PARIS (AP) — Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is advising the world “not to waste a lot of time” on what President-elect Donald Trump has been saying about Greenland.
Trump made clear again this week that he’d like the semiautonomous territory of Denmark to come under U.S. control and said he would not rule out the use of military force to make that happen.
“We need Greenland for national security purposes,” Trump said.
But Blinken said Wednesday that the incoming president’s ambitions are unlikely to amount to anything more than talk.
“The idea expressed about Greenland is obviously not a good one,” the senior U.S. diplomat said during a stop in Paris for meetings.
“Maybe more important, it’s obviously one that’s not going to happen. So we probably shouldn’t waste a lot of time talking about it,” he said.
France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, also played down any possibility of U.S. forces being deployed against Denmark, a U.S. ally in the NATO military alliance.
But Barrot warned nevertheless that Europe must brace for turbulence ahead – as other powers throw their weight around.
“Do we think the United States will invade Greenland? The answer is, ‘No,’” the French minister said. “But do we think that we’re entering into a period that sees the return of the law of the strongest, the answer is, ‘Yes.’”
Europe must become stronger militarily and more economically and commercially competitive in response, Barrot said.
“We have to go a lot further to affirm who we are, what we want,” he said.
The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has said she does not believe the United States will use military or economic power to secure control over Greenland and has appealed for U.S. behavior “that is respectful of the Greenlandic people.”
In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday that the principle of inviolability of borders applies to every country no matter how powerful, in a reaction to Trump’s remarks that did not mention the president-elect by name. “Borders must not be moved by force,” Scholz said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, addresses the media during a joint press conference with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, right, after their meeting at the Quai d’Orsay in Paris, France, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP)
Jahmyr Gibbs ended his second NFL season with a bang.
The Detroit Lions running back was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring four touchdowns in the team’s 31-9 division-clinching win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night.
Gibbs had 139 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries and caught five passes for 31 yards and a touchdown, setting the single-season franchise record for touchdowns (20) in the process. The Lions earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed with the victory.
Gibbs, the No. 12 pick in the 2023 draft, broke the record of 17 total touchdowns shared by running backs Jamaal Williams and Barry Sanders. Gibbs had 16 rushing touchdowns and four receiving and finished the season with 1,929 yards from scrimmage with 1,412 rushing yards.
Gibbs is the sixth Lions player this season to win an NFC Player of the Week award. Punter Jack Fox (Week 3), quarterback Jared Goff (Week 4), defensive back Brian Branch (Week 6), kicker Jake Bates (Weeks 7 and 10) and wide receiver Kalif Raymond (Week 8) all earned the honor this season.
Gibbs was named to the Pro Bowl last week for a second straight season. He earned Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season after putting up 1,261 yards from scrimmage and finished fourth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs finished the season with 16 rushing touchdowns and four receiving scores, and he totaled 1,929 yards from scrimmage, including 1,412 rushing yards. (ROBIN BUCKSON — The Detroit News)
TORONTO (AP) — U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s comments that Canada should become the 51st state are no longer a joke and are meant to undermine America’s closest ally, Canada’s finance minister said Wednesday.
Dominic LeBlanc, the country’s point person for U.S-Canada relations, said Trump was smiling when he first made the comment during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in late November.
“The joke is over,” said LeBlanc. “It’s a way for him, I think, to sow confusion, to agitate people, to create chaos knowing this will never happen.”
Trump keeps floating the idea that Canada should join the United States as the 51st state, saying Tuesday he would not use military force to invade the country, which is home to more than 40 million people and is a founding NATO partner.
Instead, Trump said he would rely on “economic force” as he erroneously cast the U.S. trade deficit with Canada — a natural resource-rich nation that provides the U.S. with commodities like oil — as a subsidy.
“It’s becoming very counterproductive,” LeBlanc said, referring to Trump’s rhetoric about Canada.
LeBlanc has been talking to incoming Trump administration officials about increasing border security in an effort to avoid a sweeping 25% tariff that Trump has threatened to impose on all Canadian products.
LeBlanc, recently appointed to the role after the abrupt resignation of the previous finance minister, also announced he won’t run to replace Trudeau so he can focus on the tariff threat. Trudeau announced Monday he will resign as prime minister and will stay on until a new Liberal leader is chosen.
“The timing is awful for sure,” said Liberal lawmaker Judy Sgro of the leadership change. “But we will do what we have to do to ensure that Canada stands strong.”
Asked about Trump’s comments, Sgro said “He should focus on his own issues in his own country, because he’s got lots of them.”
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller also fired back, dismissing Trump’s comments as “ridiculous.”
“There is no chance of us becoming the 51st state. I think that this is beneath a president of the United States,” Miller said. “I said a few weeks ago that this whole thing was like a South Park episode.”
Trump refused to rule out acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal by military force and has said the U.S doesn’t need anything from Canada, including automobiles, lumber and dairy products.
“I don’t know who is misinforming him,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said. “Right now we ship 4.3 million barrels of crude oil into the U.S. 60 percent of their energy imports are coming from Canada.”
