Federal regulators say the autonomous vehicle company Waymo must stop its cars from blocking first responders. Waymo has been testing its vehicles in Detroit. The head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the agency found several cases of Waymo driver-less vehicles traveling into emergency scenes, blocking firefighters or failing to stop for flashing lights and flares. Federal regulators say they will meet with autonomous vehicle developers to devise ways to address the problem. A Waymo vehicle will stop, however, if it notices nefarious activity from kids riding in it. A Waymo car in California recently stopped in a parking lot and called police after two teens in its back seat allegedly began drinking alcohol and shooting water beads from a toy gun.

Additional headlines for Friday, July 10, 2026

Bar IX location coming soon?  

Detroit’s first women’s sports bar is crowdfunding to open a permanent space. Bar IX hosts pop-up watch parties for women’s sports. The bar has raised 65 percent of if its 125-thousand-dollar goal since the campaign kicked off on June 30. Organizers are giving away merchandise such as stickers, keychains, and t-shirts with donations. 

African World Festival

The African World Festival is this weekend at Hart Plaza. The festival celebrates culture and history with music, spoken word, food and a retail marketplace. The festival starts today and runs through Sunday. Visit Charles H Wright museum website at for more info and to buy tickets.

Lake St. Clair Metropark to receive updates

Lake St. Clair Metropark is getting 15 million dollars in improvements. The improvements include reopening the North Marina, expanding accessibility across the park, adding new trail connections and modernizing infrastructure. It’s the biggest investment in the park in decades. Renovations at the marina will fully reopen the marina with 78 boat slips for transient docking and bring accessible floating finger docks back to the North Marina basin. All renovations are expected to be completed by the end of summer 2027.

Detroit Riverfront tour

The Detroit Parks Coalition is hosting a free walking tour about the Detroit Riverfront tomorrow, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 11a.m. The tour will give an overview of the history of the riverfront as a well as more info on the newest Ralph C Wilson Centennial Park. Meet at the Dock, located near the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden across from the Plaza. Parking is available along Jefferson Ave, Rosa Parks, and in the nearby Bagley Mobility Hub and Assembly garages.

Whether your looking to experience culture and cuisine from around the world, turn back the clock with an immersive historical activity, or just enjoy the outdoors – this week’s Metro Events Guide has you covered.

Upcoming events (July 9-12)

Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation

Henry Ford Museum
 July 9- July 26
Free

The Freedom Plane National Tour gives visitors the opportunity to view original documents that played a key role in the founding of America. The Henry Ford is one of eight institutions in the country hosting the traveling exhibit in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The exhibit is free and museum admission is not required. 

Historic Base Ball

Greenfield Village – Walnut Grove
July 11 | 1:30 p.m.
$39

Turn back the clock and experience the origins of America’s pastime from a time when the rules were different and the game was known as “base ball.” Cheer on the action as players take the field with uniforms, equipment and rules from 1867.

Movie Nights in the D – Cars

Campus Martius Park
July 10 | 6 p.m.
Free

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy Cars on the big screen at Campus Martius Park.  Arrive early by 6pm for activities and a chance to win prizes before the movie begins at 7pm. This event is free and is part of an ongoing summer movie series  at Campus Martius Park.

Detroit Kite Festival

Belle Isle State Park
July 10 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Free (with paid entry to the island)

The Detroit Kite Festival returns to Belle Isle State Park for its eighth year. Attend for a day of kite flying, kite making, bubble therapy, food and drinks available for purchase on-site and more. This event is free after paying for entry to the island.

African World Festival

Hart Plaza
July 10-12
$17.85

Each year, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History celebrates African Diaspora culture with three days of music, food and more. At the event guests can enjoy over 100 food and retail vendors from around the world, all in a family-friendly environment.