Detroit

blue

Axios Detroit Partners

Axios Detroit

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Detroit.

Axios Detroit Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Detroit Alerts

Alert

Detroit Members

Membership

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.

MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving for Clemson

The university will search for its sixth president in eight years.

News

Michigan State president Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving to lead Clemson University, partially due to &quot;discouraging behavior by a few trustees,&quot; he <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://president.msu.edu/communications/2026/05/05-27-2026-community-letter" data-vars-content-id="c826a19a-8d46-4af7-898e-8feaffe8d134" data-vars-headline="MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving for Clemson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://president.msu.edu/communications/2026/05/05-27-2026-community-letter" target="_blank">announced Wednesday</a>.Why it matters: Circumstances surrounding Guskiewicz&#x27;s departure have once again exposed turmoil at the university&#x27;s highest levels, leaving Michigan State to find its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth president in eight years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/campus/2026/05/27/msu-kevin-guskiewicz-named-clemson-university-president-michigan-state/90275588007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z115935p119850c119850e004700v115935d--33--b--33--&amp;gca-ft=45&amp;gca-ds=sophi" data-vars-content-id="c826a19a-8d46-4af7-898e-8feaffe8d134" data-vars-headline="MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving for Clemson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/campus/2026/05/27/msu-kevin-guskiewicz-named-clemson-university-president-michigan-state/90275588007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z115935p119850c119850e004700v115935d--33--b--33--&amp;gca-ft=45&amp;gca-ds=sophi" target="_blank">sixth president in eight years</a>.

Whitmer says she won't run for president in 2028

The Michigan governor is not joining the 2028 Democratic field.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closed the door on a 2028 presidential run on Thursday morning, then appeared to backtrack later in the day during an on-stage discussion at the Mackinac Policy Conference.Why it matters: The two-term governor has been one of Democrats&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most closely watched" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/whitmer-retreat-campaign-president-2028" data-vars-content-id="4eb7663c-dc67-4f52-9f34-e928ce54890b" data-vars-headline="Whitmer says she won&#x27;t run for president in 2028" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/whitmer-retreat-campaign-president-2028" target="_self">most closely watched</a> potential contenders, and her eventual decision will reshape the early 2028 field.

Detroit archdiocese plans parish overhaul

Church leaders say declining attendance is forcing tough decisions.

The Catholic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Archdiocese of Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/11/detroit-catholic-bishop-replaced" data-vars-content-id="bb3aaee2-e3a0-4432-8aef-f23f70b3c261" data-vars-headline="Detroit archdiocese plans parish overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/11/detroit-catholic-bishop-replaced" target="_self">Archdiocese of Detroit</a> is preparing for major changes — including potentially ending weekend Masses at some parishes — as part of a two-year effort to &quot;right-size&quot; the archdiocese.Why it matters: The restructuring comes as Mass attendance has fallen 40% since 2011, the archdiocese faces $94 million in unfunded building repairs, and the number of priests is projected to shrink sharply over the next decade.

Your guide to Movement in Detroit

Tickets, transit and festival basics for Memorial Day weekend.

Music

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit&#x27;s Movement festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/20/detroit-movement-techno-festival-2025" data-vars-content-id="4b2f8794-29cf-4294-a729-469a45d697ba" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Movement in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/20/detroit-movement-techno-festival-2025" target="_self">Detroit&#x27;s Movement festival</a> kicks off Saturday at Hart Plaza, and it&#x27;s not too late to plan a visit.The big picture: The Memorial Day weekend party celebrates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the city&#x27;s techno roots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/27/black-artists-techno-afrofuturism-history" data-vars-content-id="4b2f8794-29cf-4294-a729-469a45d697ba" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Movement in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/27/black-artists-techno-afrofuturism-history" target="_self">the city&#x27;s techno roots</a> with dozens of performances across six stages.

Kendrick Lamar dominates Detroit's Spotify Wrapped

Kendrick Lamar claimed 3 of Detroit's 5 most-streamed songs on Spotify in 2025.

&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luther" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" data-vars-content-id="4b86d5f8-59a9-4a49-87e8-dc279a8171f8" data-vars-headline="Kendrick Lamar dominates Detroit&#x27;s Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" target="_blank">Luther</a>&quot; by Kendrick Lamar &amp; SZA was the most-streamed song on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spotify" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" data-vars-content-id="4b86d5f8-59a9-4a49-87e8-dc279a8171f8" data-vars-headline="Kendrick Lamar dominates Detroit&#x27;s Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" target="_self">Spotify</a> this year in Detroit.Why it matters: Our top 2025 song matches the streaming platform&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top song this year in the nation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" data-vars-content-id="4b86d5f8-59a9-4a49-87e8-dc279a8171f8" data-vars-headline="Kendrick Lamar dominates Detroit&#x27;s Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" target="_self">top song this year in the nation</a>.

"Seven Nation Army" marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock's elite

Jack and an absent Meg White were inducted into the Rock Hall during Nov. 8 ceremony in Los Angeles.