The U.S. imports approximately 60% of its crude oil from Canada, with Alberta alone supplying 4.3 million barrels per day. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. consumes about 20 million barrels a day, while domestically producing about 13.2 million barrels a day. This means about quarter of the oil the U.S. consumes every day is from Canada.
Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day.
Ford said Canada will retaliate if Trump imposes tariffs, saying that a wide range of U.S. products shipped to Canada will be targeted, but he declined to specify which ones.
Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said she never takes Trump’s threats lightly.
“At the same time we can’t take the bait,” Joly said. “We have to show we have a strong economy and we are strong and we are not going to be annexed.”
Employment Minister Steven MacKinnon, left to right, Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc arrive for a Liberal caucus meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)
On Wednesday’s episode of his podcast, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown announced he would be reciprocating the love shown to him by a Rochester bakery over the weekend.
Heather Tocco and her team at Rochester’s Home Bakery crafted a life-size edible replica of St. Brown doing a headstand in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Packers earlier this season. It has drawn crowds and national media attention to the Main street business. Now, the athlete is encouraging fans to make a purchase there for a chance to win a special prize.
St. Brown said he will make an appearance at the bakery next week, and hopes to taste the jaw-dropping confection.
“I need a slice or something,” he said, adding that in honor of Home Bakery, he will be giving away two home playoff tickets to the divisional round game next week. “All you will need to do is purchase any item at Home Bakery, a cake shop in Rochester, Michigan, between Jan. 13 and Jan. 16 to enter the contest. The winner will be announced Jan. 17.”
He said the winner will be selected at random for the a pair of tickets.
“Everything you see is edible,” Tocco told The Detroit News about the cake, which St. Brown described as “lit” and “nuts.”
“The amount of people who were stopping as we were setting the window …. was pretty cool to see,” she said. “It’ll definitely be up after we win the Super Bowl.”
“When I first saw it I was like, ‘no way,’” St. Brown said on his show. “The attention to detail is ridiculous. People were sending me on Instagram, DMing me, my friends were texting me … I’m like this is crazy.”
Home Bakery — which sells cookies, cakes, cannoli, muffins, dog treats, cronuts and more, including Detroit Lions-themed confections — is at 300 S. Main in Rochester. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri. and 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Sat., closed Sundays.
Passersby and customers alike check out a life-size cake made in the image of Detroit Lions’ wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown standing on his head, displayed in the front window at Home Bakery in Rochester on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (KATY KILDEE — The Detroit News)
Michigan tight end/fullback Max Bredeson, voted a captain for the 2024 season, is returning to the Wolverines.
Bredeson announced his decision on Instagram with video clips of his highlights and this caption: “Team 146 let’s do it,” referring to the 2025 Wolverines. He is an important piece for the culture of the team and was credited by head coach Sherrone Moore for helping the Wolverines refocus after a loss to Indiana and rebound with a win against Northwestern to earn bowl eligibility.
The Wolverines finished with a three-game winning streak, including a 13-10 upset at Ohio State and a 19-13 upset of Alabama in the bowl game, to end the season 8-5.
“He’s the ultimate competitor, the ultimate leader, everything you want in a captain, and a guy you want on your team,” Moore said of Bredeson on the eve of the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve. “As physical as any player in college football, I would say. He’s everything you want from a leader on your team. He impacts our team not just on the field, but off the field in huge ways, making sure the locker room is aligned in every single way. I just can’t speak highly enough about that young man.”
Bredeson has played in 40 games and made seven starts. He was a Burlsworth Trophy nominee, awarded to an FBS player who began his career as a walk-on, in 2024.
Michigan tight end/fullback Max Bredeson announced Tuesday that he plans to return to the Wolverines next season. (DAVID GURALNICK — Detroit News file)
With advances in insulation technology, puffer vests have become warmer than ever. They can be used in winter or breezy days in the spring. They have also become more stylish, are available in a variety of colors, and the best ones come with water-resistant and windproof fabric.
Fill power is an indicator of the quality of the down. Puffer vests with higher fill power provide better insulation from cold. Fill power is more important than fill weight, as certain lightweight materials, such as goose or duck down, can offer excellent insulation. A vest with 400-500 fill power offers decent insulation. The vests that offer the best insulation are around 800-900 fill power, but they might not be easily compressed for storage as higher fill power can make the vest thicker.
Size
The vest needs to be the right fit to provide adequate warmth. If it’s too loose, it won’t properly retain heat. It should also not be too tight or your movement will be restricted. You should leave some extra room in case you need to wear layers underneath it. The armholes should be large enough for comfortable wear and a full range of motion for your arms.
Weight
Fill power might be more important for the insulation but the weight of the vest is still an important factor to consider. A lightweight jacket will let you be more comfortable and active. Most puffer vests are designed to be lightweight, but if they are too lightweight they might not provide adequate warmth.
A vest that uses down for the insulation offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. If you don’t want materials sourced from animals, you can get a vest made from synthetic down.
