Severe storms raced through metro Detroit Tuesday, bringing strong winds, heavy rains and even hail. Streets throughout Detroit were left with large puddles, causing drivers to avoid them. Wind gusts knocked down trees and broke limbs in some places.
The canopy of a gas station on Detroit’s west side was knocked over by the winds, forcing its closure. The Mobil station at Plymouth and Hubbell remains out of operation today.
Additional headlines for Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Mary Waters disqualified
Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters announced last month that she was running for Congress in Michigan’s 13th District. She made the announcement just before the filing deadline. But Waters has now been disqualified from running for failing to gather sufficient petition signatures.
Waters tried to run for the job in 2024, but came in second to incumbent Shri Thanedar in that year’s Democratic primary. She was re-elected to Detroit City Council last year.
Congressman Thanedar is running against State Representative Donovan McKinney in this year’s August primary election.
Mackinac Policy Conference preview
Politicians, industry leaders and philanthropists are making last-minute preparations for the Mackinac Policy Conference. They’ll travel to Mackinac Island next week to network, discuss policy and learn from one another.
The annual event is held by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Speakers will include Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Professor Cornel West. There will also be a debate between the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate.
You can hear coverage of the Mackinac Policy Conference on WDET beginning Tuesday, May 26.
Gas prices drop slightly, but still hurt
Metro Detroit gas prices have fallen slightly in the past few days, but are still nearly two dollars per gallon higher than they were at the beginning of this year. The average price for a gallon of self-serve unleaded in the area is now $4.74. That’s down eight cents from a week ago.
Motorists planning to head out on the road for the Memorial Day holiday weekend should still plan for prices that remain near $5 per gallon. AAA says Michigan is one of the 10 most expensive states when it comes to gas right now.
NAACP calls for sports boycott
The NAACP is calling on college athletes to boycott southern schools in response to a Supreme Court decision impacting the Voting Rights Act. NBC News reports the civil rights organization launched the “Out of Bounds” campaign this week.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled recently that using race to create two majority Black Congressional districts in Louisiana was unconstitutional.
The NAACP is asking Black recruits to withhold their commitments to attend certain colleges, most of which are in the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference. The boycott could have a financial effect via national sports television deals, ticket sales and alumni gifts.
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Hockeytown is getting a new team. Officials from Ilitch Sports and Entertainment announced today that Detroit is getting a Professional Women’s Hockey League expansion team.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and others attended a news conference Wednesday just outside of Little Caesars Arena. Sheffield says the new team means something special to her as Detroit’s first woman mayor. “This moment is especially meaningful to me. It represents the progress we are making as a city to ensure that women and girls are seen, supported, and given the opportunity to shine at the highest level.”
Detroit’s new team, which doesn’t have a name yet, will start play in the fall. The league will hold its national draft in Detroit in mid-June.
Additional headlines from Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Dearborn chooses superintendent
Dearborn has selected a new school superintendent. The district has offered the top job to Mike Esseily. He currently serves as the district’s Director of Special Populations. That means he oversees special education, English language learner programs and mental health initiatives. He’s worked in different positions in the Dearborn school system since 2007.
The school board and Esseily are in the midst of contract negotiations. The district says he’s expected to start in July.
WXYZ TV-7 returns to Xfinity
Metro Detroiters who have Xfinity for their cable service will be able to watch a local television channel once again. A contract dispute between the cable provider and E.W. Scripps kept subscribers from watching WXYZ-TV 7 for several weeks. That meant no access to the Southfield station’s national or local news or entertainment programming, including one of the Pistons’ nationally-televised playoff games.
Customers were told at the beginning of the contract dispute that they could get an over-the-air TV antenna to watch Channel 7 at an additional cost, or watch on certain streaming services.
Gas prices update
Metro Detroit gas prices average $4.80 per gallon today. That’s up 55 cents from just a week ago. Crude oil prices remain at more than $100 per barrel, keeping fuel costs high.
Negotiations reportedly are underway to end hostilities with Iran, but the Strait of Hormuz remains closed at this point, meaning oil tankers are not traveling the waterway as normal yet.
Pistons win opening game of round two
Pistons fans in Detroit are celebrating today. The team won its first game in the second round of the NBA playoffs Tuesday night, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 111 – 101 at Little Caesars Arena.
Cade Cunningham scored 23 points in the victory. The Pistons built up a double-digit lead early, but let it slip away during the course of the game.
The score at one point in the fourth quarter was tied at 93, but Detroit pulled away to secure the victory. Game two in the best-of-seven series takes place Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.
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The city of Detroit celebrated 10 years of Project Clean Slate with the program’s 20,000th expunged conviction.
Project Clean Slate is a program that removes barriers that limit the economic, social, physical and mental well-being of residents with criminal records. There are multiple benefits that come from expungement. Studies from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce show that companies that give second chances to returning citizens see reduced employee turnover and an overall higher quality of work.
