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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.

Things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Metro Detroit: May 22-25

Commemorate the holiday, dance the nights away and grab an elephant ear.

Things to Do

🕺 Dance the days and nights away (while staying hydrated!) as you celebrate Detroit&#x27;s techno legacy during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Movement music festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/20/movement-festival-guide-hart-plaza" data-vars-content-id="f6c2d3f0-4c46-4891-ac52-e68bb4b9484d" data-vars-headline="Things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Metro Detroit: May 22-25" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/20/movement-festival-guide-hart-plaza" target="_self">Movement music festival</a>.<ul><li>1-day GA: $227.</li></ul>

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.

Metro Detroit is having a bagel moment

From old-school delis to trendy shops, bagels are booming.

Food and Drink

Chefs worldwide have embraced the bagel&#x27;s evolution from a breakfast staple to a vehicle for adventurous culinary concepts.Why it matters: The array of bagel varieties is evident here — at decades-old suburban delis and cutting-edge bagel shops in hip Detroit neighborhoods.

Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: May 15-17

Yard sales, women's comedy festival and a new burger joint.

🛍️ Mitten Vintage is bringing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nighttime thrifting event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYF9v0CD4ty/" data-vars-content-id="6207a3f5-36ee-4bb7-8a48-039b338016aa" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: May 15-17" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYF9v0CD4ty/" target="_blank">nighttime thrifting event</a> with more than 15 vendors to Eastern Market Brewing Co. from 5-10pm Saturday.<ul><li>2515 Riopelle St.</li></ul>

First Sip: Coffee and wine in Ferndale

The new café Balam offers specialty drinks, empanadas and space to work in Ferndale.

👋 Joe here, after a trip to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Balam Coffee &amp; Wine" data-vars-click-url="https://balamcoffeeandwine.com/" data-vars-content-id="48c32fd7-69b8-4c5c-9ef5-b3c2463067cd" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Coffee and wine in Ferndale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://balamcoffeeandwine.com/" target="_blank">Balam Coffee &amp; Wine</a>, a recent addition to Ferndale&#x27;s coffee scene.Dig in: Balam opened in March next to its sister restaurant on 9 Mile Road, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mezcal Mexican Bar &amp; Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://mezcalferndale.com/" data-vars-content-id="48c32fd7-69b8-4c5c-9ef5-b3c2463067cd" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Coffee and wine in Ferndale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mezcalferndale.com/" target="_blank">Mezcal Mexican Bar &amp; Kitchen</a>.

Frame Work: Fashion-forward Detroit artist's solo debut

The Playground gallery launches Raymar's exhibition with an opening reception Saturday night.

Culture

An early-career Detroit artist influenced by performers like Beyoncé, who blend music, fashion and visuals, is getting his solo debut at Playground Detroit.The big picture: Raymar started out documenting everyday home life on a smartphone. His art practice now includes filmmaking, photography, fashion and performance.

Things to do in Metro Detroit this Mother's Day weekend: May 8-10

A u-pick tulip experience, backyard art fair, cat documentary and more.

