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Detroit's JW Marriott staffs up for opening

The 601-room riverfront hotel has already booked more than 50 events.

News

Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newest luxury hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" target="_self">newest luxury hotel</a> is staffing up ahead of its February opening.The latest: JW Marriott Detroit Water Square recently announced its executive leadership team, led by general manager Joleisha Bradley, who previously oversaw the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reopening of the Dearborn Inn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" target="_blank">reopening of the Dearborn Inn</a>.

Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home

The first Move Detroit grants are helping new and longtime residents move here or stay.

Politics

A new business-funded nonprofit that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aims to grow Detroit&#x27;s population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/06/coalition-incentives-attract-residents" data-vars-content-id="59e36ad1-2f50-46a9-9fd3-b0df125b859f" data-vars-headline="Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/06/coalition-incentives-attract-residents" target="_self">aims to grow Detroit&#x27;s population</a> is giving money to people who pledge to move to or stay in the city.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Move Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.movedetroit.com/" data-vars-content-id="59e36ad1-2f50-46a9-9fd3-b0df125b859f" data-vars-headline="Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.movedetroit.com/" target="_blank">Move Detroit</a> announced the first 13 winners of its Make Detroit Home grants on Tuesday. They&#x27;ll get $15,000 each.

Girls flag football is a fast-growing high school sport

Participation has surged more than 550% nationally in the past four years.

Sports

Girls in Michigan and beyond have transformed flag football into one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the country. Why it matters: Few girls high school sports have moved from niche to mainstream so quickly, broadening athletic opportunities in the process.

1-minute voter guide: Michigan's Senate race

Compare Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers before Election Day.

Michigan&#x27;s nationally watched U.S. Senate race pits rising progressive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abdul El-Sayed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" target="_self">Abdul El-Sayed</a> against Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Rogers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" target="_self">Mike Rogers</a>, a former congressman making his second straight Senate run.Why it matters: Michigan is one of a handful of battlegrounds that could determine control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="53-47 majority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" target="_self">53-47 majority</a>.

Vote: How early is too early for Halloween decor?

Giant skeleton season is here, but often we disagree on when it should start.

Culture

It&#x27;s finally October, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="giant skeletons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/05/us/skeleton-home-depot-skelly-halloween-decoration-trend-cec" data-vars-content-id="fb3b7db0-c59a-4a0b-93f9-40ce760cbf58" data-vars-headline="Vote: How early is too early for Halloween decor?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/05/us/skeleton-home-depot-skelly-halloween-decoration-trend-cec" target="_blank">giant skeletons</a> are posting up on front lawns across Metro Detroit.Why it matters: Halloween is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive" data-vars-click-url="https://news.bryant.edu/business-fright-dive-halloweens-multibillion-dollar-industry" data-vars-content-id="fb3b7db0-c59a-4a0b-93f9-40ce760cbf58" data-vars-headline="Vote: How early is too early for Halloween decor?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.bryant.edu/business-fright-dive-halloweens-multibillion-dollar-industry" target="_blank">massive</a> retail engine, and elaborate decorations <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="creep up earlier each year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/halloween-decorations-michaels-costco-home-depot-summerween" data-vars-content-id="fb3b7db0-c59a-4a0b-93f9-40ce760cbf58" data-vars-headline="Vote: How early is too early for Halloween decor?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/halloween-decorations-michaels-costco-home-depot-summerween" target="_self">creep up earlier each year</a>.

ArtPrize 2026 draws Metro Detroit visitors, artists

Detroit-area artists are bringing mosaics, installations and more to the festival.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ArtPrize" data-vars-click-url="https://www.artprize.org/" data-vars-content-id="2da0eb1f-3547-45df-9244-5fad20340bf1" data-vars-headline="ArtPrize 2026 draws Metro Detroit visitors, artists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.artprize.org/" target="_blank">ArtPrize</a> is taking over Grand Rapids soon, drawing artists and visitors from Metro Detroit.Why it matters: The free citywide festival is a giant showcase for Michigan&#x27;s art scene, showing artists to new audiences and giving new art lovers an accessible way to experience it.

Senate Theater celebrates 100 years — and plots ahead

The historic movie house marks a century with silent films, live music and a big party.

Volunteers running the century-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate Theater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.senatetheater.com/" data-vars-content-id="f519a6f4-e020-4bd2-b4cb-fff936413142" data-vars-headline="Senate Theater celebrates 100 years — and plots ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.senatetheater.com/" target="_blank">Senate Theater</a> in southwest Detroit are plotting its future as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="many indie movie houses close" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/movies/2024/08/25/independent-movie-theaters-closures-main-art-royal-oak-maple/74909974007/" data-vars-content-id="f519a6f4-e020-4bd2-b4cb-fff936413142" data-vars-headline="Senate Theater celebrates 100 years — and plots ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/movies/2024/08/25/independent-movie-theaters-closures-main-art-royal-oak-maple/74909974007/" target="_blank">many indie movie houses close</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a place for in-person connection and historic preservation that returns moviegoing to its social-event roots, Lindsay Robillard, the Senate&#x27;s senior programmer, tells Axios.