What to look for in a quality puffer vest
Water-resistant
If you plan on using the vest for activities such as camping or hiking, consider getting one that’s water-resistant. These types of vests are typically made from nylon or strong polyester. The best water-resistant vests have moisture-wicking properties to keep the interior dry.
Windproof
Windproof vests are typically made from a high-density fabric that minimizes airflow. Micro-polyester, tricot and high-density nylon are the most commonly used windproof fabrics. Keep in mind that nylon can make a lot of noise in the wind.
Extra features
High-quality puffer vests often come with extra features, such as zipper pockets on the sides and chest, a large interior pocket for secure storage, or a detachable hood and elastic cuffs. Some high-end vests also offer a tapered design for slim-fit look.
How much you can expect to spend on a puffer vest
Inexpensive vests can be bought for less than $40, while high-end versions will be around $200.
Puffer vest FAQ
When should you wear a puffer vest?
A. One of the advantages of puffer vests is that they are extremely versatile. They can be worn on a mild day in spring or a cold day in winter. They won’t provide the same level of protection from the cold as a winter coat or full-sleeve puffer jacket but are ideal when you are active in cold temperatures.
Are there variations in design for a puffer vest?
A. There are a few. There is a V-neck version that’s less common but does not provide the same level of protection from cold. Most puffer vests come with a zipper but some versions offer buttons instead. The addition of a hood is another design variation.
What you need to know: For a durable, warm and fashionable puffer vest, this is the best choice.
What you’ll love: Its OmniHeat reflective lining and 100% polyester exterior help keep warmth in without sacrificing breathability. It’s water-resistant and has zippered pockets.
What you should consider: The sizing is sometimes inconsistent.
What you need to know: This vest offers excellent warmth at a fraction of the cost of other brands.
What you’ll love: The lightweight design makes the vest packable for easy storage or travel. It features a stand-up collar, zipper hand pockets and elasticized armholes. The outer shell is water-resistant and windproof.
What you should consider: There is no drawstring. The package design means this vest might be too light for winter use.
What you need to know: Made from patented Heat Reflective materials, this jacket is designed for optimum heat retention.
What you’ll love: The water-resistant fabric is breathable to help get rid of moisture for extra warmth. The interior has an extra-large pocket for storage and also features an adjustable hem.
What you should consider: Some users have reported the vests are oversized, so consider getting a smaller size for a snug fit.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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There’s no quick fix for soaring egg prices and their limited supply.
The bird flu is ravaging the nation’s egg-laying flock in yet another seasonal upswing for the disease, says Brian Moscogiuri, an analyst who tracks the industry for Irvine-based distributor Eggs Unlimited. Destroying infected birds is slashing the nation’s ability to keep up with demand. It’s a shortfall that will take months to repair.
As a result, the average price of a dozen eggs in California on Tuesday, Jan. 7, was $8.97, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s more than double the $4.06 price at last year’s start. In 2023, amid another bird flu outbreak, the price of eggs began the year at $7.37, compared with $2.35 at the beginning of 2022 or $1.34 in 2021.
“The virus has returned nearly every spring and fall, mainly through wild migratory birds,” Moscogiuri says. “However, the scope seems to be getting broader, with more types of animals being impacted and potentially aiding the spread.”
The key is the loss of egg makers. Moscogiuri says the industry is down 20 million hens to flu in the past three months out of the nation’s typical 312 million flock. California farmers culled 9 million egg layers in 2024’s last two months alone.
The drop was poor timing, just as holiday demand was percolating.
Daniel Sumner, an agriculture professor at UC Davis, says California prices have surged sharply because state law requires “cage free” living for hens. The current version of this flu has been especially rough on this type of chicken.
Nationally, consumers are paying $4.81 a dozen to start the year, according to the Urner Barry Egg Index. That’s up $3.20 — or triple – late September’s most recent low. A previous bird flu outbreak pushed U.S. egg prices to $3.07 in March 2023.
Across Southern California, egg prices vary wildly among merchants, assuming they even have any eggs to sell. Egg shelves are empty on various days everywhere, from small grocers to giants like Trader Joe’s and Costco. And some retailers lucky to have eggs are placing limits on how many a customer can buy.
Moscogiuri hopes that economics will help, noting that “elevated retail prices should help to slow demand, and ultimately allow the market to retreat, but we continue to have a real risk of avian flu into the middle of January.”
His price outlook is not encouraging, as he recalled how slowly 2023’s price bump took to ease.
“The country is going to need to avoid major production setbacks for four to six months for the market to normalize,” he says.
The professor notes that food price spikes are common, but the recent flu-driven egg inflation seems different.
“Unlike all outbreaks before 2022, and there were several, this time (the flu) keeps coming back,” Sumner says. “The veterinarians do not seem to know why.”
Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com
Many people take pre-workouts before they hit the gym to help increase their energy and motivation. This can lead to better results and, potentially, help you reach your conditioning goals more quickly.
Anytime you are taking a supplement, it is always best to stick with reputable brands because they are not only proven to be effective but can also be relied on to use high-quality ingredients.