During a press conference this week celebrating the decade-long program, Mayor Mary Sheffield announced her administration will offer a new opportunity for justice-impacted individuals.
“We just recently opened a new Office of Community and Neighborhood Safety. A part of that work will be working with justice-impacted residents through our new Office of Returning Citizens. When we invest in people and when we choose compassion, we don’t just change the lives of individuals, but the entire community,” Sheffield said.
Project Clean Slate currently has 4,000 open and eligible convictions in process and/or ready to be expunged.
Additional headlines for Thursday, April 30, 2026
Michigan gas prices continue climbing across the state
Michigan gas prices are going up again, with some areas seeing prices around $5 a gallon.
The average cost in the state is about $4.58, up about 33 cents from the day before and 71 cents higher than last week. A year ago, the average price was $3.23.
These surges are connected to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and disruptions involving the Strait of Hormuz, halting multiple shipments of oil.
Some experts say prices should stabilize after today.
Detroit teams face pivotal weekend across basketball, baseball and soccer
Pistons force Game 6
The Detroit Pistons avoided elimination Wednesday night, beating the Orlando Magic 116-109.
Now the hometown heroes travel to Orlando for a must-win Game 6 if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The showdown is set for Friday, May 1. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
Tigers look to climb AL Central standings
The Detroit Tigers face off against the Texas Rangers this weekend.
As the second-place team in the American League Central, they could find themselves in the top spot in the division with a successful weekend.
All three games will be played at Comerica Park.
Detroit City FC returns to Keyworth
Detroit City FC faces Louisville City FC at Keyworth Stadium.
The match is set for May 2 at 6 p.m.
Detroit Vinylfest returns for second year
The second annual Detroit Vinylfest returns this weekend, featuring records, CDs, tapes and more.
The event, presented by the Detroit Bookfest team, will feature more than 70 vendors selling vinyl records, cassette tapes and other music collectibles.
Vendors will also offer music-related posters, T-shirts and other memorabilia for collectors and music fans.
Some musicians will host autograph signings, and DJs will be spinning vinyl throughout the event.
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Candidates planning to run in Michigan’s August primary election had until Tuesday at 4 p.m. to file their paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office. That includes a few new candidates who filed at the last minute.
Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters filed to run in the Democratic primary for the 13th Congressional District. She faces incumbent Shri Thanedar, state Representative Donovan McKinney and realtor John Goci.
The State Board of Canvassers still has to approve the candidates’ petition signatures before they can appear on the August primary ballot.
Additional headlines for Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Leland House up for auction
Downtown Detroit’s Leland House apartment building is up for auction. The Detroit News reports that bidding for the building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will start next week.
The Leland House was built in 1927 and served as a luxury hotel for many years, before being turned into an apartment complex. Tenants were forced out of the building late last year, after the owner declared bankruptcy, and the city declared the building uninhabitable.
Clean air hearing tonight
Michigan regulators are holding a public hearing tonight to discuss metro Detroit’s air quality status. Planet Detroit is reporting that state regulators want to declare that southeast Michigan is meeting federal ozone standards. If approved, the action could weaken clean air standards in the area.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy will hold the virtual meeting at 6 p.m. tonight. You can call call 855-758-1310 to attend and use code 847 4896 8640 or you can join the meeting on Zoom.
Pistons Game 2 preview
The Detroit Pistons will try to rebound from a loss in their first game of the NBA playoffs. The Orlando Magic beat them Sunday at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons brought the best regular season record in the NBA’s Eastern Conference to the playoffs, but that didn’t stop the Magic from taking the first game.
Cade Cunningham had 39 points in the loss. Game 2 in the nationally-televised best-of-seven series takes place at Little Caesars Arena tonight at 7 p.m.
NFL Draft starts Thursday
The Detroit Lions are making their final preparations for this week’s NFL Draft. The team has the 17th pick in the first round of the draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh.
Football analysts suggest the Lions could use that pick to get an offensive lineman, edge rusher or cornerback. The first round of the NFL draft starts at 8 p.m. Thursday. The event will be televised live on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network.
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Rep. Haley Stevens continued her call for articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a house committee meeting on Friday.
During a contentious set of questions, Stevens says that the secretary abused his office and gutted America’s health.
She said she did it for Michigan. “I had a moment to push for accountability for Michiganders whose healthcare and safety is on the line with conspiracy theories running rampant. I wanted to push today for the transparency and accountability Michiganders deserve. That’s who I take my cues from.”
After Stevens’ questioning, U.S. Rep. Bob Onder of Missouri accused Stevens—who is currently running for U.S. senate—of using the moment to get a viral clip.
With a Republican led house, it is unlikely that the articles of impeachment will go further or get a vote.
Additional headlines for Friday, April 17, 2026
Michigan Senate takes up bill to slow utility rate hikes
A state Senate committee took up a bill to stop utility rates from going up more than once every three years.
Right now, energy companies can ask the Michigan Public Service Commission for higher rates every 12 months—a source of public frustration when approvals of rate increase requests are soon followed by requests for even higher rates.
