissance," but if you want to know what is going on in Detroit today, you have to look past the shiny press releases. It’s a mix of high-stakes automotive tech, a frustratingly cold winter, and a sports scene that is currently soul-searching after a rough month.
The Auto Show Is Taking Over Downtown
Right now, Huntington Place is the center of the universe for car nerds. This isn't just the local car show your dad took you to in the 90s. We’re talking over 40 brands on the floor and a massive focus on the "Powering Michigan EV Experience."
You can literally sit in an EV with a professional driver and zip through a serpentine track inside the building. It’s weirdly quiet compared to the old days of revving V8s, but the acceleration is no joke.
Tomorrow is the big one: the Charity Preview. Robin Thicke is headlining, Jalen Rose is emceeing, and the tickets are basically the most expensive gala invite in the Midwest. It’s the "Prom of Detroit." Since 1976, this single night has raised over $125 million for children’s charities. If you’re driving downtown on Friday night, expect gridlock and a lot of people in tuxedos trying to keep their hems out of the salt.
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Beyond the Showroom Floor
- The Mobility Global Forum: This is happening concurrently with the media days. It’s a two-day symposium where C-level executives from the big OEMs are arguing about the future of transportation.
- The EV Track: The indoor track is over 300 feet of acceleration lane.
- Public Days: The show officially runs through January 25, so if you’re planning to visit, wait for the weekend.
The Weather Reality Check
Let's talk about the snow. It’s causing chaos. School districts across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties called for snow days today, January 15, 2026. The city of Taylor even declared a full snow emergency.
Kim Adams and the local meteorologists are pointing out that we actually got more accumulation than the models predicted. It’s that heavy, wet stuff that breaks shovels. If you’re flying out of DTW today, check your flight status every ten minutes. De-icing crews are working overtime, but delays are stacking up.
What is Going on in Detroit Today with the Lions and Wings?
It’s a bit of a "hangover" week for Detroit sports.
The Detroit Lions are currently in the middle of a coaching shake-up. After a season that ended without a playoff berth, Dan Campbell fired offensive coordinator John Morton. Now, the rumor mill is spinning. Mike McDaniel—the former Dolphins head coach—is supposedly a prime candidate for the OC job.
People are torn. Some fans want a fresh start, while others are worried that if McDaniel gets a head coaching offer elsewhere (like from the Falcons or Ravens), the Lions will be left scrambling.
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Meanwhile, the Red Wings just got shut out 3-0 by the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night. It snapped a four-game win streak. Cam Talbot stood on his head with 38 saves, but the offense just vanished. They’re still second in the Atlantic Division, but losing to Boston always stings.
Crime Numbers and the Real Neighborhood Vibe
You’ll hear two different stories about safety in Detroit.
Police Chief Todd Bettison just released data showing that 2025 ended with the lowest homicide rate in over 30 years. Criminal homicides were down 19% year-over-year. That is huge. Carjackings also plummeted by 46%.
But, if you follow accounts like Motor City 911, you know the streets aren't silent. There have already been several fatal shootings in the first two weeks of 2026, including incidents near 8 Mile and Grand River. The city is safer statistically, but "safe" is a relative term depending on which block you’re standing on.
Development Projects to Watch
Construction hasn't stopped for the winter. The Hudson’s Detroit Tower is nearing its final stages, and the University of Michigan Center for Innovation is rising near Beacon Park. That project is slated to open in Fall 2026 and is expected to be a massive magnet for tech talent.
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Also, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is almost done. You can see the span fully connected now. When it opens later this year, it’s going to completely change the logistics game for Corktown and Southwest Detroit.
Practical Steps for Detroiters Today
If you are actually in the city right now, here is the move.
First, clear your sidewalk. The city is getting stricter about snow removal fines, especially in high-traffic residential areas. Second, if you’re looking to buy a house, the current real estate forecast suggests that the first half of 2026 is your best window. Mortgage rates are hovering in the high 5s but are expected to dip toward 4.5% by December.
Third, if you’re heading to the Auto Show, park at the MGM Grand or the Hollywood Casino and take the People Mover or a shuttle. Parking near Huntington Place is running $40 to $50 today.
Check the City of Detroit's official calendar if you're looking for the police vehicle auction—it’s happening today at the DPD Grinnell lot at 10:00 am. It's a great place to find a cheap project car if you don't mind a little wear and tear. Stay warm, keep the salt handy, and watch the ice on the side streets.