Detroit Evening Report: Spirit Airlines shuts down operations
Travelers at Detroit Metro Airport were met with an unexpected message this weekend after Spirit Airlines ceased operations, canceling all flights and leaving questions about the impact on Metro Detroit travelers.
Photo credit: Isaiah Lopez
This past weekend, Spirit Airlines shut down and ceased all operations after decades in business.
When Spirit travelers entered the Evans Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, or DTW, for their scheduled flights, they were met with an operational update from the airline. Screens on ticket and check-in kiosks read:
“We regret to inform you that Spirit Airlines has ceased global operations. All Spirit flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available.”
The airline carried more than 1.7 million passengers in 2025 alone. The full impact of the Spirit Airlines shutdown is not yet clear.
Additional headlines for May 4, 2026
Detroit pitch competition
6 Mile Soup is hosting a pitch competition for business owners.
The Community Choice competition takes place this evening and features businesses on West McNichols Road.
Attendees will get free samples from restaurants and cast their votes for their favorite businesses. Three businesses will win cash prizes: $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place.
The event takes place today, May 4, at Sips on Six, located at 7512 W. McNichols Road in Detroit. Doors open at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced at 8 p.m. The event is free.
Detroit Friendship House gardening event
The Hamtramck-based food pantry Detroit Friendship House is hosting a gardening event.
It is part of an effort to upcycle and recycle goods to create a sustainable garden for the food pantry.
Keep Growing Detroit will lead a Gardening 101 workshop as part of the event and provide free seed packets for households receiving SNAP benefits.
People will also be able to paint planters with Solstice Art. Participants can bring seeds and seedlings to swap with neighbors. They can also take home herbs for their own gardens.
There will also be a native edible plants exhibit by Detroit Friendship House’s Women’s Empowerment Group.
The Community Garden Event takes place May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Detroit Friendship House, 9540 Conant in Hamtramck.
Arab American Film Festival begins Tuesday
The Arab American National Museum’s 21st Arab Film Festival kicks off Tuesday.
This year’s theme is “Remember. (Re)imagine.”
The festival will feature drama, comedy and documentary films about the Arab world and Arab American filmmakers.
Films from Michigan and across the U.S. will be shown with English subtitles in person and online.
The film “Palestine 36” will be shown May 5 and 6 at the Arab American National Museum.
The festival runs May 5-10. Cinema Lamont is a partner.
Men’s mental health panel planned in Detroit
The City of Detroit and the Board of Police Commissioners are hosting a mental health panel.
The Men’s Mental Health Awareness Panel is being hosted by District 2 Police Commissioner Lavish T. Williams.
Guests include several prominent African American speakers. There will also be a special guest appearance by the Mumford High School marching band.
The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network will provide information, resources and suicide prevention training on-site.
The panel will take place May 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Road in Detroit.
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