Commission char Dan Scripps says a three year system could help address that. He adds that tying increases to performance would also improve the system. “The details are important and I think there are a number of places where multi-year rate plans provide for continued investment. If you add in performance-based mechanisms, you can, I think, realize some shared savings.”
The commission doesn’t have to approve the full amount, but if it does act within 10 months, the increase becomes automatic.
Sports
NBA
The playoffs start this weekend and No. 1 seed Pistons will play Sunday, April 19 against whoever wins the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic game tonight at 7:30 p.m.
MLB
The Detroit Tigers have a three game affair against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The first pitch for tonight’s game is at 7:15 p.m. The Tigers are currently third in the American League Central.
Soccer
Detroit City FC face off against the Pittsburg Riverhounds SC on April 18 at Highmark Stadium. Game starts at 7 p.m.
Speakeasy fundraiser
This weekend, check out The Speakeasy at the Guardian Building. On Saturday, April 18 at 7 p.m. the Detroit Historical Society will host a fundraiser to support their efforts to share the rich history of the Motor City.
Tickets will cover live music by the Rhythm Society Orchestra, Charleston and East Coast Swing lessons, open bar, Detroit Distillery tastings, complimentary valet and more. Go to detroithistorical.org for more information.
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WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
They have won 11 Stanley Cups, more than any other U.S.-based franchise. Between 1991 and 2016, the Wings qualified for the playoffs every year except 2005 , when the NHL locked out its players in a labor dispute and canceled the postseason..
It has now been a decade since Detroit’s last playoff appearance. The Wings won exactly half of its 82 games in 2025-26, finishing sixth in the NHL’s Atlantic Division.
This is the third straight year the team has faltered in the final weeks of the regular season. They were competing for a wild card spot before fading in March 2024 and 2025.
But this collapse might be the worst of all.
Deja vu
The Wings were in good shape on February 4, when the league took a break for the 2026 Winter Olympics. They stood in second place in the NHL’s Atlantic Division. Three players—Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, and Lucas Raymond—went to Italy to play for their home countries. Larkin ended up winning a gold medal with Team USA.
After they came home, things fell apart. Again. Detroit lost 16 of its last 24 games and finished sixth in their division. They won exactly half of their 82 games, ending up with 41 wins, 31 regulation losses, and 10 overtime losses. Teams get 2 points for a victory, and 1 if they lose in OT. That adds up to 92 points, seven short of the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Detroit Free Press hockey writer Helene St. James says doubts started creeping in after the Olympics.
“They were really chafing when they started getting a lot of questions about holding up in March,” she says. “They can blame outside noise all they want, the noise was created within the locker room.”
That noise resulted in too many slow starts and mental lapses on the ice. In several games, the opposing teams scored early and often, and the Wings couldn’t find a way to come back. St. James says the team will have to address that before next season.
“It’s on the players to come out with energy at the start of games,” she says. “None of the players have an answer for that.”
Trust the Yzerplan?
Some of the responsibility for this year’s collapse falls on General Manager Steve Yzerman. When he took the job in 2019, he inherited a mess. His predecessor, Ken Holland, built teams that won four Stanley Cups between 1997 and 2008. After the NHL imposed a salary cap in 2005, Holland had trouble signing top free agents. At the same time, he awarded lengthy and expensive contracts to subpar players and developed few if any young players through the draft.
Helene St. James is an author and Detroit Free Press hockey writer
It has taken Yzerman, a former Wings captain, years to overcome Detroit’s salary cap woes and restock its once-barren farm system.
Statistically, the Wings have improved under Yzerman’s watch. Although 92 points wasn’t good enough to make the playoffs, it is the most they’ve collected in his seven seasons at the helm.
St. James says it’s fair to question some of Yzerman’s moves.
“He has made some free agent signings that haven’t worked out,” she says. “He’s tried to find somebody to be great on that second line center spot, and they haven’t found it.”
Follow the leader
Some fans have questioned Dylan Larkin’s leadership as team captain. Many say he doesn’t hold his teammates accountable for their performance or motivate them to be better.
St. James rejects that narrative.
“They’re adults,” she says. “There needs to be accountability, and if it’s not from the player himself, maybe it’s time to move on from this player.”
Even if Larkin is reluctant to call out his teammates, head coach Todd McLellan is not. At one point, he compared some of his players to empty jerseys. Talk like that can cause players to “tune out” their coaches. St. James doubts that’s the problem.
“He may have the safest job in the NHL,” she says. “If they have tuned him out, which I don’t think is the case, then shame on those players.”
How to fix it
Yzerman tried to acquire defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Minnesota Wild during the season. Hughes, who played college hockey at the University of Michigan, was a member of the U.S. Olympic hockey team that won gold in Italy. He reportedly nixed a trade to Detroit because he wouldn’t sign a long-term contract extension.
The Wings did trade its first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to get veteran defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues. Faulk played in 17 games for Detroit, scoring five goals and assisting on three others.
