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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.

Metro Detroiters weigh in on unsafe off-leash dogs

Many readers say unleashed dogs make public spaces feel unsafe.

Culture

👋 Annalise here, thanking you for sharing your thoughts on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="off-leash dogs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/21/when-are-off-leash-dogs-ok" data-vars-content-id="9debbe21-5413-49b0-a549-c2bc46484f71" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroiters weigh in on unsafe off-leash dogs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/21/when-are-off-leash-dogs-ok" target="_self">off-leash dogs</a> last week.What we learned: Summer is the time to enjoy outside hours with your furry best friend, but letting dogs wander off-leash is a serious issue with potentially dangerous consequences.

How to start collecting art in Detroit

You don't need a huge budget to start collecting local art.

Collecting art for your home can feel intimidating and expensive. But local experts say it doesn&#x27;t have to be and that Detroit is a great place to start.Why it matters: Art fuels the soul <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and body" data-vars-click-url="https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/news/2025/10/art-fund-research-proves-that-viewing-art-is-good-for-the-human-body/" data-vars-content-id="ea20a1c6-474c-4cf3-95c6-7aa4e15f48a1" data-vars-headline="How to start collecting art in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/news/2025/10/art-fund-research-proves-that-viewing-art-is-good-for-the-human-body/" target="_blank">and body</a>, enriches our living spaces and can help support the local creative economy.

When are off-leash dogs OK?

Off-leash dogs can be fun, until they're not. Tell us your view.

🤔 Annalise here, wondering when readers think it&#x27;s OK for dogs to be off-leash, and when it&#x27;s not.Why it matters: We&#x27;re at the start of the most wonderful time of year to be a dog owner, but the sunny season doesn&#x27;t come without its frustrations.

Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building

Cancer survivors, family members and caregivers are sought for portraits on the historic CPA Building.

Health

An arts nonprofit is still seeking participants for a public art exhibition in Corktown featuring 103 portraits of local cancer survivors and family members.The big picture: Grand Rapids-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lions &amp; Rabbits Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lionsandrabbits.com/placemaking/detroit" data-vars-content-id="57be8e61-7a3b-45c1-8161-e09f728867dc" data-vars-headline="Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lionsandrabbits.com/placemaking/detroit" target="_blank">Lions &amp; Rabbits Center</a> plans to install prints of hand-painted portraits on the wedge-shaped CPA Building at a prominent corner of Michigan Avenue, across from Michigan Central.

Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: May 15-17

Yard sales, women's comedy festival and a new burger joint.

Things to Do

🛍️ Mitten Vintage is bringing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nighttime thrifting event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYF9v0CD4ty/" data-vars-content-id="6207a3f5-36ee-4bb7-8a48-039b338016aa" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: May 15-17" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYF9v0CD4ty/" target="_blank">nighttime thrifting event</a> with more than 15 vendors to Eastern Market Brewing Co. from 5-10pm Saturday.<ul><li>2515 Riopelle St.</li></ul>

Frame Work: Fashion-forward Detroit artist's solo debut

The Playground gallery launches Raymar's exhibition with an opening reception Saturday night.

An early-career Detroit artist influenced by performers like Beyoncé, who blend music, fashion and visuals, is getting his solo debut at Playground Detroit.The big picture: Raymar started out documenting everyday home life on a smartphone. His art practice now includes filmmaking, photography, fashion and performance.

Things to do in Metro Detroit this Mother's Day weekend: May 8-10

A u-pick tulip experience, backyard art fair, cat documentary and more.

