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Detroit's JW Marriott staffs up for opening

The 601-room riverfront hotel has already booked more than 50 events.

News

Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newest luxury hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" target="_self">newest luxury hotel</a> is staffing up ahead of its February opening.The latest: JW Marriott Detroit Water Square recently announced its executive leadership team, led by general manager Joleisha Bradley, who previously oversaw the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reopening of the Dearborn Inn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" target="_blank">reopening of the Dearborn Inn</a>.

Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home

The first Move Detroit grants are helping new and longtime residents move here or stay.

Politics

A new business-funded nonprofit that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aims to grow Detroit&#x27;s population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/06/coalition-incentives-attract-residents" data-vars-content-id="59e36ad1-2f50-46a9-9fd3-b0df125b859f" data-vars-headline="Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/06/coalition-incentives-attract-residents" target="_self">aims to grow Detroit&#x27;s population</a> is giving money to people who pledge to move to or stay in the city.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Move Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.movedetroit.com/" data-vars-content-id="59e36ad1-2f50-46a9-9fd3-b0df125b859f" data-vars-headline="Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.movedetroit.com/" target="_blank">Move Detroit</a> announced the first 13 winners of its Make Detroit Home grants on Tuesday. They&#x27;ll get $15,000 each.

1-minute voter guide: Michigan's Senate race

Compare Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers before Election Day.

Michigan&#x27;s nationally watched U.S. Senate race pits rising progressive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abdul El-Sayed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" target="_self">Abdul El-Sayed</a> against Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Rogers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" target="_self">Mike Rogers</a>, a former congressman making his second straight Senate run.Why it matters: Michigan is one of a handful of battlegrounds that could determine control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="53-47 majority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" target="_self">53-47 majority</a>.

1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor

Get up to speed on Jocelyn Benson and John James before Election Day.

Michigan voters will elect their first new governor in eight years, choosing between Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jocelyn Benson" 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="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" 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">Jocelyn Benson</a> and Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="John James" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/21/john-james-governor-gop-debate-primary-campaign" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/21/john-james-governor-gop-debate-primary-campaign" target="_self">John James</a>.Why it matters: The winner will inherit a state confronting economic headwinds, from an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uncertain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-china-vehicles-evs-cars" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-china-vehicles-evs-cars" target="_self">uncertain</a> auto industry and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shrinking workforce" data-vars-click-url="https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-is-old-and-getting-older-experts-warn-of-looming-consequences/" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-is-old-and-getting-older-experts-warn-of-looming-consequences/" target="_blank">shrinking workforce</a> to an ongoing trade war <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with Canada" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/08/trump-tariffs-canada-import-ban-alcohol-dairy-motorcycles" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/08/trump-tariffs-canada-import-ban-alcohol-dairy-motorcycles" target="_self">with Canada</a>.

Girls flag football is a fast-growing high school sport

Participation has surged more than 550% nationally in the past four years.

Sports

Girls in Michigan and beyond have transformed flag football into one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the country. Why it matters: Few girls high school sports have moved from niche to mainstream so quickly, broadening athletic opportunities in the process.

Red Wings enter opening night amid turmoil

Detroit starts a new season with a star unsigned and frustration mounting.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Wings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/18/red-wings-training-camp-playoff-drought-ilitch" data-vars-content-id="4dcf5498-d09a-4ac1-8489-2c2f8488dfac" data-vars-headline="Red Wings enter opening night amid turmoil" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/18/red-wings-training-camp-playoff-drought-ilitch" target="_self">Red Wings</a> open their season tonight at Little Caesars Arena hoping to snap a decade-long playoff drought.The big picture: Instead of opening-night optimism, the conversation around Hockeytown is dominated by an unsigned young star, questions about the franchise&#x27;s direction and mounting frustration with owner Chris Ilitch.

Tigers fans reject Comerica Park's new name

Jack White and Axios readers have another name in mind: Tiger Stadium.

Comerica Park&#x27;s name change has been widely panned — even Jack White <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hates it" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/officialjackwhite/p/DdkOJ9UCfCv/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="8fdb926d-5fe9-4fb6-b0ff-66ea4c7e07c0" data-vars-headline="Tigers fans reject Comerica Park&#x27;s new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/officialjackwhite/p/DdkOJ9UCfCv/?hl=en" target="_blank">hates it</a>.Driving the news: &quot;I despise this new name,&quot; the Detroit rocker wrote on Instagram after the team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unveiled Fifth Third Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/21/comerica-park-fifth-third-name-change" data-vars-content-id="8fdb926d-5fe9-4fb6-b0ff-66ea4c7e07c0" data-vars-headline="Tigers fans reject Comerica Park&#x27;s new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/21/comerica-park-fifth-third-name-change" target="_self">unveiled Fifth Third Park</a>.