For example, the company behind Cellucor C4 Original pre-workout has sold over 3 billion servings worldwide. It has been making supplements for 15 years, so there is little chance of it containing unsafe ingredients.
What to know before you buy a pre-workout
What is a pre-workout?
Pre-workouts are supplements designed to be taken before you exercise to help you get the most out of your workout. They generally include three main ingredient categories: stimulants, pump enhancers and nootropics.
Stimulants help increase your energy by blocking receptors in your brain for the chemicals that make you feel tired. This allows you to exercise harder and for longer than you might otherwise.
Pump enhancers can work via several mechanisms depending on the ingredient in question. Most increase the amount of nitric oxide in your bloodstream, which in turn increases the blood flow to your muscles. Others aid in the production of ATP, which is your body’s energy source. Both can help improve performance and decrease delayed onset muscle soreness after a workout.
Nootropics are generally associated with improved cognitive performance, and they are said to do this by increasing the blood and oxygen flow to the brain. When used in a pre-workout, they help improve motivation and mental focus.
Should you take a pre-workout?
Whether or not you should take a pre-workout is a personal choice that no one can answer for you. Many athletes achieve optimal conditioning without the use of any supplements at all. However, many others struggle to work up the energy or motivation to head to the gym every day or simply don’t see the results they would like. If you fall into this latter group, a pre-workout might be the solution you desire. For even better results, you may want to consider also using a post-workout protein powder to give your muscles the building blocks they need.
Pills vs. powder
Pre-workouts come in both pill and powder form, each of which has its own benefits. Without a doubt, pills are more convenient. They are easier to transport and don’t require any messy mixing before use. However, they can take longer for the body to absorb, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. Another issue is achieving the proper doses in pills since they are limited in size, and it is difficult to get enough grams of the various active ingredients into them.
Powders are easier for the body to absorb quickly and don’t require you to swallow several large pills, which is a struggle for some people. Also, you can easily tweak the dosage to suit your personal needs.
Features to look for in a quality pre-workout
Amino acids
Amino acids play a significant role in building muscle. They are produced naturally in your body, but you can increase your levels through foods and supplements. Your body uses 21 types of amino acids, but nine are considered the most essential. Many pre-workouts include essential amino acids, most commonly branch-chain amino acids like leucine and arginine.
Creatine
Many gym-goers take creatine separately to help them improve their athletic performance and build more muscle mass. However, you can also find pre-workouts that contain creatine, so there is one less supplement you have to buy.
Caffeine
Caffeine is the most commonly used stimulant in pre-workouts because it is highly effective and well-tolerated by most people. The caffeine in pre-workouts may come from green tea, coffee or other sources.
Proprietary blends
Along with the above ingredients, most pre-workouts include proprietary blends that may contain vitamins, extracts, herbs and other ingredients to make them more effective. You should always read the ingredient label carefully of any pre-workout you are considering to ensure it doesn’t contain any ingredients to which you may be sensitive.
Flavor
Pre-workouts come in flavored and unflavored options. If you will be mixing your pre-workout with water, a flavored option is usually the best choice. However, if mixing your pre-workout into juice, a protein shake or other beverage, an unflavored option will be more suitable.
How much you can expect to spend on a pre-workout
Most pre-workouts cost $15-$40 for 30 servings.
Pre-workout FAQ
Are pre-workouts safe?
A. Pre-workouts are generally considered safe. However, they may be unsuitable for people with certain heart conditions or who are sensitive to stimulants. However, the FDA does not regulate them, so it is best to stick with reputable brands and read the ingredient labels carefully.
How long before a workout should I take a pre-workout?
A. It is generally recommended to take your pre-workout 20-30 minutes before exercising, so it has time to start working.
What you need to know: Touted many gym-goers for its efficacy, C4 Original pre-workout should give you that extra boost you need before hitting the gym.
What you’ll love: It’s available in a wide range of flavors and dissolves quickly in water without leaving any grittiness behind.
What you should consider: It produces a tingling feeling in some people that may be uncomfortable.
What you need to know: If you want energy without a lot of caffeine, Essential Amin. O is the way to go.
What you’ll love: It contains a blend of vital amino acids to help you get maximum results from your workouts. Many people find it provides not just energy but also mental focus.
What you should consider: It’s not calorie- and carbohydrate-free.
What you need to know: In addition to 100 milligrams of caffeine, it also contains electrolytes to keep you hydrated. It is suitable for vegans, gluten-free and non-GMO Project certified.
What you’ll love: It’s easy to mix as you only need one scoop in ice-cold water.
What you should consider: Vega Sport used a new formula, so previous users might find the taste somewhat different.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum responded sarcastically on Wednesday to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
Standing before a global map in her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum proposed dryly that North America should be renamed “América Mexicana,” or “Mexican America,” because a founding document dating from 1814 that preceded Mexico’s constitution referred to it that way.
“That sounds nice, no?” she added with a sarcastic tone. She also noted that the Gulf of Mexico had been named that way since 1607.
The exchange has started to answer a larger question lingering over the bilateral relationship between the two regional powers: How would newly elected Sheinbaum handle Trump’s strong-handed diplomatic approach, and promises of mass-deportations and crippling taxes on trading partners like Mexico?
