For 36 years, Michigan Central train station stood dilapidated as a hulking, painful reminder of Detroit's decades-long fall into decline.
Shut down in 1988 and then abandoned, it epitomised everything about the city’s failures.
When the body of a dead man – frozen and half encased in ice in an abandoned lift shaft – was found in a nearby building in 2009, authorities could not get Michigan Central and its surrounding buildings levelled and erased from the city’s collective memory quick enough … if only they had the money.
Today, Michigan Central has a very different story to tell.
In June, tens of thousands of people were drawn back to the now-restored, 18-storey Beaux arts-style building to watch Eminem, Diana Ross, Jelly Roll and others perform a concert marking a new chapter for the building, now reimagined as an innovation and mobility centre.
About 60,000 tickets to visit the new building were snatched up in one day.
“People have stood in the pouring rain and lined up around the building just to get inside and see,” says Dan Austin, a preservationist and the director of communications at Michigan Central.
Inside, gone are the smashed windows and trash, now replaced with terrazzo floors and tens of thousands of ceiling tiles.
The sense of history is palpable: through its doors once walked some of the first Middle East immigrants heading to Henry Ford’s nearby car factories a century ago.
And it’s not all eye candy.
The Ford Motor Company, which is spending $1 billion on revitalising the building and surrounding neighbourhood, supports a mobility technology centre from the building next door, which was once a major post office.
Google has set up a hugely successful Code Next programme, while Newlab, a venture platform for critical tech start-ups, is supporting a host of pilot entrepreneurial projects.
They include the country’s first in-pavement, dynamic charging road to drones that light up streets for pedestrians at night, and Bloom, a supply chain solutions company for the small electric vehicle market.
“The vast majority are mobility and electrification start-ups, but there are some that are not,” says Mr Austin.
“The idea is that if you are a start-up with a great idea but limited resources, you don’t want to spend those finite resources on buying a 3D printer – you can use the equipment here.”
One such innovator is David Medina Alvarez, the chief executive of Livaq, who has come all the way from Mexico to join in and lead Detroit’s tech revival.
Mr Alvarez, 25, is building electric all-terrain vehicles, or EQuads, with a range of 285km and 4D-printed seating.
“We haven’t yet discovered what its speed limit is yet,” he says of the prototype. “They are great for police that use ATVs – they have rules that their ATVs need to be always on, so they consume a lot of gas.
"Electric ATVs are always on. And we have zero emissions.”
For Rasmus Bendvold, who moved to Detroit from Oslo, Norway, to lead US operations for wheel.me, a company that says it has created the world’s first autonomous wheel, the Motor City has many advantages.
“You have Stellantis, Ford and GM, and we’re working with two of them,” Mr Bendvold says.
“They basically said: ‘If you come to Detroit you’ll have business with us'.”
He says another major advantage to Detroit is the low cost of living compared to other, better-known start-up cities such as San Francisco and Boston.
“I was a little bit sceptical in the beginning and my wife even more so,” Mr Bendvold says. “But I really like being in Detroit and it’s really good for business.”
The scenes on show at Newlab and Michigan Central today are in stark contrast from years past.
At the height of its industrial powers in the 1950s, Detroit stood as the fifth-largest city in the US. But as industries packed up and moved overseas, the Motor City, like many other Rust Belt communities, found itself left behind.
No other large US city has lost as many residents – down from 1.8 million to 700,000 by the time it filed for bankruptcy, the largest US city ever to do so, in 2013.
For years, the city that revolutionised the world of mobility through household names such as Ford and General Motors was better known for its unchecked crime and urban decay.
By the time it filed for bankruptcy, more than half the city’s budget was being spent on emergency services called to extinguish fires in the city’s thousands of vacant homes.
Today, while many believe the city’s revival efforts and future goals are admirable and ambitious, some observe that gentrification is an inevitable if divisive consequence.
“It’s a very complicated thing,” says Chris Copacia of the City Institute, a grassroots non-profit in Detroit
“There are business owners that have been there for a long time, live down the street and don’t want to move. You’ll see signs in neighbourhoods that say, ‘Neighbourhood closed to gentrifiers'.”
But most agree that the city’s future is significantly brighter than its recent past. Many of the city’s downtown high-rises, which were at one time completely abandoned, are again occupied and thriving, Mr Austin said..
For the first time in 66 years, Detroit’s population is growing. In a neighbourhood next to Michigan Central’s Corktown that is home to a growing Latino community, a football stadium is set for construction.
“You’re actually seeing intentional access to opportunities and encouragement of folks who historically have not been provided opportunity,” says Mr Copacia.
“That’s one of the most exciting things.”
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Aaron Finch, Matt Renshaw, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
More coverage from the Future Forum
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
COMPANY%20PROFILE%3A
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 258hp at 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,550-4,400rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.4L/100km
Price, base: from D215,000 (Dh230,000 as tested)
On sale: now
DUBAI CARNIVAL RESULTS
6.30pm Handicap US$135,000 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner Dubai Future, Harry Bentley (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).
7.05pm UAE 1000 Guineas Listed $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner Dubai Love, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
7.40pm Dubai Dash Listed $175,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Equilateral, James Doyle, Charles Hills.
8.15pm Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions $100,000 (D) 1.900m
Winner Laser Show, Kevin Stott, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.50pm Al Fahidi Fort Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Glorious Journey, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
The biog
Place of birth: Kalba
Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren
Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken
Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah
Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”
Roll of honour
Who has won what so far in the West Asia Premiership season?
Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Cup - Winners: Bahrain; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Trophy - Winners: Dubai Hurricanes; Runners up: DSC Eagles
Final West Asia Premiership standings - 1. Jebel Ali Dragons; 2. Abu Dhabi Harlequins; 3. Bahrain; 4. Dubai Exiles; 5. Dubai Hurricanes; 6. DSC Eagles; 7. Abu Dhabi Saracens
Fixture (UAE Premiership final) - Friday, April 13, Al Ain – Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Generation Start-up: Awok company profile
Started: 2013
Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 600 plus
Stage: still in talks with VCs
Principal Investors: self-financed by founder
All Black 39-12 British & Irish Lions
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Last five meetings
2013: South Korea 0-2 Brazil
2002: South Korea 2-3 Brazil
1999: South Korea 1-0 Brazil
1997: South Korea 1-2 Brazil
1995: South Korea 0-1 Brazil
Note: All friendlies
The 15 players selected
Muzzamil Afridi, Rahman Gul, Rizwan Haider (Dezo Devils); Shahbaz Ahmed, Suneth Sampath (Glory Gladiators); Waqas Gohar, Jamshaid Butt, Shadab Ahamed (Ganga Fighters); Ali Abid, Ayaz Butt, Ghulam Farid, JD Mahesh Kumara (Hiranni Heros); Inam Faried, Mausif Khan, Ashok Kumar (Texas Titans
Petrarch: Everywhere a Wanderer
Christopher Celenza,
Reaktion Books
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
CONFIRMED%20LINE-UP
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'Avengers: Infinity War'
Dir: The Russo Brothers
Starring: Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Robert Downey Junior, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen
Four stars
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
