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The collapsing pastor pipeline in Michigan

Denominations have fewer priests and pastors, but they're also seeing youth interest grow.

Religion

Fewer people want to become <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pastors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/09/christian-pastors-democrats-elections" data-vars-content-id="136c1647-00e4-4001-8990-4daf0d1c07b0" data-vars-headline="The collapsing pastor pipeline in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/09/christian-pastors-democrats-elections" target="_self">pastors</a>, accelerating a leadership vacuum inside one of the country&#x27;s oldest civic institutions.Why it matters: As the pastor role becomes lower-paid, higher-risk and less trusted, the U.S. isn&#x27;t just losing clergy — it&#x27;s losing a key layer of local leadership.

Duggan exits governor race

The independent candidate's supporters are now up for grabs in one of the country's marquee governor's races.

News

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent campaign for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/duggan-2026-michigan-election-chaos" data-vars-content-id="63917611-abb7-401f-bc2f-1e2d570534a9" data-vars-headline="Duggan exits governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/duggan-2026-michigan-election-chaos" target="_self">independent campaign for governor</a> Thursday, telling supporters he no longer sees a viable path to victory as national political forces reshape Michigan&#x27;s race.Why it matters: Duggan built a broad coalition of labor groups, business leaders and elected officials from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="both parties" data-vars-click-url="https://mikeduggan.com/more-than-200-current-and-former-elected-officials-from-across-michigan-and-party-lines-endorse-mike-duggans-independent-bid-for-governor/" data-vars-content-id="63917611-abb7-401f-bc2f-1e2d570534a9" data-vars-headline="Duggan exits governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mikeduggan.com/more-than-200-current-and-former-elected-officials-from-across-michigan-and-party-lines-endorse-mike-duggans-independent-bid-for-governor/" target="_blank">both parties</a> around his anti-partisanship message. Those supporters are now up for grabs in one of the country&#x27;s marquee governor&#x27;s races.

Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines

Years ago, the city passed on hosting as costs and demands loomed.

Detroit has built a reputation for landing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major sports events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/26/scenes-from-a-sports-centric-celebration-of-detroit-during-the-nfl-draft" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/26/scenes-from-a-sports-centric-celebration-of-detroit-during-the-nfl-draft" target="_self">major sports events</a>, but the city will be watching from the sidelines when the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">World Cup</a> kicks off next month.The big picture: Detroit declined to pursue becoming a host city during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2017 bidding process" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitsports.org/news/2017/10/4/general-united-bid-committee-announces-detroit-as-potential-host-city-for-2026-fifa-world-cup.aspx" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitsports.org/news/2017/10/4/general-united-bid-committee-announces-detroit-as-potential-host-city-for-2026-fifa-world-cup.aspx" target="_blank">2017 bidding process</a>. One obstacle was FIFA&#x27;s requirement that Ford Field install natural grass, along with an irrigation and drainage system, local tourism officials say.

Family Dollar on Eight Mile in Warren is closing

The closure comes as the chain shrinks its U.S. footprint.

A Family Dollar store on Eight Mile Road in Warren is preparing to close, with liquidation signs now posted outside the store.Why it matters: The closure comes as Family Dollar continues shrinking its footprint after announcing plans to close <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of stores" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/dollar-tree-family-dollar-set-to-close-1000-stores-in-coming-years-shuttering-600-locations-this-year.html" data-vars-content-id="a03533ee-0eb6-4466-b826-29ba855cfcf0" data-vars-headline="Family Dollar on Eight Mile in Warren is closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/dollar-tree-family-dollar-set-to-close-1000-stores-in-coming-years-shuttering-600-locations-this-year.html" target="_blank">hundreds of stores</a> nationwide.

Amazon's drone delivery service lands in Metro Detroit

The service now averages more than 100 daily drone deliveries.

