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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.

Things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Metro Detroit: May 22-25

Commemorate the holiday, dance the nights away and grab an elephant ear.

Things to Do

🕺 Dance the days and nights away (while staying hydrated!) as you celebrate Detroit&#x27;s techno legacy during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Movement music festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/20/movement-festival-guide-hart-plaza" data-vars-content-id="f6c2d3f0-4c46-4891-ac52-e68bb4b9484d" data-vars-headline="Things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Metro Detroit: May 22-25" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/20/movement-festival-guide-hart-plaza" target="_self">Movement music festival</a>.<ul><li>1-day GA: $227.</li></ul>

New rooftop bar opens in Brush Park

Topa opens Thursday with Mediterranean dishes and rooftop views.

Food and Drink

Brush Park is getting a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rooftop bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/06/22/our-favorite-detroit-rooftop-bars-with-views-and-booze" data-vars-content-id="81456c5c-474d-4a81-bb5a-98671c6e8b21" data-vars-headline="New rooftop bar opens in Brush Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/06/22/our-favorite-detroit-rooftop-bars-with-views-and-booze" target="_self">rooftop bar</a> this week.Driving the news: Mediterranean-inspired Topa opens on Thursday on top of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marriott.com/search/findHotels.mi?pageType=advanced&amp;searchType=InCity&amp;destinationAddress.latitude=42.34672312515023&amp;destinationAddress.longitude=-83.05691944726372&amp;destinationAddress.destination=AC+Hotel+Detroit+at+the+Bonstelle&amp;nst=paid&amp;cid=PAI_GLB0004YXD_GLE000BIM5_GLF000OETA&amp;ppc=ppc&amp;pId=ustbppc&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1658413582&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADilnicsyb7Q66aY0kdI46_4I6k9v&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlLDQBhDjARIsAPlIefEpQECc_kocIDEToxbWvt886W9pHFqdfz9KZyBB-pDmGsoasT9Gj0saAnBYEALw_wcB&amp;deviceType=desktop-web&amp;view=list#/0/" data-vars-content-id="81456c5c-474d-4a81-bb5a-98671c6e8b21" data-vars-headline="New rooftop bar opens in Brush Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marriott.com/search/findHotels.mi?pageType=advanced&amp;searchType=InCity&amp;destinationAddress.latitude=42.34672312515023&amp;destinationAddress.longitude=-83.05691944726372&amp;destinationAddress.destination=AC+Hotel+Detroit+at+the+Bonstelle&amp;nst=paid&amp;cid=PAI_GLB0004YXD_GLE000BIM5_GLF000OETA&amp;ppc=ppc&amp;pId=ustbppc&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1658413582&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADilnicsyb7Q66aY0kdI46_4I6k9v&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlLDQBhDjARIsAPlIefEpQECc_kocIDEToxbWvt886W9pHFqdfz9KZyBB-pDmGsoasT9Gj0saAnBYEALw_wcB&amp;deviceType=desktop-web&amp;view=list#/0/" target="_blank">AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle</a> near Woodward and Mack avenues.

Readers reveal Metro Detroit bagel favorites

Readers sent dozens of beloved bagel spots across Metro Detroit.

Our readers definitely love their bagels.Why it matters: We asked for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="your favorite bagels last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/15/metro-detroit-bagel-shops-trend" data-vars-content-id="e8a77f51-fccb-46e0-901d-dd7532e1be45" data-vars-headline="Readers reveal Metro Detroit bagel favorites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/15/metro-detroit-bagel-shops-trend" target="_self">your favorite bagels last week</a> and our inbox was flooded with suggested shops from Dearborn to Traverse City.

Metro Detroit is having a bagel moment

From old-school delis to trendy shops, bagels are booming.

Chefs worldwide have embraced the bagel&#x27;s evolution from a breakfast staple to a vehicle for adventurous culinary concepts.Why it matters: The array of bagel varieties is evident here — at decades-old suburban delis and cutting-edge bagel shops in hip Detroit neighborhoods.

First Sip: Coffee and wine in Ferndale

The new café Balam offers specialty drinks, empanadas and space to work in Ferndale.

👋 Joe here, after a trip to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Balam Coffee &amp; Wine" data-vars-click-url="https://balamcoffeeandwine.com/" data-vars-content-id="48c32fd7-69b8-4c5c-9ef5-b3c2463067cd" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Coffee and wine in Ferndale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://balamcoffeeandwine.com/" target="_blank">Balam Coffee &amp; Wine</a>, a recent addition to Ferndale&#x27;s coffee scene.Dig in: Balam opened in March next to its sister restaurant on 9 Mile Road, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mezcal Mexican Bar &amp; Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://mezcalferndale.com/" data-vars-content-id="48c32fd7-69b8-4c5c-9ef5-b3c2463067cd" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Coffee and wine in Ferndale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mezcalferndale.com/" target="_blank">Mezcal Mexican Bar &amp; Kitchen</a>.

