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Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair

A successful first fair helped the Detroit artist launch a full-time ceramics business.

News

For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit artist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" target="_self">Detroit artist</a> Genevieve VanZandt, the Ann Arbor Art Fair proved she could make a living as a full-time artist.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="VanZandt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" target="_blank">VanZandt</a> is among dozens of Detroit-area artists at this month&#x27;s fair — one of the country&#x27;s largest and among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several upcoming fairs across the region" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" target="_self">several upcoming fairs across the region</a>.

7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works

From Waka to Hamlin Pub, here's the latest on upcoming restaurant openings.

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s a universal truth that restaurants come and go — and we&#x27;ve seen some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big closures recently" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" target="_blank">big closures recently</a>.On the flip side, we&#x27;re also waiting (im)patiently on exciting openings.Why it matters: Delays in some restaurants&#x27; opening timelines reflect the various <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">challenges</a> many small businesses face, from financing to permitting, construction and staffing difficulties.

Michigan has eighth highest liquor taxes in nation

Michigan has the eighth highest tax on distilled spirits in the country.

Michiganders pay more in taxes for their liquor than in most other states, a tax research group finds.Why it matters: Alcohol taxes vary dramatically from state to state, meaning the same can of beer, glass of wine or fancy cocktail can cost significantly more depending on where you order it.

Where to find a trendy Hugo spritz in Metro Detroit

Where to find the Hugo spritz in Metro Detroit.

The spritz is looking a little less orange these days.The big picture: Although Aperol spritz remains a warm-weather staple, the pale green Hugo spritz — typically made with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur and soda water with mint and lime for garnish — is emerging as a major summer cocktail.

Justin Verlander announces retirement at end of season

Verlander's retirement will follow a Hall of Fame career.

Sports

Tigers legend <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Justin Verlander" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/20/justin-verlander-tigers-2026-43-signing" data-vars-content-id="fc2d1102-b678-4447-a46d-417184f6ff92" data-vars-headline="Justin Verlander announces retirement at end of season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/20/justin-verlander-tigers-2026-43-signing" target="_self">Justin Verlander</a> plans to retire at the end of this season, making the sudden announcement right after he was named Wednesday to the 2026 All-Star Game.Why it matters: A no-doubt Hall-of-Famer, he led the last great era of Tigers baseball in the early 2010s and rewrote the franchise record book along the way.

Michigan court sidelines Kalshi sports markets

The temporary restriction will remain while the state's lawsuit moves forward.

Kalshi, the increasingly popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prediction market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/coalition-for-prediction-markets-kalshi-crypto" data-vars-content-id="346c8d0a-fa5e-4066-ab9b-163944894ff0" data-vars-headline="Michigan court sidelines Kalshi sports markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/coalition-for-prediction-markets-kalshi-crypto" target="_self">prediction market</a>, has begun blocking Michigan users from making sports predictions amid an ongoing legal battle.Why it matters: Prediction markets are booming, but so are the legal fights around them.

Where to find World Cup watch parties around Detroit

A new, free database lists thousands of places to catch a match.

With the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/21/world-cup-detroit-host-city-bid" data-vars-content-id="55abb667-6df9-4184-ac17-c00d575ccaee" data-vars-headline="Where to find World Cup watch parties around Detroit" 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/world-cup-detroit-host-city-bid" target="_self">World Cup</a> in full swing, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Watch Party Radar" data-vars-click-url="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=detroit" data-vars-content-id="55abb667-6df9-4184-ac17-c00d575ccaee" data-vars-headline="Where to find World Cup watch parties around Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=detroit" target="_blank">Watch Party Radar</a> shows you where to catch the latest match from anywhere in the world.Why it matters: The online database lists nearly 150 venues in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit area" data-vars-click-url="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=detroit" data-vars-content-id="55abb667-6df9-4184-ac17-c00d575ccaee" data-vars-headline="Where to find World Cup watch parties around Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=detroit" target="_blank">Detroit area</a>, plus more than a dozen each in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ann Arbor" data-vars-click-url="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=ann-arbor" data-vars-content-id="55abb667-6df9-4184-ac17-c00d575ccaee" data-vars-headline="Where to find World Cup watch parties around Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=ann-arbor" target="_blank">Ann Arbor</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grand Rapids" data-vars-click-url="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=grand-rapids" data-vars-content-id="55abb667-6df9-4184-ac17-c00d575ccaee" data-vars-headline="Where to find World Cup watch parties around Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=grand-rapids" target="_blank">Grand Rapids</a>.