🍽️ There are still reservations for brunch, lunch or dinner with mom available at Detroit restaurants through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="OpenTable" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opentable.com/s?dateTime=2026-05-10T12%3A00%3A00&amp;covers=2&amp;metroId=38&amp;regionIds%5B%5D=&amp;neighborhoodIds%5B%5D=&amp;term=&amp;shouldUseLatLongSearch=false&amp;showMap=true&amp;originCorrelationId=9c3d594d-3d8f-4ea7-a61a-5379511cb6a9" data-vars-content-id="d817a0c8-7154-4aae-b646-5a78a86c4ef0" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this Mother&#x27;s Day weekend: May 8-10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opentable.com/s?dateTime=2026-05-10T12%3A00%3A00&amp;covers=2&amp;metroId=38&amp;regionIds%5B%5D=&amp;neighborhoodIds%5B%5D=&amp;term=&amp;shouldUseLatLongSearch=false&amp;showMap=true&amp;originCorrelationId=9c3d594d-3d8f-4ea7-a61a-5379511cb6a9" target="_blank">OpenTable</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Resy" data-vars-click-url="https://resy.com/cities/detroit-mi/search?extlink=ps-US-Resy-Brand-Conversion-Evergreen&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=USA_EN_RE_GGL_RC_BR_ResyONLY_EXT_Standard_National&amp;utm_term=General_RSA%20Website:resy&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=11095590629&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADRRHWOiYjMlcztzhRSXYp8g-hFum&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw8PDPBhCeARIsAOJwmWWZuiCkMYomnu9fztxrOPerGxi_lq1g1MloJ1H7imVz2H5-DCQ6SnsaAn-sEALw_wcB&amp;date=2026-05-10&amp;seats=2&amp;query=Detroit&amp;activeView=list" data-vars-content-id="d817a0c8-7154-4aae-b646-5a78a86c4ef0" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this Mother&#x27;s Day weekend: May 8-10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://resy.com/cities/detroit-mi/search?extlink=ps-US-Resy-Brand-Conversion-Evergreen&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=USA_EN_RE_GGL_RC_BR_ResyONLY_EXT_Standard_National&amp;utm_term=General_RSA%20Website:resy&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=11095590629&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADRRHWOiYjMlcztzhRSXYp8g-hFum&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw8PDPBhCeARIsAOJwmWWZuiCkMYomnu9fztxrOPerGxi_lq1g1MloJ1H7imVz2H5-DCQ6SnsaAn-sEALw_wcB&amp;date=2026-05-10&amp;seats=2&amp;query=Detroit&amp;activeView=list" target="_blank">Resy</a>.

Taco Madre slings tasty $2 tacos

Fresh tortillas make these tacos stand out.

👋 Joe here, basking in the glory of a well-ordered lunch.Dig in: I stopped by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taco Madre food truck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=5f7db8e9e9fb37a6&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1051US1064&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n5f7Gj_d2Z_4nMJgNl4L60stwDWpg:1777991129808&amp;si=AL3DRZEsmMGCryMMFSHJ3StBhOdZ2-6yYkXd_doETEE1OR-qORkmHBKUhQTJvvrbTMI_npwZ3DASSu5nXYlB0Gni-4AnmKq9RmPCVpnzv2ozuTgIDpgH4NTK-nBVk-xRRZU9wncHzlUn&amp;q=Taco+Madre+Reviews&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwje1NKNraKUAxU_rSsGHYjZN9UQ0bkNegQIIhAF&amp;biw=1440&amp;bih=710&amp;dpr=2" data-vars-content-id="c701507f-c070-4e11-8f78-22300f614f6a" data-vars-headline="Taco Madre slings tasty $2 tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=5f7db8e9e9fb37a6&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1051US1064&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n5f7Gj_d2Z_4nMJgNl4L60stwDWpg:1777991129808&amp;si=AL3DRZEsmMGCryMMFSHJ3StBhOdZ2-6yYkXd_doETEE1OR-qORkmHBKUhQTJvvrbTMI_npwZ3DASSu5nXYlB0Gni-4AnmKq9RmPCVpnzv2ozuTgIDpgH4NTK-nBVk-xRRZU9wncHzlUn&amp;q=Taco+Madre+Reviews&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwje1NKNraKUAxU_rSsGHYjZN9UQ0bkNegQIIhAF&amp;biw=1440&amp;bih=710&amp;dpr=2" target="_blank">Taco Madre food truck</a> this week after snapping pictures of Michigan Central.

First Sip: Iraqi-owned Midtown cafe delivers on natural light

Chai Khana offers ample space and drink options in a recently renovated building.

👋 Annalise here with a new favored spot for tea, writing and natural light in Midtown. The vibe: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chai Khana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/chai.khana.mi/" data-vars-content-id="ddeb5655-5f39-4ee0-85ad-e3888df95c30" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Iraqi-owned Midtown cafe delivers on natural light" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/chai.khana.mi/" target="_blank">Chai Khana</a> opened this winter in a long-vacant, window-lined storefront, bringing with it pleasant decor, murals and ample seating.

AAPI Heritage Month events across Metro Detroit

From tea ceremonies to art shows, here's what's happening across the region this May.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and there&#x27;s much to do around the region.Catch up quick: The heritage month dates back to the 1970s, starting as a week to commemorate the accomplishments of AAPI Americans.

Things to Do 🗓

Things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Metro Detroit: May 22-25

Your guide to Movement in Detroit

Metro Detroit is having a bagel moment

Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: May 15-17

First Sip: Coffee and wine in Ferndale