Drew Stevens kicked a 44-yard field goal as time expired to give Iowa a 20-17 win over Michigan State on Saturday.

The kick capped a 13-point fourth-quarter comeback for the Hawkeyes (7-4, 5-3 Big Ten), who snapped a two-game losing streak.

The win brought some emotions from Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz after the game.

I guess as you get older, the highs get a little higher and the lows get a little lower, said Ferentz, his voice breaking as he spoke. My thought today we might be in one of those lowers.

Stevens, a senior playing his final home game, said after the game he had been thinking about his senior day in high school.

Believe it or not, I had missed one of those before, Stevens said. My senior game in high school, the last time I played at home, I missed a game-tying field goal. I put all the blame on me, that we lost the game because of me. I just immediately went back to that moment, and I'm grateful that I got the chance to do it, make it right.

Stevens had missed a 53-yard field goal at the end of the first half, but Ferentz knew what he had in his kicker at the end of the game.

I think all of us had faith Drew would get it done, Ferentz said.

Iowa trailed 17-7 after Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic threw two third-quarter touchdown passes to Chrishon McCray. But the Hawkeyes held the Spartans (3-8, 0-8) to just 26 yards on four possessions in the fourth quarter, sending Michigan State to its eighth consecutive loss and extending the Spartans Big Ten losing streak to nine games.

We didnt play great in the first three quarters, Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski said. But you have to stay in the present moment.

In that fourth quarter, we started looking like an offense, Ferentz said.

The Hawkeyes got to within 17-10 on Stevens 26-yard field goal with 11:27 left in the fourth quarter, then tied the game when Gronowski threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Gill with 1:29 to play. That drive was set up by a 40-yard punt return by Kaden Wetjen, who had returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter for Iowas first score and becoming the program's all-time leader in returns for touchdowns.

Iowa got the ball back on its own 21-yard line and drove 53 yards in five plays, setting up Stevens for his game winner.

With his leg, we knew we only had to get to the 40-yard line, Gronowski said. But we did better than that.

Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith described the loss as painful.

It's tough, he said. There's no other way to say it.

The Spartans seemed in control of the game after the third quarter. Milivojevic threw a 45-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline to McCray with 8:58 left in the quarter to give Michigan State a 10-7 lead, then threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to McCray near the end of the quarter to boost the lead to 17-7.

The Spartans had a 335-301 edge in offensive yards. Milivojevic threw for 255 yards.

The takeaway

Michigan State: The Spartans looked ready to break their long losing skid then lost control in the fourth quarter when Iowas defense finally responded. Punting to Wetjen, one of the best returners in the nation, proved to be unwise, especially late in the game. Special teams hurt us, Smith said.

Iowa: The Hawkeyes were lifeless on offense until the fourth quarter. Gronowski didnt complete a pass until the second quarter and finished with 147 yards passing. Iowas defense also responded by shutting down the Spartans in the fourth quarter. We fought back and we were able to finish it, Gronowski said.

Up next

Michigan State: Hosts Maryland in Detroit on Saturday

Iowa: At Nebraska on Friday

Fifty of the 303 schoolchildren abducted from a Catholic school in north-central Nigerias Niger state have escaped captivity and are now with their families, the school authority said Sunday, bringing relief to some distraught families after one of the largest school abductions in Nigeria's history.

The schoolchildren, aged between 10 and 18, escaped individually between Friday and Saturday, according to the Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger state and the proprietor of the school. A total of 253 schoolchildren and 12 teachers are still held by the kidnappers, he said in a statement.

We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents, Yohanna said.

The pupils and students were seized together with their teachers by gunmen who attacked the St. Marys School, a Catholic institution in Niger states remote Papiri community, on Friday. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the abductions and authorities have said tactical squads have been deployed alongside local hunters to rescue the children.

It was not immediately clear where the Niger state children were being held or how they managed to return home. Nigerias military and police did not immediately respond to an Associated Press inquiry.

As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims, the Yohanna said.

The Niger state attack happened four days after 25 schoolchildren were seized in similar circumstances in neighboring Kebbi states Maga town, which is 106 miles away.

Both states are in a northern region of Nigeria where dozens of armed gangs have used kidnapping for ransom as one way of dominating remote communities with little government and security presence.