Business

<figure><img alt="An Amazon Prime Air drone takes off from the company&#x27;s Pontiac fulfillment center." height="450" id="4bdc164b-124c-4e83-abf7-d1337511fb61" src="https://images.axios.com/1F1xPeAIsRmKDy-aS-33bYhRt64=/2026/05/11/1778524196296.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>An Amazon Prime Air delivery drone takes off from the Pontiac fulfillment center site. GIF: Joe Guillen/Axios</figcaption></figure>If you see a big white-and-blue drone flying overhead, chances are it&#x27;s making an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amazon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/05/amazon-logistics-ups-fedex" data-vars-content-id="9e155fc2-bb80-45fb-a217-e01f4b73c936" data-vars-headline="Amazon&#x27;s drone delivery service lands in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/05/amazon-logistics-ups-fedex" target="_self">Amazon</a> delivery.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amazon Prime Air" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/30/amazon-faa-drone-delivery" data-vars-content-id="9e155fc2-bb80-45fb-a217-e01f4b73c936" data-vars-headline="Amazon&#x27;s drone delivery service lands in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/30/amazon-faa-drone-delivery" target="_self">Amazon Prime Air</a> is expanding drone deliveries in Metro Detroit, but the operation remains a small layer within the company&#x27;s massive warehouse and driver network.

Detroit hotel boom aims to attract more events

More than 1,600 new hotel rooms are planned across downtown.

Downtown&#x27;s hotel pipeline is ramping up to attract more events and conventions.Why it matters: More than 1,600 new hotel rooms are slated to come online — about a 25% increase from today&#x27;s roughly 6,000 rooms, per Visit Detroit.<ul><li>The added capacity will help the city attract major events beyond next year&#x27;s NCAA men&#x27;s Final Four at Ford Field, tourism officials say.</li></ul>

Detroit unveils clean freight tech winners

Electric delivery vehicles, charging and hydrogen tech are set to expand citywide.

Detroit&#x27;s winners of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="global clean freight challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/30/eastern-market-clean-freight-pilot" data-vars-content-id="5d3c5c76-45b3-4306-89e0-b409a2de4c3a" data-vars-headline="Detroit unveils clean freight tech winners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/30/eastern-market-clean-freight-pilot" target="_self">global clean freight challenge</a> were announced Thursday at Eastern Market as part of the city&#x27;s push to redefine itself as a hub for next-generation mobility.Why it matters: The winning companies are moving toward broader deployment to help cut local emissions, ease congestion and lower freight costs.

Gilbert fund pushes to extend tax debt relief program

A Gilbert program buoyed by the state helps Detroiters wipe their slates clean of property tax debt.

Dan Gilbert&#x27;s philanthropic organization is calling on the state Legislature to renew a program it says is crucial to keeping low-income families in their homes.Why it matters: A soon-to-expire state law called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pay As You Stay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2020/03/03/governor-whitmer-signs-pay-as-you-stay-legislation-to-help-michiganders-stay-in-their-homes" data-vars-content-id="b870c360-4f5a-4884-a30a-90613d7ac065" data-vars-headline="Gilbert fund pushes to extend tax debt relief program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2020/03/03/governor-whitmer-signs-pay-as-you-stay-legislation-to-help-michiganders-stay-in-their-homes" target="_blank">Pay As You Stay</a> (PAYS) has been instrumental in &quot;incredible outcomes&quot; from Gilbert&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Tax Relief Fund" data-vars-click-url="https://gilbertfamilyfoundation.org/news-and-stories/gilbert-family-foundation-rocket-community-fund-announce-500-million-philanthropic-investment-in-detroit-will-pay-off-property-tax-debt-for-low-income-homeowners/" data-vars-content-id="b870c360-4f5a-4884-a30a-90613d7ac065" data-vars-headline="Gilbert fund pushes to extend tax debt relief program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gilbertfamilyfoundation.org/news-and-stories/gilbert-family-foundation-rocket-community-fund-announce-500-million-philanthropic-investment-in-detroit-will-pay-off-property-tax-debt-for-low-income-homeowners/" target="_blank">Detroit Tax Relief Fund</a>, according to the billionaire real estate mogul&#x27;s philanthropy leader, Laura Grannemann.

Inside Sakura Novi's new retail and dining hub

The development aims to bring destination retail while reflecting the city's growing Asian American population.