Sheinbaum’s predecessor and political mentor Andrés Manuel López Obrador – who hailed from a similar strain of class populism as Trump, even though he leaned left – was able to build a relationship with Trump as an ally, and his government began to block migrants from going north under U.S. pressure, a boon to Trump.
But it was unclear if Mexico’s first woman president, a scientist and leftist lacking the folksy populism that rocketed López Obrador into power, would be able to build the same relationship.
While Wednesday’s joke quickly ricocheted across social media feeds, it also set the tone for what a Sheinbaum-Trump relationship could look like in the coming years.
“Humor can be a good tactic, it projects strength, which is what Trump responds to. It was probably the right choice on this issue,” said Brian Winter, vice president of the New York-based Council of the Americas. “Although President Sheinbaum knows it won’t work on everything — Trump and his administration will demand serious engagement from Mexico on the big issues of immigration, drugs and trade.”
It comes after other stern but collaborative responses by Sheinbaum regarding Trump’s proposals.
On Trump’s pitch to slap 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, Sheinbaum warned that if the new U.S. administration imposes tariffs on Mexico, her administration would respond with similar measures. She said any sort of tax was “not acceptable and would cause inflation and job losses for the United States and Mexico.”
After originally saying her government would push the Trump administration to deport migrants directly back to their own countries, in January she said Mexico would be open to accepting deportees from other countries, but Mexico could limit it to certain nationalities or request compensation.
Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced charges against four more people — Detroiters — allegedly connected to an auto theft operating in southeast Michigan.
The criminal organization is accused of stealing hundreds of vehicles from the region, targeting car dealerships and storage lots, parking lots and residences — then selling them on the black market at prices significantly below market value to buyers seeking unregistered vehicles, the AG’s Office stated in a news release. The stolen vehicles have reportedly been linked to other criminal activity.
The most recent arrests of the four Detroiters stem from an ongoing investigation by the Troy Police Department in partnership with FORCE (Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement). FORCE, established two years ago, includes multiple local law enforcement groups, special agents with the AG’s office, Michigan State Police, the FBI, Postal Inspection Service and retailers.
The AG’s office announced the FORCE Team investigation into an alleged auto theft ring in May 2024. Troy police have reportedly been investigating the crime ring since August 2023.
The four Detroiters, charged with conducting a criminal enterprise:
• Davonta Jones, 31 — also charged with eight counts of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle
• Donovan Tucker, 22 — also charged with eight counts of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle
• Davion Tucker, 21 — also charged with seven counts of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle
• Timothy Bell, 23 — also charged with 10 counts of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle
The four defendants are allegedly responsible for auto thefts on more than a dozen occasions in 2024, according to the AG’s Office. The crime ring “is suspected of using countersurveillance to steal vehicles quickly and efficiently, allegedly using violence and ramming security vehicles if confronted,” the AG’s Office stated.
Troy police, Detroit police and Michigan State Police executed four arrest warrants on Jan. 2, resulting in the arrests. A “large quantity of electronic key fobs and cash” were seized, according to the AG’s Office.
Jones, Donovan Tucker and Davion Tucker were arraigned Jan. 3 in Dearbor’s 19th District Court, where bond was set at $500,000 cash/surety. They’re scheduled for a probable cause conference Jan. 17. Bell was arraigned Jan. 3 in Monroe’s 1st District Court where bond was set at $500,000 cash/surety. He’s scheduled for a probable cause conference Jan.14.
The beginning of 2024 was marked by turmoil within the Michigan Republican Party.
Infighting and complaints over the leadership of former party Chair Kristina Karamo led to a mutiny and Karamo’s ouster.
Enter former Congressman Pete Hoekstra. He took over leadership and got the party back on track, getting donor money flowing again. The GOP took back the Michigan House and Donald Trump won Michigan on his way to winning a return to the White House.
For his part, Hoekstra — the U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump’s first term — is being rewarded with the Ambassadorship to Canada.
In an interview with WDET, Greenlee said he plans to build on some relationships made in 2024.
“You’ve got to be able to expand the party,” Greenlee said. “You’ve got to be able to have at least an honest level of communication with the different parts of the Republican Party to be effective, to get everyone working together.”
Part of working together means being able to bring in money.
“You’ve got to be able to put together a strategic plan that will motivate the donors to invest in the vision and give the grass roots, if you will, the juice to get out and do their job,” Greenlee said.
2026 marks a big year in politics both here in Michigan and nationally. It’s a midterm election, and historically the balance of power switches in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In 2010, Democrats were in power of Congress and the Presidency. In Michigan, Democrat Jennifer Granholm was ending her final term.
National and state Republicans swept into power at the height of the anti-Obama Tea Party movement. Greenlee says he was involved in that effort and thinks the GOP can do it again.
I want to take the experience of getting everybody involved (in 2010), of empowering delegates at the local level, of having a lot of local support so that local people can use their knowledge and be effective on the ground in their particular communities, and again, expand the party so that folks understand the Republican vision and what that can do for Michigan,” Greenlee said.