St. James says she would keep Larkin, Seider, and Alex DeBrincat, the team’s leading scorer this season. But she says Yzerman could package other players in a trade to get someone better.
“You have to move on from some of the bottom six guys,” she says. “Michael Rasmussen has not made an impact for them in three years.”
Rasmussen and Larkin are the only players who were on the roster before Yzerman became GM.
Help is on the way, but when?
If there’s any hope for the future, fans will find it in Grand Rapids. The Wings’ top minor league affiliate, the Griffins, won the American Hockey League‘s Central Division this season and are among the favorites to win the Calder Cup.
The Griffins are loaded with young talent. Three players began the season as Red Wings: center Emmitt Finnie, forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and defensemen Axel Sandin-Pellikka. Finnie was the only rookie to play in all 82 games for the Wings. Sandin-Pellikka appeared in 68 NHL contests. Brandsegg-Nygard played in 14 games.
A key player going forward is Detroit’s top goaltending prospect, Sebastian Cossa. The Wings called him up for one game in March, but he didn’t play. He’s been in the farm system for four years.
St. James says Cossa is out of waiver exceptions, which means the Wings must have him on the roster next season, or another team could claim him.
“It usually takes a year, two years, three years before they start becoming impact players, and more so with goalies,” she says.
Yzerman could package young players together in a trade for a high-scoring second line center. If he stands pat in the offseason, the Wings’ playoff drought might go to 11 in 2027.
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The story of retired baseball player Ron LeFlore is one worth repeating.
LeFlore was a gifted athlete who refused to let the mistakes he made during his childhood define him. His talent, perseverance and a little luck catapulted him out of his prison cell and onto the Detroit Tiger’s roster for six seasons. He led the league in stolen bases twice and secured a spot on the 1976 All-Star team.
Although Ron LeFlore’s story has been told before in an movie and an autobiography, author Adam Henig felt there was still more to tell.
In Henig’s book “Baseball’s Outcasts: The Story of Ron LeFlore” he details the former Tiger’s journey from the streets of Detroit to the dugout, and LeFlore’s life after the major leagues. Henig joined the show to explore some of the lesser known details about Ron LeFlore’s life.
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Detroit residents with past convictions can get a fresh start at the Pistons’ Social Impact Summit.
According to The National Inventory of Collateral Consequences, nearly 1,300 Michigan residents with criminal records face lifetime barriers to housing, jobs, employment and education.
That’s why TimeDone, the nation’s largest community of people with old records is working to help as many as 1,000 justice impacted residents get their records expunged.
The summit is happening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday April 11 at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center. The address is 6201 Second Ave.
Registrations for the event are full, but walk-ins are welcome.
Additional headlines for Friday, April 10, 2026
Taxpayer assistance hours
The IRS announces special Saturday hours for select Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country. The upcoming Saturday hours will be April 11 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
During these hours these centers will be available to help taxpayers with: Online Account Assistance, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Renewal, IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance, Payments, Refunds, and more.
Locations:
Detroit: 477 Michigan Ave.
Flint: 917 N. Saginaw St.
Grand Rapids: 3251 N. Evergreen Dr. N.E.
Please go to IRS.gov to see other Michigan locations and the specific days and hours these centers will be open for these special hours.
Sports
NBA The Pistons play their final regular season games this weekend with the Hornets tonight at Spectrum Center tonight at 7 p.m. and against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 6 p.m.
With the Pistons being No.1 in the east, they will face the No. 8 seed. The NBA Playoffs start on April 18.
NHL The Red Wings playoff hopes stay alive with a win over the Flyers yesterday with the score of 6 – 3.
According to sports website Playoffstatus.com, they have a 8-9% of making it.
They hope to keep those chances up as they play the New Jersey Devils tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. at Little Caesars.
MLB The Tigers start their three-game affair against the Miami Marlins this weekend. First pitch for tomorrow’s game is at 1:10 p.m.
The Tigers are currently 4-9 in the American League Central.
Mothering Justice event honors Black mothers
Black Maternal Health Week begins tomorrow April 11 and non profit organization Mothering Justice is kicking it off with a community event called Pouring Into Our Legacy.
Danielle Atkinson is the founder of the organization. She says the event will honor lineage, stories and lived experiences of Black mothers. “We all have a role to play in preventing Black maternal death,” she says. “Tomorrow is an opportunity to learn from the past. How we can do that better. Granny midwives taught us how to birth babies but they taught us how to advocate for ourselves.”
The event is going down tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mothering Justice Office at 17320 Livernois Ave.
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ANN ARBOR (AP) — Yaxel Lendeborg scored 19 of his 27 points in the first half and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 18 points, leading No. 3 Michigan in a 90-80 win over No. 8 Michigan State on Sunday to give the Big Ten champions a 15th straight conference win.