Pewabic expands with new neighborhood studio

The new east-side space will offer ceramic art programming for all ability levels.

Historic pottery center <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pewabic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewabic.org/?srsltid=AfmBOopN-kyPWTbb-OaAB2duDgl5E_rb3LjVuqoP8giRbUfQagNUZsuf" data-vars-content-id="72ca9cc8-7c71-4f70-a69a-f4f827e8544f" data-vars-headline="Pewabic expands with new neighborhood studio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewabic.org/?srsltid=AfmBOopN-kyPWTbb-OaAB2duDgl5E_rb3LjVuqoP8giRbUfQagNUZsuf" target="_blank">Pewabic</a> is opening a new location.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pewabic Neighborhood Studio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewabic.org/pages/neighborhood-studio" data-vars-content-id="72ca9cc8-7c71-4f70-a69a-f4f827e8544f" data-vars-headline="Pewabic expands with new neighborhood studio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewabic.org/pages/neighborhood-studio" target="_blank">Pewabic Neighborhood Studio</a> will allow Pewabic to offer a wider range of public-facing programs for people of all ability levels interested in ceramic arts.

Detroit Jazz Festival returns for Labor Day weekend

The festival returns to Hart Plaza with four days of free jazz.

Things to Do

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Jazz Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitjazzfest.org/" data-vars-content-id="b59726a9-3b7a-4cd3-8c90-9313e91e20e4" data-vars-headline="Detroit Jazz Festival returns for Labor Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitjazzfest.org/" target="_blank">Detroit Jazz Festival</a> returns this weekend with four days of free music at Hart Plaza.Why it matters: Billed as the world&#x27;s largest free jazz festival, the Labor Day weekend tradition brings some of the genre&#x27;s biggest names to Detroit.

Garden Bowl marks 80 years with Zainea family

The historic bowling alley is marking the milestone with a weekend of festivities.

Business

Woodward Avenue&#x27;s Garden Bowl bowling alley has been under three generations of family ownership over eight decades.The big picture: Throughout this weekend, the Zainea family is hosting events and specials to commemorate 80 years with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Garden Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.majesticdetroit.com/garden-bowl" data-vars-content-id="f5ffdf37-b432-4e5d-89ab-22cb50d6d4c1" data-vars-headline="Garden Bowl marks 80 years with Zainea family" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.majesticdetroit.com/garden-bowl" target="_blank">Garden Bowl</a> — among the country&#x27;s oldest continually operating bowling alleys.

Dolly Parton's impact in Michigan and across the country

As tributes roll in, the performer's legacy stretches wide.

An outpouring of tributes from local musicians followed Dolly Parton&#x27;s death Tuesday at 80, including from Eminem, who shared a heartfelt <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="letter she wrote him" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/people/2026/08/25/eminem-and-other-detroit-musicians-honor-dolly-parton-on-social-media/91465418007/" data-vars-content-id="8e340cb5-8fc9-4a71-a802-fc10ea239c37" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton&#x27;s impact in Michigan and across the country" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/people/2026/08/25/eminem-and-other-detroit-musicians-honor-dolly-parton-on-social-media/91465418007/" target="_blank">letter she wrote him</a>.

Detroit Month of Design puts ideas in motion

September brings exhibitions, workshops and design experiences across the region.

In its 16th year, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Month of Design" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitmonthofdesign.org/" data-vars-content-id="6077c56c-bb1f-4155-832f-8d18f0865b49" data-vars-headline="Detroit Month of Design puts ideas in motion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitmonthofdesign.org/" target="_blank">Detroit Month of Design</a> is showing how creative industries translate into concrete action.Why it matters: Throughout September, artists, designers and entrepreneurs will show how design jumps off the page to help us navigate our ever-evolving communities.Most events are free and open to the public.

Solo travel takes off in Metro Detroit

Searches are soaring as travelers embrace freedom, spontaneity and new connections.

Google searches for &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solo travel" data-vars-click-url="https://trends.google.com/explore?geo=505&amp;q=solo%2520travel&amp;date=all" data-vars-content-id="ab2f88e7-263a-49c8-b78a-49d9b7a1dfff" data-vars-headline="Solo travel takes off in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://trends.google.com/explore?geo=505&amp;q=solo%2520travel&amp;date=all" target="_blank">solo travel</a>&quot; hit a nationwide record high in 2026, including in Metro Detroit, where searches peaked in February.Why it matters: Solo travel is booming as more people embrace the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want — without waiting for someone else&#x27;s PTO to line up.

Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes

The museums say stable funding is needed as their financial reserves dwindle.

Two Detroit museum institutions are seeking new funding through a millage to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wright Museum of African American History" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thewright.org/" data-vars-content-id="f9191bcc-f333-4745-bf38-d7665aae4d9b" data-vars-headline="Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thewright.org/" target="_blank">Wright Museum of African American History</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Historical Society" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroithistorical.org/" data-vars-content-id="f9191bcc-f333-4745-bf38-d7665aae4d9b" data-vars-headline="Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroithistorical.org/" target="_blank">Detroit Historical Society</a> are major anchors of the city&#x27;s cultural district.