This week marked four years since pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol. President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on pardoning the over 1,000 people who have been convicted of crimes related to the attack.
Greenlee says he supports the pardons… for some, adding that there were a lot of people there who weren’t necessarily doing anything wrong.
“I think that anybody who did commit a crime — anybody who hit anyone or or what have you — they should be held accountable,” he said. “And I think they will. I think that his comments were directed toward people who were just in the vicinity and in the building.”
“If you did nothing wrong, in our society, there’s this pardon process that exists, and I think it will be appropriate for that to be used in many of those occasions.”
Trump has used the pardon process for people who did things wrong — including former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Trump pardoned Kilpatrick just over six years into a 28-year sentence.
In a news conference this week Trump evaded questions on whether he would pardon rioters that attack police. Over 140 officers were injured in the attack.
State Sen. Jim Runestad, former MIGOP Co-Chair Meshawn Maddock, and former U.S. Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella have all announced they are seeking the position.
Maddock is seeking the job, despite facing fraud charges related to being a fake elector — perpetuating the lie that Trump won the 2020 election.
Republicans will choose their new leader at the party convention on Feb. 22.
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Each year starts off a little bit slow, then suddenly accelerates! Very soon, we’ll have a cavalcade of new music premieres from local artists based in Detroit and all across Michigan.
This week, though, I’m digging back into December to bring you some late-2024 releases that you may have missed, including the latest album from acclaimed Ann Arbor-based hip-hop trio Tree City, with a song from their “magnum opus” album, “Pure Levels,” which has been 13 years in the making!
We also heard some eclectic world-music sounds coming out of the Arbor/Ypsi-scene, from the experimental producer/musician Dr. Pete Larson. You’ll also hear some brand new music coming out of Detroit, with alt-country-folk ensemble Poor Player and garage-pop duo Checker!
We kicked off the show with, perhaps, one of the catchiest songs ever(?), with singer/songwriter bRADFORd‘s “Don’t Take Me,” while also sampling some cinematic ambient tracks from Ancient Language and Kalamazoo dreampop duo Overly Polite Tornadoes.
If you want to stay to connected to the local music scene all year long in 2025, then circle every Tuesday on your calendars and turn your proverbial dial to 101.9 for MI Local!
MI LocalPlaylist for Jan. 7, 2025
“Don’t Take Me” – bRADFORd
“Betty Bubblegum” – The Bridge Between
“We’ll Figure It Out” – Tree City
“Woodboar” – Dr. Pete Larson
“Gliding” – Polar Baron
“Nothing Stays the Same” – Cloverland
“This Must Be The Place” – Mountain Babies
“The Block” – Human Skull
“BeBe” – The Absentees
“Hungry” – B.Aware
“Hot Damn” – Checker
“Face on Me” – Snobgoblin
“Flame” – Poor Player
“It’s Dark Now” – Overly Polite Tornadoes
“It’s Such a Beautiful Day” – Ancient Language
Support the shows you love.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world.
Interim Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison says they took the 28-year-old driver into custody the following day.
Officer Cameron Richardson had just finished his shift Sunday morning and was on his way home when the suspect made an illegal turn and collided with his vehicle. The driver is accused of leaving the scene.
DPD and Richardson’s family have set up an online fund to support his two daughters.
“Officer Richardson served DPD with distinction, he served his country as an Army Ranger, and he will be truly missed,” a statement from DPD read Sunday afternoon.
Dearborn Parks & Recreation is offering a variety of programs for those interested in new habits this new year.
A new class of the Adult Hockey School will also be offered at the Dearborn Ice Skating Center this month. Adults can learn to play hockey during a 16-week program that consists of 8 weeks of on-ice training followed by 8 weeks of actual games.
The Detroit Fire Department will continue its Safety series with “chats” on the second Wednesday of every month starting Wednesday, Jan. 8. Wednesday’s chat will focus on Lithium-ion battery safety and fire prevention with Damon Robinson from the Fire Marshall Division. Join at detroitmi.gov/safetyseries at 6 p.m.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
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WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
Many make New Year’s resolutions to hit the gym more often, develop better work habits, or to be kinder or more generous to others. But embodying New Year’s goals takes practice, dedication and persistence. That kind of repetitive action we know as habits — something that we do again and again and again, until it feels like it’s part of us.
But how do we get to that point? Andrea Spyros, a behavior design consultant with BD3 Solutions, joined the show to dig into this topic and give some reassurance and advice on becoming your best self in 2025.
Spyros says success can be as simple as reframing your goals and thinking about them in a different way.
“Goals can also help us grow,” he said. “It’s really about who we become in the process of trying to attain that goal right, and how we experience ourselves.”
In the second hour of The Metro, we asked listeners:
“What are your goals for 2025?”
Carlos in Redford said he doesn’t have a resolution, but a word that’s helping him through the year.