The Wolverines (29-2, 19-1 Big Ten) head to the conference tournament, hoping to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament before shooting for the school’s second national championship and first since 1989
The Spartans (25-6, 15-5) were swept by their rivals in the regular season, but might get a third shot against them in a week at the Big Ten Tournament final.
Lendeborg, a preseason All-America selection, was the best player on the court for the second time in the series.
The UAB transfer was 8 of 12 from the field, matched a career high with five 3-pointers, had three assists and also made winning plays at the other end of the court.
After Jeremy Fears Jr. made a jumper to pull Michigan State within three points with 3:47 left, Lendeborg made a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession to start a 10-2 run that sealed the victory.
Fears had 22 points and nine assists, Jaxon Kohler matched a career high with 23 points and Carson Cooper added 19 points.
Fears drew attention for another kick toward an opponent’s groin. He was called for a technical after a video review showed he swung his right leg backward and into Elliot Cadeau.
When the Wolverines won the first matchup earlier this season, Fears appeared to intentionally trip Lendeborg and Michigan coach Dusty May said there were several dangerous plays in the game.
Up next
Michigan State: Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday.
Michigan: Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday.
Michigan St guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) puts up a shot between Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr, left, and Michigan center Aday Mara in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sunday, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)
Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan fired their basketball coaches on the same day, parting ways with former assistants under Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.
Eastern Michigan announced the school and coach Stan Heath agreed to part ways on Sunday. Western Michigan athletic director Dan Bartholomae said Dwayne Stephens, a Ferndale native, would not return to coach the Broncos next season.
The Eagles and Broncos were both 10-21 overall and 4-14 in the Mid-American Conference this season, tying Northern Illinois for last place.
Heath and Stephens were previously assistants for the Spartans. Stephens also played for the program.
Heath, a former Eastern Michigan player, had a 57-99 record over four seasons with the Eagles. Stephens was 42-84 over four seasons.
Heath was previously the coach at Kent State, leading that MAC program to the Elite Eight in 2002. He also guided Arkansas to the NCAA Tournament in 2006 and 2007 and did the same at South Florida in 2012.
Stephens was on Izzo’s staff for 19 seasons, including the last decade as an associate head coach. He has coached in six Final Fours, including 2003 when he was an assistant for Tom Crean at Marquette. Stephens also was an assistant at Oakland University.
Western Michigan coach Dwayne Stephens reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Michigan State, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
The Detroit Red Wings made a pitch for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers, but it appears he’s not willing to waive his no-trade clause.
Now they must turn their attention elsewhere.
Acquiring a second-pair defenseman, preferably a right-shooter, by Friday’s trade deadline is a priority.
The Red Wings need someone to pair with Ben Chiarot, enabling them to move rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka down to the third pairing, where he’ll face fewer difficult matchups.
Here are nine possibilities, with age and contract status after this season:
Justin Faulk, St. Louis (age 33, one year at $6.5 million): A solid two-way player who might be at the top of the Red Wings’ wish list. Problem is, several teams are in on him, elevating the cost. He has a partial no-trade list.
Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey (age 32, two years at a $9 million AAV): He’s one of the more offensively dynamic defensemen who might be moved. He has a no- movement clause.
Nick Jensen, Ottawa (age 35, unrestricted free agent): The former Red Wing is a serviceable stay-at-home defender.
Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia (age 31, one year at $5.1 million): Speaking of having played for a lot of bad clubs, this longtime Sabres and Flyers stay-at-home defender has appeared in 798 regular season games and no playoff games.
Luke Schenn, Winnipeg (age 36, unrestricted free agent): Physical defenseman has played for nine teams in 18 NHL seasons and could be on the move again.
Braden Schneider, N.Y. Rangers (age 24, restricted free agent): This young, physical, shutdown defender, drafted 19th overall in 2020 won’t come cheap as an impending RFA. The Rangers have no urgency to move him now.
Logan Stanley, Winnipeg (age 27, unrestricted free agent): Even though he shoots left, this 6-7 defender experiencing his best season might be the Red Wings’ most realistic trade target. He’ll be moved if the Jets can’t re-sign him this week.
MacKenzie Weegar, Calgary (age 32, five years at a $6.25 million AAV): He scored 20 goals in 2023-24, but that was an outlier, as he’s mostly valued for his defense. That’s a huge contract to assume for a player that age, however. He has a full no-trade clause.
Zach Whitecloud, Calgary (age 29, two years at a $2.75 million AAV): Traded from Vegas to Calgary on Jan. 18 in the Rasmus Andersson deal, Whitecloud could be on the move again.
Detroit Red Wings’ Lucas Raymond (23) shoots past St. Louis Blues’ Justin Faulk (72) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in St. Louis. (JEFF ROBERSON — AP Photo, file)
The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers had two thrilling matchups over the past week, splitting the results and offering a sneak peak of what could be a matchup in this year’s playoffs.
Both matchups have featured intense play, but off the court the Cavaliers drew some attention as cleveland.com reported an anonymous Cleveland player said after Friday’s game that the Pistons “aren’t in our class.”