J Batt exit adds to MSU leadership shake-up

The move follows president Kevin Guskiewicz's announcement that he's leaving.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan State" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/26/um-michigan-state-us-news-rankings-2025" data-vars-content-id="4ae869c1-4b19-4cfb-918e-73de05d95d28" data-vars-headline="J Batt exit adds to MSU leadership shake-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/26/um-michigan-state-us-news-rankings-2025" target="_self">Michigan State</a> athletic director J Batt is leaving for the University of Kentucky after just one year in East Lansing.Why it matters: Batt&#x27;s departure, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Monday" data-vars-click-url="https://ukathletics.com/news/2026/06/15/j-batt-named-ceo-of-champions-blue-director-of-uk-athletics/" data-vars-content-id="4ae869c1-4b19-4cfb-918e-73de05d95d28" data-vars-headline="J Batt exit adds to MSU leadership shake-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ukathletics.com/news/2026/06/15/j-batt-named-ceo-of-champions-blue-director-of-uk-athletics/" target="_blank">announced Monday</a>, is the latest blow to MSU&#x27;s leadership ranks.

Detroit ready to celebrate at World Cup watch parties

Fans will gather from Campus Martius to Mexicantown for matches.

Detroit isn&#x27;t hosting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="any World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/21/world-cup-detroit-host-city-bid" data-vars-content-id="5231805c-e832-4ee0-853b-d2e9cba409a2" data-vars-headline="Detroit ready to celebrate at World Cup watch parties" 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/world-cup-detroit-host-city-bid" target="_self">any World Cup matches</a>, but the city is ready to show out by the thousands at watch parties from Campus Martius to Mexicantown.Why it matters: The global spectacle begins Thursday afternoon, when Mexico opens the tournament against South Africa.

Larkin narrows trade list to three teams

Detroit's captain reportedly has just three destinations on his trade wish list.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Wings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/04/10/red-wings-dimming-playoff-hopes" data-vars-content-id="8d6fbb94-23ad-4a02-92df-71055f9ff531" data-vars-headline="Larkin narrows trade list to three teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/04/10/red-wings-dimming-playoff-hopes" target="_self">Red Wings</a> captain Dylan Larkin stunned the NHL last week with news of his trade request. Now he has a short list of teams to which he wants to be traded, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Free Press reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2026/06/08/dylan-lakrin-trade-request-list-red-wings-news/90454760007/" data-vars-content-id="8d6fbb94-23ad-4a02-92df-71055f9ff531" data-vars-headline="Larkin narrows trade list to three teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2026/06/08/dylan-lakrin-trade-request-list-red-wings-news/90454760007/" target="_blank">Free Press reports</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Larkin&#x27;s trade request" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sources-dylan-larkin-requests-trade-from-detroit/" data-vars-content-id="8d6fbb94-23ad-4a02-92df-71055f9ff531" data-vars-headline="Larkin narrows trade list to three teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sources-dylan-larkin-requests-trade-from-detroit/" target="_blank">Larkin&#x27;s trade request</a> is another setback for a once-elite franchise that hasn&#x27;t made the playoffs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in a decade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhl.com/news/why-detroit-red-wings-are-eliminated-2025-2026-postseason-race" data-vars-content-id="8d6fbb94-23ad-4a02-92df-71055f9ff531" data-vars-headline="Larkin narrows trade list to three teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhl.com/news/why-detroit-red-wings-are-eliminated-2025-2026-postseason-race" target="_blank">in a decade</a>.

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.

Cavs crush Pistons in season-ending Game 7

Detroit showed promise but still needs more scoring help.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Pistons&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/14/pistons-cavs-game-5-overtime-loss" data-vars-content-id="2c4e1ade-6572-49ac-bbe1-65467399ee2e" data-vars-headline="Cavs crush Pistons in season-ending Game 7" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/14/pistons-cavs-game-5-overtime-loss" target="_self">The Pistons&#x27;</a> season ended Sunday in a 125-94 beating from the Cavs in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Little Caesars Arena.Why it matters: The lopsided loss showed how far Detroit has to go before they reach true NBA championship contender status.

Pistons face elimination after OT loss

Cleveland can close out the series Friday night.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Pistons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/28/detroit-pistons-game-4-magic-nba-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="96c72508-13b7-43e3-8deb-c8bf83dadbd8" data-vars-headline="Pistons face elimination after OT loss" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/28/detroit-pistons-game-4-magic-nba-playoffs" target="_self">The Pistons</a> are on the brink of playoff elimination after losing Game 5 to Cleveland Wednesday in overtime, 117-113.Why it matters: The Cavs lead the series 3-2 and can advance to the conference finals with a win on Friday at Rocket Arena. Game 6 tips at 7pm.

Detroit women's hockey fans score PWHL team

The excitement is building in Metro Detroit's women's hockey community.

Seventh-grader Sutton Metzger has dreamed of becoming a pro hockey player since she was little, and soon she&#x27;ll have a hometown team of women to look up to.Why it matters: Metzger is part of Metro Detroit&#x27;s growing women&#x27;s ice hockey community cheering the Professional Women&#x27;s Hockey League (PWHL) decision to start a team in Detroit.

Sports 🏅

Justin Verlander announces retirement at end of season

Michigan court sidelines Kalshi sports markets

Dusty May bolts for NBA

Where to find World Cup watch parties around Detroit

J Batt exit adds to MSU leadership shake-up