The White Stripes were a small band with big dreams that became fully realized on Saturday night.Why it matters: The band brought the glory days of Detroit rock back into the spotlight in the 21st century and, for that, was inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame.Driving the news: The Rock Hall&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="class of 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/04/28/outkast-cyndi-lauper-rock-hall-2025" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/04/28/outkast-cyndi-lauper-rock-hall-2025" target="_self">class of 2025</a> was honored during a ceremony at Los Angeles&#x27; Peacock Theater.<ul><li>The White Stripes earned induction this year after failing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="previous time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/13/white-stripes-try-again" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/13/white-stripes-try-again" target="_self">previous time</a> on the ballot in 2023.</li></ul>Flashback: Jack and Meg White formed the band in 1997 and played their first gig at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gold Dollar Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/07/24/detroit-historic-chinatown-building-demolition" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/07/24/detroit-historic-chinatown-building-demolition" target="_self">Gold Dollar Bar</a> in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cass Corridor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/26/chinatown-revival-cass-corridor" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/26/chinatown-revival-cass-corridor" target="_self">Cass Corridor</a>.<ul><li>While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="early albums" data-vars-click-url="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8650-the-white-stripesde-stijl/" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8650-the-white-stripesde-stijl/" target="_blank">early albums</a> drew <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="critical praise" data-vars-click-url="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8651-white-blood-cells/" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8651-white-blood-cells/" target="_blank">critical praise</a>, The White Stripes reached their mainstream peak with 2002&#x27;s &quot;Elephant&quot; and its hit single <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Seven Nation Army.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY" target="_blank">&quot;Seven Nation Army.&quot;</a></li></ul>What they said: Fellow Michigan rocker Iggy Pop inducted the band, calling Jack and Meg &quot;a 21st-century Adam and Eve.&quot;<ul><li>Jack accepted the award, saying, &quot;Today, The White Stripes are proud to represent the sound of Detroit punk and garage rock and all of its bands and artists.&quot;</li></ul>Between the lines: His former bandmate and ex-wife, Meg, did not attend. However, Jack delivered a message from her.<ul><li>&quot;She wanted me to tell you that she&#x27;s very grateful to all of the folks who supported her through all the years, and it really means a lot to her tonight.&quot;</li></ul><figure><img alt="Two women perform on stage, each playing an acoustic guitar and singing into microphones, with a red-lit background and audience watching." height="3392" id="f8f82213-7ee8-43d0-acb5-683b2434a3f9" src="https://images.axios.com/OeI-BQdpmCLJO8yx1m_11s7AuZs=/2025/11/09/1762702153699.jpeg" width="5000"/><figcaption>Feist and Olivia Rodrigo perform The White Stripes&#x27; &quot;We&#x27;re going to Be Friends&quot; during the 2025 Rock Hall ceremony. Photo: Amy Sussman/WireImage</figcaption></figure>State of play: Pop star Olivia Rodrigo and singer-songwriter Feist paid tribute to the band with a rendition of 2002&#x27;s &quot;We&#x27;re Going to Be Friends.&quot;<ul><li>Alternative duo Twenty One Pilots then took the stage for a cover of &quot;Seven Nation Army.&quot;</li></ul>How to watch: The 2025 Rock Hall ceremony is available to stream on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Disney+." data-vars-click-url="https://www.disneyplus.com/explore/articles/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-2025" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.disneyplus.com/explore/articles/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-2025" target="_blank">Disney+.</a><ul><li>ABC will air a highlight special at 8pm on Jan. 1.</li></ul>

Indie music venues drove $1B to Michigan's economy

A new report says independent venues boosted jobs and tax revenue — but most aren't profitable.

Michigan&#x27;s independent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="music" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/music" data-vars-content-id="7ce9d854-c713-4ab1-bb7c-0e7348eb104e" data-vars-headline="Indie music venues drove $1B to Michigan&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/music" target="_self">music</a> venues contributed $1 billion to the state&#x27;s economy last year despite the industry&#x27;s profitability problems, according to a first-of-its-kind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e91157c96fe495a4baf48f2/t/68e58e39bce25b729b47932e/1759874617679/2025-NIVA-State-of-Live-Report.pdf" data-vars-content-id="7ce9d854-c713-4ab1-bb7c-0e7348eb104e" data-vars-headline="Indie music venues drove $1B to Michigan&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e91157c96fe495a4baf48f2/t/68e58e39bce25b729b47932e/1759874617679/2025-NIVA-State-of-Live-Report.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> by the National Independent Venue Association.Why it matters: NIVA hopes the data motivates policymakers to support legislation like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="capping ticket resale prices" data-vars-click-url="https://news.pollstar.com/2025/07/08/live-nation-niva-chime-in-on-feds-live-industry-study/" data-vars-content-id="7ce9d854-c713-4ab1-bb7c-0e7348eb104e" data-vars-headline="Indie music venues drove $1B to Michigan&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.pollstar.com/2025/07/08/live-nation-niva-chime-in-on-feds-live-industry-study/" target="_blank">capping ticket resale prices</a> and establishing state-backed live music performance funds to help indie venues survive.