The words caught some attention on social media after the game and before Tuesday’s matchup, coach J.B. Bickerstaff was asked for his response.
The second-year Pistons coach didn’t need many words to react.
“I have no response,” Bickerstaff said. “If you mean it, don’t say it anonymously.”
It’s no surprise that a playoff caliber team like Cleveland — or Detroit for that matter — would have plenty of confidence in their ability to compete.
The Pistons (45-15) firmly believe the Eastern Conference runs through them right now as they’ve held tight to the top spot since early November. But the Cavaliers (39-24) have now backed up some of their words by winning the rematch with a returning James Harden.
To suggest the two teams are separated by a considerable margin is hard to give much credence, given they split the regular-season series 2-2 and the past two games have come down to the very end.
There are no more regular-season meeting for the Central Division foes, so if there’s going to be more to this saga, it’s going to come in the playoffs.
With the Pistons holding the No. 1 seed and Cleveland currently the No. 4, a second-round playoff matchup would be in the cards if the first round went chalk.
It’s hard to think of a better way to decide which team is a class above than a playoff series.
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, left, talks with referee Ed Malloy during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Detroit. (DUANE BURLESON — AP Photo, file)
The Detroit Lions have had a busy week, making multiple roster moves that have shaken up their plans for free agency.
On Monday, the team traded veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks, then released center Graham Glasgow. As a result, the team has added some cap space and could be more active in free agency.
While there are conflicting reports about how exactly general manager Brad Holmes plans to attack free agency, the Lions could certainly benefit from adding experienced talent in areas of need prior to the NFL draft.
While the team may not be in position to make a massive move, there are certainly marginal mid-tier players who could have big roles on the team’s 2026 roster.
Here are six potential free agent targets for the Lions when free agency begins next week, ranked by potential impact in 2026 and beyond.
6. S Jalen Thompson
The Lions have some uncertainty at the safety position due to injuries, as Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are both nursing significant injuries. While both could wind up returning to form, at this stage of the offseason there’s no guarantee that they’ll be ready to go by the start of the regular season.
As a result, the Lions should be proactive and go get a veteran capable of starting in the back-half of their defense. Thompson is a seven-year veteran who has spent the duration of his career in Arizona, and has notched nine interceptions in that span. A willing run defender, Thompson would be an effective veteran addition who could provide insurance on a short-term deal.
5. OT Braxton Jones
Having already made an external addition to their interior offensive line by acquiring Scruggs, but could also be looking to add veteran help at tackle. Swing tackle Dan Skipper retired and joined the team’s coaching staff, and this could be a role the Lions look to a veteran to fill.
Enter Jones, who has starter upside but at the very least will be a serviceable depth piece behind Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. With Decker being hampered by injuries last year, it would be a good investment by Detroit to add a veteran who has 44 starts under their belt like Jones.
4. CB Kader Kohou
Kohou may be a forgotten name amongst fan circles, as he missed all of last season with a knee injury. However, the Lions have pursued players with similar profiles over Holmes’ tenure as head coach, and the Lions have a need for secondary depth.
Amik Robertson, who has been the team’s slot corner for the better part of the last two years, is set to be a free agent. As a result, any addition the team could make would likely need to have some versatility. Kohou’s background is in the slot, as he had predominately played nickel for the Dolphins.
In an ideal world, the Lions are able to get the best out of Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw along with a strong year from D.J. Reed. However, Kohou has some upside at age 27 and could be a nice addition to the mostly young secondary.
3. RB Brian Robinson Jr.
The trade of Montgomery shakes up the Lions’ backfield, and breaks up what had been one of the league’s most prolific duos. As a result, the Lions could be in the market for another back to pair with the dynamic Jahmyr Gibbs.
Robinson is a big-bodied back who has fit nicely in a tandem throughout his career. He was a feature back at times for the Commanders, but was most recently a complimentary piece behind Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco.
In four seasons, Robinson has totaled 662 carries and 2,729 yards. With a career average of 4.1 yards per carry, he’s a big back who can be a nice second option behind Gibbs.
2. EDGE Boye Mafe
Aidan Hutchinson is one of the unquestioned top pass-rushers in the game, but the Lions will need to be sure to add or retain players around him at the position. Both Al-Quadin Muhammad and Marcus Davenport are free agents, and the Lions would be well-suited to look externally.
Mafe doesn’t have eye-popping statistics, but a closer look at his impact for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks indicates that he could fit Detroit’s defense well. He plays with a high motor, and could thrive working opposite of Hutchinson.
1. IOL Cade Mays
Even after acquiring Scruggs, the Lions still have some uncertainty on the interior offensive line. For starters, the release of Glasgow leaves them without a true center. Dan Campbell and company may be inclined to give Tate Ratledge another shot at the position, but Mays seems to be an ideal fit.
