Michigan’s ongoing cyclospora outbreak has many shoppers thinking twice before grabbing a head of lettuce—but for local farms and farmers markets, it’s been an unexpected boost.

Today, we’re taking a look at how the outbreak is shining a spotlight on the need for strong local food systems.

Plus, we’ll explore nine things to do in Detroit that are off the beaten path.

Gordie Howe International Bridge opens Monday (WXYZ): The Gordie Howe International Bridge opens July 27, giving drivers a new crossing between Detroit and Windsor with passenger tolls starting at $5.75 USD per trip. A pedestrian and bike path is set to open Aug. 5.

Trump to rally in Michigan next week (The Associated Press): President Donald Trump will campaign in Oakland County on Monday as Michigan’s primary election gets underway. The visit comes as early in-person voting begins for Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary, with voters set to choose nominees in key races for governor, US Senate and other statewide offices.

Feds raid Muskegon Heights City Hall (FOX 17): Federal and state agents carried out search warrants at Muskegon Heights City Hall and other locations across Muskegon County Thursday as part of a joint investigation into alleged financial and drug crimes. Officials say the investigation is ongoing and have released few details, citing the need to protect its integrity.

Beaverland Farms owner Brittney Rooney waters romaine lettuce to be planted that rest in trays at a greenhouse on Beaverland Farms property in Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood on Friday, July 17, 2026. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

Michigan is leading the US in cyclosporiasis cases, and in the last few weeks, consumers have tried to follow rapidly evolving guidance about the risks of everything from lettuce to cilantro.

In some grocery stores, lettuce heads sit forlorn, left on shelves out of concern for the parasitic illness causing diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Late last week, the US Food and Drug Administration narrowed its suspicions to one major grower, urging consumers to avoid eating lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. It’s a good indication that the federal agency may be closing in on the source of the outbreak, even if other food items have not been entirely ruled out.

In the meantime, the consensus among small urban growers in metro Detroit: Business is booming.

At Detroit’s Eastern Market and local farm stands, sales are up, as shoppers look for reliable sources of uncontaminated produce. Though some farmers say customers are shopping for fruits and vegetables with trepidation ‒ as of July 16, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services had reported 5,002 cases ‒ the concern is not resulting in a decline in sales, but rather the opposite.

After exploring the Outdoor Adventure Center, spend time in the fresh air at Milliken State Park and Harbor. (Pixabay/Public Domain)

By Sophie Boudreau

Detroit has all sorts of ultra-popular destinations, from Ford Field to the Detroit Institute of Arts to the never-boring Eastern Market. There’s a lot to be said for spending time in these widely appreciated places, especially when you’re in the mood for a tried-and-true adventure. 

But there’s also a lot to be said for stepping outside the box and visiting some of the lesser-known locales in and around the city—from out-of-the-way restaurants to pretty parks without the crowds. As the last weeks of your summer itinerary fill up, consider these things to do in Detroit that are decidedly “off the beaten path.”

We’ve been tracking the spread of cyclosporiasis for a while now, and those numbers just keep growing. We started the week off with 6,000 reported cases in the state and are ending it north of 7,000.

It’s definitely been top of mind when I’m out at restaurants and grocery shopping, which is why earlier this week, I asked readers:

What foods are you avoiding during this cyclosporiasis outbreak?

Here’s what you had to say:

“My SIL has had it for 4 weeks!! We in our house have been avoiding ALL FRESH produce that is NOT from the garden at my mom’s house. Just not worth it. And it makes me sad. I LOVE this time of year for veggie & fruit dinners. “ — Kim, DeWitt

“When eating out I do not eat any uncooked vegetables. Having worked in a microbiology laboratory I have always avoided cut fruit at restaurants. At home I thoroughly clean all fruits and vegetables. Most vegetables I eat are cooked. The outbreak has definitely reduced the number of times I’ve eaten at a restaurant. It is less risky to eat at home where I know I have done all I can to avoid the parasite.” — Janette, Jackson

“Just all forms of lettuce.” — Craig, Linden

And if you have a question you’d like me to ask our community, send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

*Responses may be edited for conciseness or clarity.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect and Sophie Boudreau. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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