Satellite image shows that the Niger state school compound is attached to an adjoining primary school, with more than 50 classroom and dormitory buildings. Its located near a major road linking the towns of Yelwa and Mokwa.

School kidnappings have come to define insecurity in Africas most populous nation, and armed gangs often see schools as strategic targets to draw more attention.

Niger state hurriedly closed down all schools after Fridays attack, while some federal colleges in conflict hotspots across the region were also closed by the Nigerian government.

Bryson Kuzdzal ran for 100 yards and three touchdowns to help No. 18 Michigan to a 45-20 victory over Maryland on Saturday, a week before the Wolverines host top-ranked Ohio State.

Michigan (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten, No. 18 CFP) was without injured running backs Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall, but the Wolverines were still superior on the ground, and Michigan finished with its highest scoring output in conference play this season.

Proud of this team, Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore said. How they prepared and how they never looked forward the whole week. It's so easy to be able to do that with that game on the horizon.

Bryce Underwood defeated Malik Washington in a matchup of two impressive freshman quarterbacks. Maryland (4-7, 1-7) scored on the game's first drive but could not avoid a seventh straight loss. Underwood threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns for Michigan, while Washington passed for 210 yards and a touchdown with an interception.

With the score tied at 7 in the first quarter, Underwood's pass probably should have been intercepted by Lavain Scruggs, but the defensive back couldn't hold onto the ball. The Wolverines eventually took the lead on a 2-yard TD run by Kuzdzal. After an interception by Michigan's Mason Curtis gave the offense a short field, Underwood's 22-yard scoring pass to Donaven McCulley made it 21-7.

Kuzdzal added touchdown runs of 19 and 1 yards in the third quarter, and Jasper Parker scored on a 6-yarder in the fourth that made it 42-13.

We held their run pretty good until later in the third and into the fourth quarter, Maryland defensive back Jalen Huskey said. That's something we can build on.

Michigan will try for its fifth straight win over Ohio State next week. Underwood heads into that game on a high note, but the injuries in the backfield could be a significant concern. In addition to Haynes and Marshall, the Wolverines also have to worry about fullback Max Bredeson, who was on crutches on the sideline during the second half Saturday.

After Washington opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Dorian Fleming, Maryland tried a surprise onside kick, but Michigan recovered and quickly tied it on Underwood's 12-yard scoring toss to Andrew Marsh.

The takeaway

Michigan: The Wolverines avoided the mistakes that plagued them a week earlier, when they had five turnovers in a tight win over Northwestern. It hasn't always been pretty, but Michigan can now make a compelling playoff case if it can knock off the Buckeyes.

Maryland: The Terrapins will finish with a losing record for a second consecutive year. The future might be brighter thanks to Washington, but Maryland needs to improve its running game and its ability to defend the run.

Keeping drives going

Michigan converted its first seven third downs and finished 12 of 14. The Wolverines did not have a single punt their only scoreless drives were a missed field goal and the end of both halves.

Up next

Michigan: Hosts Ohio State on Saturday.

Maryland: Faces Michigan State in Detroit on Saturday.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Cade Cunningham had 29 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds as the Detroit Pistons capitalized on sizzling shooting to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 129-116 on Saturday night for their 12th straight victory.

Detroit's Jaden Ivey played 15 minutes and scored 10 points in his first game since breaking his left fibula on Jan. 1. Tobias Harris scored 18 points while playing for the first time since Nov. 1 after dealing with a sprained right ankle.

Milwaukees Giannis Antetokounmpo missed a second straight game due to an adductor strain.

The Pistons are one victory away from matching the longest winning streak in franchise history. Detroit won 13 straight games in 1989-90 and 2003-04, and the Pistons went on to win the NBA title both seasons.

Detroit also ended a 13-game skid in this series by beating the Bucks for the first time since a 115-106 triumph at Milwaukee on Jan. 3, 2022. That had been tied for the second-longest active win streak by any one team against another.

The longest such active streak is owned by the Los Angeles Clippers, who beat the Charlotte Hornets for a 15th straight time Saturday as James Harden scored 55 points in a 131-116 game.

Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff said during his pregame availability that Cunningham had brought up the Pistons lack of success against the Bucks to the rest of the team earlier in the day.

Jalen Duren had 19 points and Duncan Robinson 15 for Detroit, which shot 53.3% (16 of 30) from 3-point range and 62.8% (49 of 78) overall. Ryan Rollins had 24 and Bobby Portis added 18 for Milwaukee.