Mays started 27 of his 52 appearances over four seasons in Carolina, and impressed in 2025 when given the opportunity to start at the pivot position. The Tennessee product has the chance to blossom in a more consistent role, and the Lions’ current vacancy is the perfect fit for him.
Detroit may be out of the price range on top centers Tyler Linderbaum and Connor McGovern, but a player like Mays is a mid-tier, affordable option with plenty of upside to help stabilize the offensive line.
This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions/onsi
Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou (4) grabs Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (LYNNE SLADKY — AP Photo, file)
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 29 points and 11 assists, Tobias Harris scored 23 points and the NBA-leading Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 106-92 on Sunday night for their sixth straight road victory.
The Pistons improved to 45-14, winning for the eighth time in nine games. They have won 10 of 11 on the road and are 21-7 overall away from home.
Jalen Duren added 16 points and 10 rebounds for Detroit.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 24 points and 11 rebounds, but also had nine turnovers. Tristan da Silva added 19 points and Desmond Bane had 17, but the Magic shot 30.7% in the second half and experienced a third-quarter collapse for the second time in three nights. They squandered a 19-point lead in less than four minutes in a loss to Houston on Friday night.
After missing their first 15 3-point attempts, the Pistons were down 57-50 at halftime. They moved ahead for the first time on a 3-pointer by Harris midway through the third quarter, and took command with an 11-0 run.
Detroit forward Isaiah Stewart served the final game of a seven-game suspension for an altercation at Charlotte on Feb. 9. Magic guard Anthony Black missed a game for the first time this season, sitting out with a strained right quad.
Up next
Pistons: At Cleveland on Tuesday night.
Magic: Host Washington on Tuesday night.
— By DICK SCANLON, Associated Press
Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) and Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) go after a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Jaxon Kohler scored a season-high 21 points and Jeremy Fears Jr. added 21 points and nine assists to lead No. 13 Michigan State past Indiana 77-64 on Sunday.
Kur Tang finished with a career-high 18 points, making 6 of 8 from 3-point range — nearly half of the Spartans’ 13 3s. Kohler also grabbed 13 rebounds, his 12th double-double of the season as the Michigan State (24-5, 14-4 Big Ten) won its fourth straight.
The Spartans never trailed in winning at Assembly Hall for just the second time in six trips to complete a road sweep this week. They also won at No. 8 Purdue 76-74 on Thursday. It was coach Tom Izzo’s first trip to Bloomington since he broke the league record for conference wins in February 2025, breaking the mark held by former Hoosiers coach Bob Knight.
Lamar Wilkerson scored 19 of his game-high 29 points in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Indiana (17-12, 8-10) from a fourth consecutive loss. Tucker DeVries finished with 20 points and six rebounds, while Sam Alexis added eight points in a game Indiana’s bench players were shut out.
Michigan State used a hot start to take a 14-5 lead, then relied on its long-range flurry to thwart the Hoosiers from mounting serious challenge. The Spartans extended the margin to 39-26 on Teng’s fourth 3 of the game late in the first half.
Indiana managed to cut the halftime deficit to 45-37, then quickly fell into a 52-41 hole early in the second half. The Hoosiers got as close as 54-48 with 13:41 to play, but Teng answered with another 3 and the Spartans went on a 10-3 spurt to rebuild a 67-55 lead.
The Hoosiers never fully recovered.
Up next
Michigan State: Hosts Rutgers in its home finale Thursday.
Indiana: Closes out its home schedule Wednesday against Minnesota.
— By MICHAEL MAROT, Associated Press
Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler attempts to get past Indiana forward Reed Bailey (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Bloomington, In., Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
EAST LANSING (AP) — Jaloni Cambridge scored 33 points, Chance Gray added 21 and No. 13 Ohio State hit a program record 18 3-pointers in a 87-68 win over No. 15 Michigan State on Sunday afternoon in the regular season finale for both teams.
Cambridge shot 12 of 24 from the field and 7 of 12 from beyond the arc, the most she has made from deep all season. Gray shot 7 of 11 from 3-point range.
Elsa Lemilla recorded a double-double for the Buckeyes (24-6, 13-5 Big Ten) with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Kennedy Cambridge put up 10 points.
The Buckeyes had a 15-0 run in the second quarter, putting them up 38-11, and they went into halftime leading 49-26.
The Spartans (22-7, 11-7) were led in scoring by Grace VanSlooten, with 17. Rashunda Jones scored 16 and Ines Sotelo added 11.
Up next
Michigan State: Will be the No. 7 seed in the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis. The Spartans play on Thursday.
Ohio State: Can be the No. 4 seed in the Big Ten tournament with a Minnesota loss against Illinois, or the No. 5 seed if Minnesota wins.
Michigan State forward Grace VanSlooten drives to the basket against Washington center Yulia Grabovskaia during an NCAA basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Seattle. (STEPHEN BRASHEAR — AP Photo, file)
INDIANAPOLIS — Miami’s Keionte Scott didn’t answer if he met with the Detroit Lions at the NFL scouting combine, likely because he missed the start of the question. Still, he shared what it would mean to join Lions defenders Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, a pair many defensive back prospects admire.