Tigers rename Comerica Park

Detroit's ballpark is changing names for the first time since opening in 2000.

Fifth Third Park will take some getting used to.Between the lines: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Tigers&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/24/tarik-skubal-tigers-dodgers-return" data-vars-content-id="bbdf9aaa-57be-451e-ba67-739cf4765a60" data-vars-headline="Tigers rename Comerica Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/24/tarik-skubal-tigers-dodgers-return" target="_self">The Tigers&#x27;</a> home stadium is getting a new name for the first time since it opened in 2000.

Red Wings open camp under pressure

The Red Wings enter a pivotal season amid questions about Chris Ilitch's stewardship.

Has Hockeytown lost its luster?Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Wings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/09/dylan-larkin-trade-list-panthers-golden-knights-wild" data-vars-content-id="81d16f11-b9fb-47e6-abe8-6a70a150e5eb" data-vars-headline="Red Wings open camp under pressure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/09/dylan-larkin-trade-list-panthers-golden-knights-wild" target="_self">Red Wings</a> opened training camp this week after missing the playoffs for a 10th straight season, with questions growing louder about owner Chris Ilitch&#x27;s stewardship of one of hockey&#x27;s marquee franchises.

Unrivaled basketball is coming to Detroit

The 3-on-3 league will make its Detroit debut at Little Caesars Arena in January.

Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 pro women&#x27;s basketball league, will play its first-ever games in Detroit this winter.State of play: The Jan. 11 matches at Little Caesars Arena will take place during the opening weekend of the league&#x27;s third season.

Lions are back: What to know for Week 1

Catch up on the biggest changes before the Lions kick off Sunday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lions football" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/15/lions-slate-revealed" data-vars-content-id="fe9a9814-9907-4916-b3df-c5826103efac" data-vars-headline="Lions are back: What to know for Week 1" 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/lions-slate-revealed" target="_self">Lions football</a> is back Sunday, and everyone around you is about to start talking about it. Here&#x27;s what you missed.Why it matters: After the Lions went from Super Bowl contender to missing the playoffs last season, a question every Detroit sports fan should care about remains:<ul><li>Is their championship window still open?</li></ul>

Rocket extends Lions deal for five years

The new five-year deal adds fan content and a charitable tie-in.

Business

Rocket is extending its longtime sponsorship of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/15/lions-slate-revealed" data-vars-content-id="bb963aa5-b2bc-49ea-9d02-1d3633dc15cb" data-vars-headline="Rocket extends Lions deal for five years" 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/lions-slate-revealed" target="_self">Lions</a> for another five years, with a bigger focus on engaging fans beyond traditional sports advertising.Why it matters: As the Lions&#x27; fortunes have risen, so has competition among companies seeking to associate themselves with one of Detroit&#x27;s most prominent brands.

Tarik Skubal returns to face Tigers

The former Tigers ace is set to face his old team less than a month after the trade.

In Dodger blue, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tarik Skubal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/24/tarik-skubal-trade-rumors-start-royals" data-vars-content-id="64005ebe-7f90-447f-b271-c42c9ea37397" data-vars-headline="Tarik Skubal returns to face Tigers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/24/tarik-skubal-trade-rumors-start-royals" target="_self">Tarik Skubal</a> is scheduled to take the mound against his former team Saturday at Comerica Park.Why it matters: His return comes less than a month after the Tigers traded away their homegrown star, a painful reminder for fans who expected Skubal to be Detroit&#x27;s ace for years.

Pistons to open NBA season against Celtics

Detroit will host Boston as the NBA season tips off Oct. 20.

All eyes will be on Detroit when the NBA season tips off in October.Driving the news: In the first game of an opening-night tripleheader, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pistons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/pistons-nba-title-contenders-2026" data-vars-content-id="1953847e-1dbe-4b3e-94f4-e3167e17dc79" data-vars-headline="Pistons to open NBA season against Celtics" 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/pistons-nba-title-contenders-2026" target="_self">Pistons</a> will host the Celtics at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 20 at 3pm.

A map identifying the 24 U.S. states that offer girls flag football as a sanctioned high school varsity sport as of September 2026, as well as 16 states with pilot or independent high school competitions, and remaining states with no current high school programs. 

Sports 🏅

Girls flag football is a fast-growing high school sport

Red Wings enter opening night amid turmoil

Tigers fans reject Comerica Park's new name

Tigers rename Comerica Park

Red Wings open camp under pressure