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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.

City Chatter: Every last drop of ARPA funding

Our regular round-up of city news, including the dirt controversy.

Politics

Welcome back to our weekly city policy roundup.💰 Clock ticking on pandemic dollars: Detroit got $827 million in federal relief funds in 2021 to help its recovery from the long-lasting economic impacts of COVID-19. Programs have ranged from affordable housing to homelessness services and job skills.

Detroit City Chatter: Cash-handling concerns and AI updates

Our regular roundup of Detroit politics and policy.

Welcome back to our regular roundup of Detroit politics and policy.🏦 Check-handling: Detroit&#x27;s auditor general office found serious &quot;weaknesses&quot; in how the city Health Department&#x27;s food safety unit handles money, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="May 1 memo" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QgEOvICRptuRFPqyV65l91jn7xKKNzJZ/view?usp=sharing" data-vars-content-id="91f62736-8041-43bb-b880-c0e433a0736d" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: Cash-handling concerns and AI updates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QgEOvICRptuRFPqyV65l91jn7xKKNzJZ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">May 1 memo</a>.

City Chatter: Sheffield's first mayoral Mackinac

Our weekly Detroit politics roundup includes Mackinac and RenCen chatter.

Welcome back to our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regular roundup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/22/detroit-city-chatter-drag-racing-and-a-dangerous-building" data-vars-content-id="2aba1027-b56b-48e8-bfe9-2236ebd043ab" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Sheffield&#x27;s first mayoral Mackinac" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/22/detroit-city-chatter-drag-racing-and-a-dangerous-building" target="_self">regular roundup</a> of city politics and policy news.🙋 Larson on RenCen: We asked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown Detroit Partnership CEO Eric Larson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/29/downtown-population-growth-live-apartments" data-vars-content-id="2aba1027-b56b-48e8-bfe9-2236ebd043ab" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Sheffield&#x27;s first mayoral Mackinac" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/29/downtown-population-growth-live-apartments" target="_self">Downtown Detroit Partnership CEO Eric Larson</a> about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dan Gilbert/GM RenCen redevelopment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" data-vars-content-id="2aba1027-b56b-48e8-bfe9-2236ebd043ab" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: Sheffield&#x27;s first mayoral Mackinac" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" target="_self">Dan Gilbert/GM RenCen redevelopment</a>, which is still dependent on whether state lawmakers want to provide funding.

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.

Business

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.

Detroit City Chatter: Drag racing and a dangerous building

Police addressed drag racing concerns in response to resident complaints.

Welcome back to our regular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city policy roundup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/15/detroit-city-chatter-demolition-contaminated-dirt" data-vars-content-id="da01f213-248b-4f8e-874b-df1c941ed7b8" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: Drag racing and a dangerous building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/15/detroit-city-chatter-demolition-contaminated-dirt" target="_self">city policy roundup</a>.🚧 Building woes: Council member Scott Benson is calling for immediate action to fix up the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vacant former" data-vars-click-url="https://www.abandonedcommercialdetroit.com/masonelementaryschool" data-vars-content-id="da01f213-248b-4f8e-874b-df1c941ed7b8" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: Drag racing and a dangerous building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.abandonedcommercialdetroit.com/masonelementaryschool" target="_blank">vacant former</a> Stevens T. Mason Elementary School, which neighbors say is dangerous.

James wavers on Oakland County GOP debate

Uncertainty over his debate plans raises the stakes in a wide-open Michigan GOP gubernatorial primary.

U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) has not committed to next week&#x27;s Oakland County GOP gubernatorial debate, raising questions about his strategy in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still-fluid primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/01/22/secretary-of-state-jocelyn-benson-michigan-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="45b03ae6-0a3f-4ed3-8829-f6a1f6b561c4" data-vars-headline="James wavers on Oakland County GOP debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/01/22/secretary-of-state-jocelyn-benson-michigan-governor-race" target="_self">still-fluid primary</a>.Why it matters: The Oakland County debate is an early test for GOP candidates in one of the state&#x27;s most important regions — and a chance to shape the primary as the field solidifies after Tuesday&#x27;s filing deadline.

Michigan Dems clash and unite ahead of midterms

Big winners were Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit.

Michigan Democrats are focused on the contentious fall midterms after a record-turnout endorsement convention Sunday reflected both internal divisions and hopes of unity.Why it matters: Progressive candidates won out in top races during the 7,200-attendee event at Huntington Place, highlighting disagreement on subjects like the war in Gaza, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the News" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/04/20/michigan-democratic-party-state-convention-detroit/89600339007/" data-vars-content-id="f9f24ba5-fcb2-4c18-9a48-15d86a6a00e5" data-vars-headline="Michigan Dems clash and unite ahead of midterms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/04/20/michigan-democratic-party-state-convention-detroit/89600339007/" target="_blank">per the News</a>.

Detroit City Chatter: Questions on dirty dirt

Council members want more details on the city's clean-up plan.

Welcome back to our regular roundup of city government goings-on.🚩 Dirty dirt: Denzel McCampbell is among City Council&#x27;s members <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who want answers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/council-wants-to-know-who-pays-to-clean-contaminated-dirt/" data-vars-content-id="896fe184-c908-40c0-8abd-8aab9c2d3edb" data-vars-headline="Detroit City Chatter: Questions on dirty dirt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/council-wants-to-know-who-pays-to-clean-contaminated-dirt/" target="_blank">who want answers</a> about potentially contaminated home demolition sites the city is cleaning up.

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>.

Politics 🇺🇸

Duggan exits governor race

City Chatter: Every last drop of ARPA funding

City Chatter: A dirt contract and a board seat

Detroit City Chatter: Cash-handling concerns and AI updates

City Chatter: Sheffield's first mayoral Mackinac