The Bucks have lost four straight to drop below .500 for the first time this season.

Detroit pulled ahead for good in the second quarter and led by as many as 29.

Up next

Pistons: Visit the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.

Bucks: Host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem awarded Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at Harry Reid International Airport bonus checks for their "exemplary service" during the government shutdown.

On Saturday, she held a press conference recognizing a select number of TSA agents with bonus checks for $10,000 many of whom worked unpaid during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history at 43 days.

"Today, I'm announcing that I'm going to be giving the individuals behind me and many other TSOs across the country bonus checks. Bonus checks for doing their job with excellence," Noem said.

WATCH: Kristi Noem holds press conference at Harry Reid International Airport

FULL PRESS CONFERENCE: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announces bonus checks for select Harry Reid TSA agents

Several of the TSA agents shared their stories of hardships during the shutdown. Noem said the selected agents who received bonus checks were considered based off their peers' feedback.

She formally recognized the work of Angela Stephen, Michael Armstrong, Monica Degro and James Gladwin among the agents present at the conference.

Noem also announced her agency will be investing more than $1 billion in new technology and advancements in security systems at checkpoints in airports across the country.

"It is not only our responsibility to keep travelers safe but to make sure that we're getting them to their locations and to their destinations safely, on time and efficiently," Noem said.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | TSA proposes $18 fee for fliers who forget their ID

Last week, Noem awarded $10,000 bonuses to TSA officers at Logan International Airport in Boston.

President Trump and I are giving a $10,000 bonus to exemplary TSA officers across our nation who went above and beyond their performance. Thank you to the men and women of TSA," Noem said.

Homeland Security is paying for the bonuses using carryover funds from Fiscal Year 2025.

An Israeli airstrike Sunday struck Beirut for the first time since June. Its military says it was targeting a Hezbollah militant.

The strike, in the south of the capital, comes as Israeli airstrikes over southern Lebanon have intensified in recent weeks.

Israel's military did not provide any other details on what it called a precise strike, nor has Hezbollah commented on the incident yet. A large plume of smoke can be seen in the busy Haret Hreik neighborhood.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Israel says it received the remains of 3 hostages from Gaza as fragile ceasefire holds

One video widely circulated on social media shows dozens of people crowded around the area of the strike, which appears to be just next to a building.

There was no immediate word about casualties.

Israel and the United States have been piling the pressure on Lebanon to disarm the powerful militant group. The Lebanese military issued a plan the government approved in September that would disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year across the country.

Israel says Hezbollah is trying to rebuild its military capabilities in southern Lebanon, whereas the Lebanese government has denied those claims.

The biggest travel week is upon us and the weather across Metro Detroit will range from mild and wet earlier in the week to cold and wintry to wrap up the holiday. 

The first storm system will bring a chance for light-to-moderate rain showers across the area throughout the day Tuesday.  However, temperatures will remain on the mild side for late November with highs in the low 50s. 

 

A second front will sweep through the area on Wednesday with another round of rain trying to scoot through Metro Detroit.  This time it will trigger strong winds and much colder weather with temperatures tumbling throughout the day.

Youll definitely need to bundle up on Thanksgiving!  The blast of frigid air settles in for the holiday and sticks around for the weekend.  Morning lows will start in the 20s and afternoon temperatures will only rise into the 30s.  There will be a biting wind chill in the teens and 20s.  This winter-like chill will ignite the lake-effect machine across the Great Lakes, including Metro Detroit.  If youre traveling across Michigan on Thanksgiving Day, youll need to watch for slick and snowy road conditions through the heavier snow belt areas, like northwest Lower Michigan, the U.P. and the southwest portions of Lower Michigan. It looks like we may catch a brief break from the snow across Metro Detroit on Friday, but the typical Michigan snow belts will likely see more lake effect to finish the week.

 

Well keep an eye on next weekend for another potential storm system moving through Lower Michigan.  Its still a bit far away but be on alert for a hit of wintry weather, which could lead to messy travel after Thanksgiving with snow developing next Saturday changing to a wintry mix to close out the weekend. 

 

The Climate Prediction Center has consistently displayed an upcoming atmospheric pattern shift bringing this winter-like weather across Metro Detroit.Again, the initial taste of arctic air filtering in midweek and maintaining its cold grip on the region into, at least, early December.   