“I have just a one word mantra for the new year, which is intentionality — just doing things more intentional when you actually get to doing them,” he said. “It can be overwhelming when you want to do this, do that, do that, and the other thing. But for example, if you want to visit your parents more, just make sure when you do it that you’re more intentional on the type of quality time you’re spending.”
Use the media player above to listen to the full conversation.
More headlines from The Metro on Jan. 7, 2024:
Every day, we’re exposed to chemicals that can affect our health. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are of particular concern. They’re in everything from plastics and pesticides to personal care products. And they can alter how our hormones behave and lead to serious health problems and disease. Wayne State University Professor Christopher Kassostis studies these chemicals. He joined the show to discuss his work, helping us to better understand how endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect metabolic issues, like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The Detroit Police Department released its year-end crime report and recorded the lowest number of homicides since 1965. It’s the second consecutive year homicides have dropped in Detroit. City officials point to a relatively new community violence intervention program as the reason why. In 2023, the city partnered with six community groups to reduce gun violence. Zoe Kennedy, executive director of Force Detroit — one of the partnering organizations doing this work — joined the show.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming up and to honor him, Hamtramck’s Planet Ant theatre is presenting the musical “Nixon/King,” a fictional account of a meeting between President Richard Nixon and MLK Jr. in a Georgia prison. To talk about the musical and the perceptions of these two figures, Assistant Director and actor Dylan Mirisola and actor Itaysha Walker both joined the show.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. Donate today
I kicked off today’s show trying to warm up the city with some classics from Beatles, Bob Dylan, Wreckless Eric — there’s just more warmth in the analog studio recordings from back in the day.
Also, lots of psych-rock bands keeping that spirit, sound and feeling alive via Lazy Eyes, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and others. Kraftwerk always sounds good regardless of the weather on In The Groove, and it was even sweeter to giveaway tickets to their upcoming show at Masonic Cathedral Theatre on March 29 (congrats to all the listeners who won!).
On top of that, new music from LA LOM, Joe Armon-Jones, Lawne, Gratts (remixed by hometown legend John Beltran),Fabiano do Nascimento and much more.
Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above.
In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for Jan. 7, 2025
“Come On and Move Me” – Celeste Krishna
“You Won’t See Me” – Beatles
“We Will Not Make It (Not Without You)” – Twin Peaks
“Sorrowful Horns (feat. James Mollison)” – Joe Armon-Jones
“Ghost Town” – The Specials
“For The Time Being” – Erlend Øye & La Comitiva
“Quetzal” – Los Hermanos
“Mamasong” – Lawne
“Sun Circles (Beltran Remix)” – Gratts
“Follow Me” – Special Interest
“Repetitioner” – THUS LOVE
“Fallen (feat. Momoko Gill)” – Matthew Herbert
“Leave Your Life (Lonely Hearts Mix)” – Alex Kassian
“Crown” – Tall Black Guy x Kendrick Lamar
“PUAJ” – Salin
“Dub Je Je” – Antibalas
“Trans Europe Express” – Kraftwerk
“Computer Love” – Kraftwerk
“The Fast Flowing River” – Work Money Death
“Feijoada (Live)” – Fabiano do Nascimento
“Shaken To My Soul (feat. Ruti)” – Girls of the Internet
“Show Me Your Pretty Side” – Tamar Aphek
“Time” – Mo Kolours
“Son Of A Preacher Man” – Mieke Miami
Listen to In the Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org.
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On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, some of the great albums and artists celebrating milestones in 2025! From Bob Seger to D’Angelo; Aretha Franklin to Beck; Moby to Jack White and many more!
See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.
Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for Jan. 4, 2025
“White Mustang” – Lana Del Ray (turning 40)
“Head Over Heels” – Tears For Fears (album turning 40)
“Roses” – Outkast (Andre 3000 and Big Boi turning 50)
“That’s The Way Of The World” – Earth Wind & Fire (album turning 50)
“Rock & Roll” – Mitch Ryder (turning 80)
“Pick Up The Pieces” – Wilco (debut album turning 30)
“Drown” – Son Volt (debut album turning 30)
“We Find Love” – Daniel Caesar (turning 30)
“Landed” – Ben Folds (album turning 20)
“Hell Yes” – Beck (album turning 20)
“Natural Blues” – MOBY (turning 60)
“Dancing In The Street” – Martha Reeves & The Vandellas (album turning 60)
“Freeway Of Love” – Aretha Franklin (album turning 40)
HOUR TWO:
“Brown Sugar” – D’Angelo (album turning 30)
“One Right Now” – Post Malone (turning 30)
“You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” – Bob Dylan (album turning 50)
“Superstar” – Lauryn Hill (turning 50)
“Lang May You Run” – Stills-Young Band (both turning 80)
“The Denial Twist” – The White Stripes (album turning 20, Jack turning 50)
“If I Had A Rocket Launcher” – Bruce Cockburn (turning 80)
“Feel Good, Inc.” – Gorillaz (album turning 20)
“Tell Me Who You Are Today” – Beth Gibbons (turning 60)
The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled the due process rights of a woman who lost parental rights to her child were violated because the state never provided clear rules on what it would take for her to regain custody, and did not make family reunification a priority.