<figure><img alt="A gif that shows Joe grabbing a sun shaped stuffed animal from a claw machine " height="450" id="403cfb0c-4af5-49be-b0ad-492afb08195a" src="https://images.axios.com/CW2s28E3G6LbI4LZ4UedCTh4hxs=/2026/04/16/1776363839551.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Joe&#x27;s successful claw machine endeavor at Klawsome! in Novi. GIF: Annalise Frank/Axios</figcaption></figure>A new development in Novi is turning a stretch of suburbia into a hub for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asian-inspired retail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/18/168-asian-mart-expansion-madison-heights" data-vars-content-id="a39be478-b0cd-42d8-824a-4f3ee83cdc74" data-vars-headline="Inside Sakura Novi&#x27;s new retail and dining hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/18/168-asian-mart-expansion-madison-heights" target="_self">Asian-inspired retail</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sakura Novi" data-vars-click-url="https://sakuranovi.com/" data-vars-content-id="a39be478-b0cd-42d8-824a-4f3ee83cdc74" data-vars-headline="Inside Sakura Novi&#x27;s new retail and dining hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sakuranovi.com/" target="_blank">Sakura Novi</a> reflects a shift in suburban retail that blends housing, dining and shopping to serve a growing Asian population and draw visitors from across the region.

Detroit to get innovative in goal for new-build housing

City leaders are exploring avenues to make it easier and more affordable to build new homes.

Detroit hopes to attract innovative homebuilding companies like 3D printers as it seeks creative strategies to build housing on its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vacant land" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/12/vacant-land-bird-diversity" data-vars-content-id="a4e49265-0798-4b60-8c0a-fa4a9452ac19" data-vars-headline="Detroit to get innovative in goal for new-build housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/12/vacant-land-bird-diversity" target="_self">vacant land</a>.Why it matters: Homeownership is seen as a pathway to building generational wealth in a city where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="poverty is on the rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/19/income-poverty-mayoral-race-election-economy" data-vars-content-id="a4e49265-0798-4b60-8c0a-fa4a9452ac19" data-vars-headline="Detroit to get innovative in goal for new-build housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/19/income-poverty-mayoral-race-election-economy" target="_self">poverty is on the rise</a>.

Metro Detroit small businesses weigh in on economy

Confidence is falling among small-business owners, per a recent national survey.

Some Metro Detroit business owners are echoing the economic stress felt by entrepreneurs across the country.Driving the news: Confidence among American small-business owners fell for a second consecutive quarter, according to the recently released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/small-business-index-q1-2026" data-vars-content-id="3e70fab0-836b-47da-b649-189d083e546b" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit small businesses weigh in on economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/small-business-index-q1-2026" target="_blank">U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index</a>.

Food trucks return downtown for 14th season

More than 80 food trucks are back with weekday lunches through early October.

Food and Drink

Downtown&#x27;s food truck scene, with more than 80 vendors in rotation, returned this week to Cadillac Square for its 14th season.Why it matters: The trucks <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="draw big lunchtime crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWyy1W3DdQC/" data-vars-content-id="706bd4a4-94f5-4fb7-b18e-da5ddb2e9b63" data-vars-headline="Food trucks return downtown for 14th season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWyy1W3DdQC/" target="_blank">draw big lunchtime crowds</a> downtown each spring and summer.

A pit stop at Michigan's oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn

The New Hudson Inn is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad.

The divey New Hudson Inn in western Oakland County claims to be the oldest bar in the state, and it&#x27;s worth a visit for history buffs.The big picture: The neighborhood spot with a rich history dating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back to 1831" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" data-vars-content-id="ffef79f5-efbe-4a09-9d0f-322c380ecbd4" data-vars-headline="A pit stop at Michigan&#x27;s oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" target="_blank">back to 1831</a> is known for its burgers, jovial atmosphere and popularity with the biker crowd.

Business 🏦

Family Dollar on Eight Mile in Warren is closing

Amazon's drone delivery service lands in Metro Detroit

Detroit hotel boom aims to attract more events

Detroit unveils clean freight tech winners

Gilbert fund pushes to extend tax debt relief program