“Brian Branch is a guy I’ve watched a lot, too, on tape,” Scott said. “Definitely a guy that’s very versatile, plays the game the right way. So that’d be meaningful to be able to get out there and be with them.”
With Branch and Joseph both dealing with injuries, it’s uncertain when any new Lions defender from this year’s draft will get to play alongside them. The Lions’ secondary is also in flux because of those injuries and possible departures, such as Amik Robertson, who was their main nickelback over the past two seasons.
That makes Scott an interesting candidate.
At 6 feet and 193 pounds, Scott is already bigger than Robertson and more similar in size to Branch. Last year at Miami, he played 756 snaps, with 489 in the slot and 196 at other spots on the field. This kind of versatility should help him in the NFL.
Scott believes this is the key to succeeding as a hybrid defensive back, a role Miami called the “STAR,” where he covered receivers, blitzed, and defended against the run.
“When you look at the position, it’s a very unique position. At times, you’ve got to be a defensive end, you’ve got to be a linebacker, you’ve got to be a safety, you’ve got to be a corner,” Scott said. “So I think it’s just the ability to be a Swiss army knife and be able to do multiple things and also thrive at it. I feel like it’s a key to defenses at times, and I feel like it needs to be evaluated that way.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Scott is a well-rounded nickel defender who could fill in if Branch needs more time to recover.
His 91.2 run defense grade shows he’s strong in the box, and his 87.1 coverage grade proves he can handle coverage duties. While he may not be a pure man-coverage specialist, his balanced skills make him a good fit as a versatile, every-down slot defender.
Last season, Scott recorded 42 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. He returned both interceptions for touchdowns.
Scott has a second-round grade and could be a Day 2 option for the Lions, depending on how they handle their other needs in free agency. He’s especially likely if the team adds another second-round pick.
The main concern teams like the Lions could have about Scott is his age.
He’ll be 25 when the NFL season starts, after playing several seasons at Snow and Auburn before his final year at Miami. When asked, Scott said he wasn’t worried about it.
“I’ve heard that going around, but I feel like this game we play now is a win-now game,” Scott said. “And I feel like that takes a lot of the age things away. Some of these teams, some of these coaches don’t have time to wait. So I feel like you evaluate players as they can play the game of football, because if you play this game, it doesn’t matter how old you are…I don’t think age is something that teams should be worried about.
“I know it’s obviously contract-wise, but when you’re in a win-now situation, you get the best guys.”
Miami defensive back Keionte Scott (0) during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game against Mississippi, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (RICK SCUTERI — AP Photo, file)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Giving a postgame interview in the bowels of the State Farm Center, Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. spotted former Illinois teammate Tomislav Ivisic.
“All right, Tommy, where’s my hug? Come here. No hug? Bro!”
Johnson was in mock disbelief as Ivisic flashed a particular finger in his direction. They would later chat as old friends do.
“Morez got every ball,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said, not with any disdain but matter-of-factly. Johnson is a beast and he played like one.
Last season, he did that for Illinois. This year, he’s doing that and more for Michigan. The 6-foot-9 sophomore forward is averaging 13.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
On Friday, he ignored — or at least blocked out — all the noise surrounding his return to Champaign. And there was a lot. Students were let in two hours before tip and they made their presence known during pregame warmups and through all but the final seconds of the game.
One fan held a fat head of Johnson’s face painted with clown makeup. Another had him in a navy blue jersey that read “TRAITOR.” Obscenities were shouted his way before and during the game. Johnson said his phone number was leaked Friday morning and he received a lot of messages as a result. His hotel room Thursday night was suspiciously warm.
Regardless, he was excited for Friday’s game. Before the game, he didn’t interact with as many Illinois personnel as Aday Mara had done during his UCLA reunion or Roddy Gayle Jr. when he faced Ohio State. That being said, Illinois, like Michigan, has a lot of transfers, so there aren’t many people there from his time in Champaign. He said there was no bad blood but beating his former school did make the Big Ten title even sweeter.
He welcomed the cooler poured on his back during the postgame celebration after his teammates waited for his arrival.
“Morez, from the jump ball, was a force,” Michigan coach Dusty May said. “I thought his defense was equally as impressive as his offense. Being able to guard bigs, guard smalls. He’s such a competitor.
“His day to day, his minute by minute is as impressive as any player I’ve ever been around. And I know that the Illinois staff and program and players have helped him on his journey as well to get to where he’s at. He’s a heck of a player.”
Michigan’s starting frontcourt — Johnson, Yaxel Lendeborg, Mara — was dominant against Illinois. Johnson and his ability to elevate his play, as opposed to letting the emotions of the night weigh him down, was big reason for that.
Illinois’ Zvonimir Ivisic (44) and Andrej Stojakovic (2) battle for position under the basket with Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr., center, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Champaign, Ill. (CRAIG PESSMAN — AP Photo)
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