“It is well-established that parents have a fundamental right to the care, custody, and control of their children. Therefore, the Legislature has enacted a statutory scheme that elevates reunification of parents and children over termination of parental rights,” wrote Judge Allie Greenleaf Maldonado in the court’s precedent-setting opinion.
The mother, who had a history of substance abuse, gave birth while a patient at a rehabilitation hospital. She said the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Calhoun County Circuit Court should not have allowed the termination proceedings to move forward based on alleged violations of a child safety plan that was never put in writing until after the department filed a petition seeking to separate the child and mother. The appellate court agreed.
Joshua Pease is with the State Appellate Defender Office and also chairs the State Bar of Michigan Children’s Law Section. He said the decision also requires the state to give parents clear notice of why their rights are at risk of being terminated, especially when the state is asking for an expedited timeline based on “aggravated circumstances” that put a child in danger.
“Not just a vague you-are-a-neglectful-parent type of allegation, but specifics of why the department believes the parent was neglectful, why they believe the child is unsafe in the parent’s care, and why they believe termination of parental rights is justified,” he told the Michigan Public Radio Network.
He said the ruling will also require MDHHS to provide a parent with a family reunification plan with specific requirements when it seeks termination of parental rights.
“The agency has to make it clear what steps a parent has to take and it has to be an individualized plan, so that it’s essentially an obtainable goal,” he said.
A spokesperson said the state Department of Health and Human Services is examining the decision, which can be appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court.
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump tried again Tuesday to delay this week’s sentencing in his hush money case, asking a New York appeals court to intervene as he fights to avoid the finality of his conviction before he returns to the White House.
Trump turned to the Appellate Division of the state’s trial court a day after the trial judge, Judge Juan M. Merchan, rebuffed his bid to indefinitely postpone sentencing and ordered it to go ahead as scheduled on Friday.
Trump is seeking an immediate stay that would spare him from being sentenced while he appeals Merchan’s decision last week to uphold the historic verdict. Oral arguments were expected before a single judge later Tuesday, with a decision likely soon thereafter.
The scheduling drama is playing out less than two weeks before his inauguration. Trump is poised to be the first president to take office convicted of crimes. If Trump’s sentencing doesn’t happen before his second term starts Jan. 20, it may have to wait until he leaves office in 2029 because of the widely held belief, endorsed by Merchan, that a sitting president is immune from criminal proceedings.
Merchan has signaled that he is not likely to punish Trump for his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and will accommodate his transition by allowing him to appear at sentencing by video, rather than in person at a Manhattan courthouse.
Still, the Republican and his lawyers contend that his sentencing should not go forward because the conviction and indictment should be dismissed. They have previously suggested taking the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Merchan “is without authority under the law to proceed to sentencing while President Trump exercises his federal constitutional right to challenge these rulings,” Trump’s lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove wrote in a filing with the Appellate Division.
Last Friday, Merchan denied Trump’s bid to throw out his conviction and dismiss the case because of his impending return to the White House. He previously refused to toss the case on presidential immunity grounds. Trump’s lawyers are challenging both rulings.
Merchan wrote that the interests of justice would only be served by “bringing finality to this matter” through sentencing. He said giving Trump what’s known as an unconditional discharge — closing the case without jail time, a fine or probation — “appears to be the most viable solution.”
Manhattan prosecutors have pushed for sentencing to proceed as scheduled, “given the strong public interest in prompt prosecution and the finality of criminal proceedings.”
The charges involved an alleged scheme to hide a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels in the last weeks of Trump’s 2016 campaign to keep her from publicizing claims she’d had sex with him years earlier. He says that her story is false and that he did nothing wrong.
The case centered on how Trump accounted for reimbursing his then-personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who had made the payment to Daniels. The conviction carried the possibility of punishment ranging from a fine or probation to up to four years in prison.
Trump’s sentencing initially was set for last July 11, then postponed twice at the defense’s request. After Trump’s Nov. 5 election, Merchan delayed the sentencing again so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case.
FILE – Former President Donald Trump appears at Manhattan criminal court during jury deliberations in his criminal hush money trial in New York, May 30, 2024. (Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP, Pool, File)
Donald Trump Jr. flew to the icy Danish territory of Greenland on Tuesday as his father continued to insist that the U.S. should take control of the island.
Justin Wells, the producer of "Art of the Surge," a documentary series documenting Trump's return to power, accompanied Trump Jr. to Greenland. He posted a video on X that showed Trump calling in to speak with locals in Nuuk.
"It's a very special place. It needs security for itself and it also needs security very much for the world," Trump told the group.
Before his son's trip, during which no official government business is taking place, Trump reiterated his desire to take control of Greenland.
"I am hearing that the people of Greenland are 'MAGA,'" Trump said on Truth Social, referring to his Make America Great Again campaign slogan.
"Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!" Trump added.
Greenland holds strategic military importance due to its location. The U.S. operates a military base in northwest Greenland, which is vital for missile defense and space surveillance.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Its prime minister has said the island is not for sale.
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