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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.

Cavs crush Pistons in season-ending Game 7

Detroit showed promise but still needs more scoring help.

Sports

<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.

Pistons near playoff exit after Game 4 loss

Detroit must win three straight after falling behind 3-1 in the series.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Pistons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/20/pistons-magic-game-1-loss-home-court" data-vars-content-id="257d3840-f36a-4f8b-afa4-6ea19196a946" data-vars-headline="Pistons near playoff exit after Game 4 loss" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/20/pistons-magic-game-1-loss-home-court" target="_self">The Pistons</a> are one loss away from an early playoff exit after Monday&#x27;s 94-88 loss to the Orlando Magic.State of play: The Magic took a 3-1 series lead and can end Detroit&#x27;s season with a Game 5 win at 7pm Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena.

Lions pick Blake Miller to boost O-line

Detroit adds its fifth new lineman as it rebuilds the offensive front.

The Lions played it safe in Thursday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/22/lions-nfl-draft-offensive-line-pass-rush-needs-2026" data-vars-content-id="5f99e0f3-d64a-4b1c-bd25-12aa34b70cdf" data-vars-headline="Lions pick Blake Miller to boost O-line" 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/lions-nfl-draft-offensive-line-pass-rush-needs-2026" target="_self">NFL draft</a>, picking Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the No. 17 pick.Why it matters: Rebuilding the offensive line has been a priority this offseason after the departures of vets Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow.

Lions prepare for pivotal NFL draft

Detroit enters the draft with nine picks and key needs in the trenches.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/25/detroit-sports-chief-nfl-draft" data-vars-content-id="80cb7e17-9f01-4262-93d7-8fa2e77542d0" data-vars-headline="Lions prepare for pivotal NFL draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/25/detroit-sports-chief-nfl-draft" target="_self">NFL draft</a> week, and the Detroit Lions are on the clock as they try to get back to contender status after missing the playoffs last season.Why it matters: Detroit&#x27;s most obvious needs — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offensive line" data-vars-click-url="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-offensive-line-rankings-deep-class-has-several-1st-round-candidates-to-protect-your-qb-181924091.html" data-vars-content-id="80cb7e17-9f01-4262-93d7-8fa2e77542d0" data-vars-headline="Lions prepare for pivotal NFL draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-offensive-line-rankings-deep-class-has-several-1st-round-candidates-to-protect-your-qb-181924091.html" target="_blank">offensive line</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pass rush" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/philadelphia-eagles-draft/173659/ranking-17-edge-rushers-in-the-2026-nfl-draft" data-vars-content-id="80cb7e17-9f01-4262-93d7-8fa2e77542d0" data-vars-headline="Lions prepare for pivotal NFL draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/philadelphia-eagles-draft/173659/ranking-17-edge-rushers-in-the-2026-nfl-draft" target="_blank">pass rush</a> — align with this year&#x27;s draft class, which analysts say is deep in both areas.

Pistons fall to Magic in Game 1 loss

Orlando takes home-court advantage as Detroit drops Game 1 despite Cunningham's 39 points.

The Pistons lost 112-101 at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic.Why it matters: The No. 8-seeded Magic stole home-court advantage with the win.

Tigers lock up McGonigle with $150M deal

The rookie infielder landed a long-term deal after a hot start at the plate.

Just 17 games into his rookie season, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Tigers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/26/detroit-tigers-2026-season-opening-day-padres" data-vars-content-id="5de48a26-15f6-4de4-8ca0-1f069b7c73d7" data-vars-headline="Tigers lock up McGonigle with $150M deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/26/detroit-tigers-2026-season-opening-day-padres" target="_self">the Tigers</a> locked up infielder Kevin McGonigle to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension Wednesday.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The extension" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/news/kevin-mcgonigle-tigers-contract-extension" data-vars-content-id="5de48a26-15f6-4de4-8ca0-1f069b7c73d7" data-vars-headline="Tigers lock up McGonigle with $150M deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/news/kevin-mcgonigle-tigers-contract-extension" target="_blank">The extension</a> solidifies McGonigle, 21, as a core piece as the front office tries to build a long-term contender.

Pistons still await first-round opponent

Detroit will learn its playoff opponent after the NBA play-in tournament concludes this week.

The Pistons&#x27; first-round playoff series starts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sunday at 6:30pm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nba.com/news/2026-nba-playoffs-schedule" data-vars-content-id="aeb13cb9-6d94-4c4c-a47c-4e2cc1c2930f" data-vars-headline="Pistons still await first-round opponent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nba.com/news/2026-nba-playoffs-schedule" target="_blank">Sunday at 6:30pm</a>, but their opponent won&#x27;t be decided until this week&#x27;s NBA play-in tournament shakes out.Why it matters: Detroit (60-22) enters the playoffs as the Eastern Conference&#x27;s No. 1 seed.

Sports 🏅

Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines

Cavs crush Pistons in season-ending Game 7

Lions slate revealed

Pistons face elimination after OT loss

Detroit women's hockey fans score PWHL team