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Top Metro Detroit Restaurants, New Mayor Mary Sheffield, Winter Sunlight Impact, Coyote Safety, Winter Driving Tips!

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Top Metro Detroit Restaurants, New Mayor Mary Sheffield, Winter Sunlight Impact, Coyote Safety, Winter Driving Tips!

Top Metro Detroit Restaurants, New Mayor Mary Sheffield, Winter Sunlight Impact, Coyote Safety, Winter Driving Tips!
Discover top 2026 restaurants, new mayor, winter mental health tips, coyote safety, & winter driving prep in Metro Detroit! 🍽️🌟🌞🚗 #DetroitLiving

Steve Korbal

Jan 12, 2026

Trivia Question❓

The Detroit People Mover system is a automated people mover system that operates in Downtown Detroit. How many stations does the Detroit People Mover system have?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Metro Detroit is set for a culinary boom in 2026, with diverse new restaurants opening across the region. Hazel Park will soon welcome Amelia Street Pizza Co., renowned for its thin-crust sourdough pizzas led by chef Matt Arb, while Ferndale is anticipating Balam Café, a sibling-run Mexican wine bar featuring a hidden speakeasy.

 

The Balkan House expands its döner kebab reputation to Midtown, joining Bev’s Bagels in Ann Arbor and The Beverly’s upscale comfort food in Berkley.

 

Southwest Detroit will see the debut of Filipino-inspired Calamansi  and Middle Eastern cocktail haven Tigris. Clover & Creek will combine American comfort eats with industrial flair in Lake Orion, and Coco’s Chop House promises upscale, waste-free dining in Rochester Hills.

 

Detroit’s food scene grows with Joe Louis Southern Kitchen, Liberian-focused Little Liberia, Sicilian Medusa Cucina Siciliana, and Southeast Asian Sunda.

 

Ferndale’s Pavilion Street Market and other exciting launches like Lola’s Taco Bar, JD’s Stage Bistro, and Waka’s East African street food are poised to energize neighborhoods all year.


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Mary Sheffield made history on January 1, 2026, becoming Detroit’s first woman mayor during a private ceremony at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.

 

Surrounded by family, she took the oath with City Clerk Janice Winfrey officiating, expressing deep honor and her vision for progress and community empowerment.

 

Immediately following her swearing-in, Mayor Sheffield visited both fire and police stations to thank first responders, then served meals at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen—demonstrating her dedication to service from day one.

 

Her journey began in 2013 as the youngest member of Detroit City Council, rising to council president in 2022, and now inspiring many with her groundbreaking leadership.

 

Sheffield’s key priorities include neighborhood investment, public safety, affordable housing, and job expansion, fueling optimism for Detroit’s future under her historic guidance.


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Big Lake Candy Company LLC is a Michigan-based candy company specializing in freeze-dried candy treats that are crunchy, flavorful, and completely addictive. From freeze-dried Skittles and gummy bears to chocolate and sour candy favorites, Big Lake Candy transforms classic sweets into a light, crispy snack that melts in your mouth.

Locally owned and operated in Metro Detroit, Big Lake Candy Company is known for high-quality ingredients, small-batch production, and fun seasonal flavors you won’t find in big-box stores. You can find Big Lake Candy at local events, festivals, pop-ups, and through online ordering — making it easy for Detroit-area candy lovers to support a local business while satisfying their sweet tooth.

Whether you’re shopping for a unique gift, party treats, or just something different to snack on, Big Lake Candy Company delivers a one-of-a-kind candy experience with a local touch.

🍬 Local. Crunchy. Unexpectedly awesome.

As Detroit’s winter deepens, residents face icy temperatures and far fewer hours of sunlight.

 

January is typically the city’s cloudiest month, with overcast skies covering the skyline about 63% of the time.

 

This lack of natural light can lead to mental health concerns, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects up to 40% of Michiganders.

 

Symptoms often include low mood, tiredness, and trouble concentrating — all linked to disrupted circadian rhythms and hormonal imbalances.

 

To fight back, experts recommend staying active outdoors and maintaining strong social connections with activities like group walks or ice skating.

 

Light therapy, regular indoor exercise, and professional intervention such as therapy or counseling can also support mental health during the darker months.

 

By adopting these strategies, Detroiters can protect their well-being and look forward to the arrival of spring.


Read More...

As Detroit’s winter deepens, residents face icy temperatures and far fewer hours of sunlight.

 

January is typically the city’s cloudiest month, with overcast skies covering the skyline about 63% of the time.

 

This lack of natural light can lead to mental health concerns, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects up to 40% of Michiganders.

 

Symptoms often include low mood, tiredness, and trouble concentrating — all linked to disrupted circadian rhythms and hormonal imbalances.

 

To fight back, experts recommend staying active outdoors and maintaining strong social connections with activities like group walks or ice skating.

 

Light therapy, regular indoor exercise, and professional intervention such as therapy or counseling can also support mental health during the darker months.

 

By adopting these strategies, Detroiters can protect their well-being and look forward to the arrival of spring.


Read More...

Recent coyote sightings across Metro Detroit have left many pet owners uneasy.

 

Coyotes, typically shy, may become more visible and daring from January to March, their breeding season.

 

During this time, they often wander into neighborhoods, seeking food and mates.

 

Because these opportunistic animals might see small pets as prey, extra caution is needed.

 

Experts urge residents to closely supervise pets outdoors, especially small dogs or cats, during early morning or evening hours.

 

Leashing your dog with a sturdy, short leash and keeping cats indoors dramatically lowers risk.

 

Securing backyards with six-foot fencing — extended below ground — and clearing any fallen food or unsecured garbage helps deter hungry coyotes.

 

If a coyote appears, never run — stand tall, keep eye contact, and make loud noises to scare it away.

 

Staying alert and connecting with neighbors ensures better safety for both people and pets.


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As Metro Detroit faces another harsh winter, preparing your vehicle for icy roads and freezing temperatures is essential for safe travel.

 

Switching to winter tires offers better grip and control below 45°F, reducing risks from snow, ice, and potholes.

 

Monitor your tire pressure monthly, since cold weather can lower it by about 1 PSI every 10°F drop, leading to diminished handling if unchecked.

 

Check tread depth using the penny test; replace tires when necessary to ensure strong traction.

 

Maintain your car by inspecting the battery, wipers, washer fluid, and making sure all lights work for peak winter performance and visibility.

 

An emergency kit with blankets, snacks, a flashlight, and first-aid supplies adds security if you’re ever stranded.

 

Slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, and avoid cruise control for safer winter commutes in Metro Detroit.


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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
The Detroit People Mover system has 13 stations.
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© 2026 Spotlight on the D.

Spotlight on the D shines a light on Metro Detroit’s heartbeat — the stories, events, and people that make the Motor City thrive. With a mix of neighborhood news, cultural highlights, and local gems, this newsletter keeps you connected to what’s happening in and around Detroit.

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