Folk star ends U of M residency with new work ahead

Rhiannon Giddens says her time at U of M shaped her upcoming projects.

Rhiannon Giddens, a folk musician who&#x27;s won a Grammy, a Pulitzer and worked with Beyoncé, just wrapped up a yearlong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="residency" data-vars-click-url="https://arts.umich.edu/u-m-artist-in-residence" data-vars-content-id="0a21eec9-bfbc-4dd8-ab1c-cf62f3637c29" data-vars-headline="Folk star ends U of M residency with new work ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arts.umich.edu/u-m-artist-in-residence" target="_blank">residency</a> at U of M, where she researched her next projects.Why it matters: Giddens was U of M&#x27;s first artist-in-residence. The biennial program started last year to amplify the work of transformative artists by inviting them to campus.

Detroit's Motown holiday music history

Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and other legendary acts released Christmas music.

No accounting of Christmas music is complete without Motown Records, the influential, genre-bending Detroit label born with an $800 family loan in 1959.Why it matters: A Michigan Chronicle writer once called Motown&#x27;s festive annual concerts — and their Christmas repertoire as a whole, by extension — as integral to Detroit&#x27;s holiday season as the Thanksgiving parade.

Revolutionary Detroit band MC5 makes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Saturday's induction ceremony will be streamed at 7pm on Disney+.

Detroit rock band <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MC5" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/05/13/mc5-rock-hall-dennis-thompson" data-vars-content-id="1a824768-9c63-4be3-898d-16cd830e689c" data-vars-headline="Revolutionary Detroit band MC5 makes the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/05/13/mc5-rock-hall-dennis-thompson" target="_self">MC5</a> — whose anti-establishment ethos and sounds influenced punk and heavy metal — will be honored at the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="induction ceremony" data-vars-click-url="https://rockhall.com/event/2024-induction-ceremony/" data-vars-content-id="1a824768-9c63-4be3-898d-16cd830e689c" data-vars-headline="Revolutionary Detroit band MC5 makes the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rockhall.com/event/2024-induction-ceremony/" target="_blank">induction ceremony</a> Saturday in Cleveland.Why it matters: After failing to make the hall despite several previous nominations, MC5 is finally being inducted as a recipient of the Musical Excellence Award.

Lil Wayne headlines Afro Nation Detroit festival this weekend

Lil Wayne is headlining this weekend's Afro Nation Detroit festival.

Lil Wayne is headlining this weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Afro Nation Detroit festival" data-vars-click-url="https://detroit.afronation.com/" data-vars-content-id="f246436a-59e2-4d67-a92a-b5c7ae197cae" data-vars-headline="Lil Wayne headlines Afro Nation Detroit festival this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroit.afronation.com/" target="_blank">Afro Nation Detroit festival</a> — a two-day event at the former Brewster-Douglass homes site.Why it matters: The festival highlights the city&#x27;s music and cultural traditions with an eclectic collection of artists and DJs specializing in Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&amp;B, dancehall, Amapiano and Afro house.

The no good, very bad death of Slim Shady

Axios Detroit reporters review Eminem's new album.

Eminem&#x27;s new album, &quot;The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce),&quot; is being <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="panned by critics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/eminems-the-death-of-slim-shady-coup-de-grace-review-1235060317/" data-vars-content-id="65f50160-4dc5-4a29-953c-0d0d8f995502" data-vars-headline="The no good, very bad death of Slim Shady" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/eminems-the-death-of-slim-shady-coup-de-grace-review-1235060317/" target="_blank">panned by critics</a>, so we decided to put our music reviewer hats on and let you know for ourselves.Why it matters: He&#x27;s remained one of the most streamed artists and, taking numbers over impact, is the biggest artist from Detroit, period.

Slum Village talks European tour, new album and pleasing old fans

We caught up with Slum Village after the release of their new album "F.U.N."

Slum Village sat down with Axios Detroit last week following the release of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the group&#x27;s new album, &quot;F.U.N.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/05/03/slum-village-s-new-album" data-vars-content-id="3f4bf58b-d81d-487e-ac17-0ab3ed5d4c4e" data-vars-headline="Slum Village talks European tour, new album and pleasing old fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/05/03/slum-village-s-new-album" target="_self">the group&#x27;s new album, &quot;F.U.N.&quot;</a>The big picture: The group&#x27;s current members — T3, 49, and Young RJ — talked about their recent European tour, favorite local breakfast spots and regrets after founding member J Dilla&#x27;s death.

Music

Your guide to Movement in Detroit

Summer concert deals in Metro Detroit

Kendrick Lamar dominates Detroit's Spotify Wrapped

Our favorite bar songs

"Seven Nation Army" marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock's elite