Taco Madre slings tasty $2 tacos

Fresh tortillas make these tacos stand out.

👋 Joe here, basking in the glory of a well-ordered lunch.Dig in: I stopped by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taco Madre food truck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=5f7db8e9e9fb37a6&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1051US1064&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n5f7Gj_d2Z_4nMJgNl4L60stwDWpg:1777991129808&amp;si=AL3DRZEsmMGCryMMFSHJ3StBhOdZ2-6yYkXd_doETEE1OR-qORkmHBKUhQTJvvrbTMI_npwZ3DASSu5nXYlB0Gni-4AnmKq9RmPCVpnzv2ozuTgIDpgH4NTK-nBVk-xRRZU9wncHzlUn&amp;q=Taco+Madre+Reviews&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwje1NKNraKUAxU_rSsGHYjZN9UQ0bkNegQIIhAF&amp;biw=1440&amp;bih=710&amp;dpr=2" data-vars-content-id="c701507f-c070-4e11-8f78-22300f614f6a" data-vars-headline="Taco Madre slings tasty $2 tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=5f7db8e9e9fb37a6&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1051US1064&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n5f7Gj_d2Z_4nMJgNl4L60stwDWpg:1777991129808&amp;si=AL3DRZEsmMGCryMMFSHJ3StBhOdZ2-6yYkXd_doETEE1OR-qORkmHBKUhQTJvvrbTMI_npwZ3DASSu5nXYlB0Gni-4AnmKq9RmPCVpnzv2ozuTgIDpgH4NTK-nBVk-xRRZU9wncHzlUn&amp;q=Taco+Madre+Reviews&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwje1NKNraKUAxU_rSsGHYjZN9UQ0bkNegQIIhAF&amp;biw=1440&amp;bih=710&amp;dpr=2" target="_blank">Taco Madre food truck</a> this week after snapping pictures of Michigan Central.

First Sip: Iraqi-owned Midtown cafe delivers on natural light

Chai Khana offers ample space and drink options in a recently renovated building.

👋 Annalise here with a new favored spot for tea, writing and natural light in Midtown. The vibe: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chai Khana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/chai.khana.mi/" data-vars-content-id="ddeb5655-5f39-4ee0-85ad-e3888df95c30" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Iraqi-owned Midtown cafe delivers on natural light" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/chai.khana.mi/" target="_blank">Chai Khana</a> opened this winter in a long-vacant, window-lined storefront, bringing with it pleasant decor, murals and ample seating.

Food halls see success in suburbs, report finds

It's another sign of how remote work has changed where we spend our happy hours and our weekends.

While big cities may have built the food hall industry&#x27;s brand, the nation&#x27;s next wave of food hall projects will be built in the suburbs.Why it matters: That takeaway from a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of Food Halls" data-vars-click-url="https://colicchioconsulting.com/state-of-food-halls-2026/" data-vars-content-id="541cb663-2e5f-4cab-a6c4-4422df895bdf" data-vars-headline="Food halls see success in suburbs, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://colicchioconsulting.com/state-of-food-halls-2026/" target="_blank">State of Food Halls</a> report is another sign of how<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" remote work" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/26/minnesota-remote-work-highest-states-hybrid" data-vars-content-id="541cb663-2e5f-4cab-a6c4-4422df895bdf" data-vars-headline="Food halls see success in suburbs, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/26/minnesota-remote-work-highest-states-hybrid" target="_self"> remote work</a> has changed where we spend our happy hours and our weekends.

First Sip: Breakfast and chatting at a new Detroit cafe

The Grand Porter serves up both brunch and remote work vibes.

👋 Annalise here, reporting breaking news of a $5 breakfast burrito at a cute, sunlit cafe in Hubbard Farms.The vibe: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Grand Porter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thegrandporter.com/menu" data-vars-content-id="82c017e1-9191-4cad-85b6-65e5b948794e" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Breakfast and chatting at a new Detroit cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thegrandporter.com/menu" target="_blank">The Grand Porter</a> toes the line between coffee shop and breakfast eatery.

Food trucks return downtown for 14th season

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

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.

Business

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.

Food and Drink 🍽

New rooftop bar opens in Brush Park

Readers reveal Metro Detroit bagel favorites

Metro Detroit is having a bagel moment

First Sip: Coffee and wine in Ferndale

Taco Madre slings tasty $2 tacos