🍽️ There are still reservations for brunch, lunch or dinner with mom available at Detroit restaurants through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="OpenTable" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opentable.com/s?dateTime=2026-05-10T12%3A00%3A00&amp;covers=2&amp;metroId=38&amp;regionIds%5B%5D=&amp;neighborhoodIds%5B%5D=&amp;term=&amp;shouldUseLatLongSearch=false&amp;showMap=true&amp;originCorrelationId=9c3d594d-3d8f-4ea7-a61a-5379511cb6a9" data-vars-content-id="d817a0c8-7154-4aae-b646-5a78a86c4ef0" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this Mother&#x27;s Day weekend: May 8-10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opentable.com/s?dateTime=2026-05-10T12%3A00%3A00&amp;covers=2&amp;metroId=38&amp;regionIds%5B%5D=&amp;neighborhoodIds%5B%5D=&amp;term=&amp;shouldUseLatLongSearch=false&amp;showMap=true&amp;originCorrelationId=9c3d594d-3d8f-4ea7-a61a-5379511cb6a9" target="_blank">OpenTable</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Resy" data-vars-click-url="https://resy.com/cities/detroit-mi/search?extlink=ps-US-Resy-Brand-Conversion-Evergreen&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=USA_EN_RE_GGL_RC_BR_ResyONLY_EXT_Standard_National&amp;utm_term=General_RSA%20Website:resy&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=11095590629&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADRRHWOiYjMlcztzhRSXYp8g-hFum&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw8PDPBhCeARIsAOJwmWWZuiCkMYomnu9fztxrOPerGxi_lq1g1MloJ1H7imVz2H5-DCQ6SnsaAn-sEALw_wcB&amp;date=2026-05-10&amp;seats=2&amp;query=Detroit&amp;activeView=list" data-vars-content-id="d817a0c8-7154-4aae-b646-5a78a86c4ef0" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this Mother&#x27;s Day weekend: May 8-10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://resy.com/cities/detroit-mi/search?extlink=ps-US-Resy-Brand-Conversion-Evergreen&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=USA_EN_RE_GGL_RC_BR_ResyONLY_EXT_Standard_National&amp;utm_term=General_RSA%20Website:resy&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=11095590629&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADRRHWOiYjMlcztzhRSXYp8g-hFum&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw8PDPBhCeARIsAOJwmWWZuiCkMYomnu9fztxrOPerGxi_lq1g1MloJ1H7imVz2H5-DCQ6SnsaAn-sEALw_wcB&amp;date=2026-05-10&amp;seats=2&amp;query=Detroit&amp;activeView=list" target="_blank">Resy</a>.

Cinco de Mayo parade returns with unity theme

A parade, fiesta and other events around Detroit commemorate Cinco de Mayo.

Southwest Detroit&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cinco de Mayo celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitcincodemayoparade.com/" data-vars-content-id="eea7b196-15a1-4ec1-9b7b-9800fa629b21" data-vars-headline="Cinco de Mayo parade returns with unity theme" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitcincodemayoparade.com/" target="_blank">Cinco de Mayo celebration</a> returns this weekend with a fiesta and its massive parade bearing floats, musicians and politicians.The big picture: This year&#x27;s theme — Estamos Unidos, or &quot;We are United&quot; — is highly important, says Alma Cruz, president of the Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit that organizes the event.

"Michael" biopic highlights Motown Records

The film, while flawed, showcases Michael Jackson's Motown music roots.

For all its flaws, the new movie &quot;Michael&quot; does a good job highlighting the King of Pop&#x27;s ascension to superstardom, which begins with Detroit&#x27;s legendary Motown Records, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Cleveland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/21/michael-jackson-movie-review" data-vars-content-id="23740493-4a27-4e2c-b923-390e6842970e" data-vars-headline="&quot;Michael&quot; biopic highlights Motown Records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/21/michael-jackson-movie-review" target="_self">Axios Cleveland</a> music reporter Troy Smith writes.The intrigue: The Jackson 5&#x27;s breakthrough moment comes during a scene revisiting the July 12, 1968, show at Chicago&#x27;s Regal Theater that caught the attention of Motown Records creative assistant Suzanne de Passe.

GW Home spotlights local artists downtown

Find local art on the walls and shelves of the upscale Gardner White store.

Local artists&#x27; work is for sale on the walls of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GW Home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/05/gardner-white-open-furniture-store-downtown" data-vars-content-id="ef585840-b2fa-4894-94a2-f45d78864ef2" data-vars-headline="GW Home spotlights local artists downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/05/gardner-white-open-furniture-store-downtown" target="_self">GW Home</a>, the small-format, upscale downtown store from furniture retailer Gardner White.