The newly renovated Helen Moore Community Center officially opened Saturday on Detroit's west side.

Watch Tiarra's report in the video player below Community center and park honoring 2 Detroit community leaders opens to the public

The building, formerly known as the Dexter-Elmhurst Community Center, was renamed to honor Helen Moore, a longtime Detroit activist who has spent six decades fighting to improve education for Black children in the city.

"I'm so happy that it's completed and I will be here quite often," Moore said.

Moore also led the fight to reopen the community center on Dexter Avenue after it closed in 2019.

"It was totally empty in there, there were all kinds of violations, that's why we lost the center but it wasn't done by us, it was done by the people who owned the center and they kept changing ownership," Moore said.

The city took over ownership of the building and completed much-needed renovations before the official reopening. Moore was present as officials cut the ribbon to the community center that now bears her name.

"It gives me a lot of joy to know that we are going to continue what we started and that our people will have a beautiful place to come to with their families," Moore said.

The renovated facility includes a gym, computer lab, STEM and art rooms. Outside the community center, a brand new park was named after Ed Davis, the first African American new car dealership owner in the United States.

"It's like a dream come true, it really is," said Detroit City Council member Fred Durhal III.

Durhal grew up attending the community center. His father, Fred Durhal Jr., a former Michigan state representative, advocated for the center. Durhal Jr. died earlier this week.

"I know he is smiling today because Dexter is a little bit brighter," Durhal said.

Meanwhile Helen Moore emphasized the community center's importance to the neighborhood and expressed joy that residents can enjoy it once again.

"We had children they came in here that didn't have water in their buildings and some of their houses even had holes in the roof, this was home to them and we made sure that they knew they were welcomed here," Moore said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Wednesday marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It happened in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, and the limo he was riding in at the time is on display in metro Detroit.

That limo is part of the "Presidential Vehicles" exhibit at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, which also includes limos from Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower and more.

According to The Henry Ford, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine was called X-100 by the Secret Service. It was assembled by Ford Motor Company at its Lincoln plant in Wixom in January 1961 and was customized in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Secret Service leased the car from Ford Motor Company for $500 per year, and some of its special features included removable steel and transparent plastic roof panels, two steps on the rear bumper, four retractable steps for agents, a rear seat to elevate the president and more.

Kennedy was sitting in the back right seat of the limo when it went through Dallas with the roof off when the shooting happened around 12:30 p.m. central time. He was hit in the neck and the head and was pronounced dead shortly after.

According to The Henry Ford, the X-100 was impounded for evidence in the weeks after the assassination and then plans were made to modify the car in Cincinnati.

The White House approved a plan to revamp the car in December 1963 and work was completed in May of 1964 with the help of a committee of six people representing the Secret Service and more.

The car was then put through testing in Cincinnati and Dearborn before it was delivered to The White House, according to The Henry Ford.

Once again, the X-100 went through major modifications in 1967, and went on to be used occasionally through the Carter administration.

The Henry Ford said it remained in service until early 1977 when it was returned to Ford after its lease and then went on display at The Henry Ford.

Turkey trots are a popular way for novice and experienced runners to burn a few calories before sitting down at the Thanksgiving dinner table and theyre growing in popularity.

According to RunSignup, more than 1.1 million people participated in a turkey trot last Thanksgiving at one of over 936 races across the United States. The number of people who registered through RunSignup has nearly quadrupled over the past eight years.

In 2023, 920,000 participants used RunSignup to sign up for a Thanksgiving Day race, though the actual number was higher because some races use other registration platforms.

While some turkey trots welcomed just a few dozen runners, RunSignup noted that 322 races on Thanksgiving last year had at least 1,000 participants, up from 249 the year before.

These races happen nationwide all 50 states had at least one Thanksgiving Day event, with Florida leading the way at 56.

RELATED STORY | When will stores open? What to expect for Black Friday 2025

The vast majority of races (91.6%) offered a 5K (3.11 miles) distance. Fewer included one-mile, 10K and half marathon options.

Beyond fitness, turkey trots raise significant funds for charity. RunSignup said turkey trot registrations it managed in 2024 raised more than $3.6 million for various causes.

Expert tips for running a turkey trot

With so many runners hitting the starting line, these races can be a good introduction to running for beginners. If youre signed up for a race, here are tips from Cleveland Clinic exercise physiologist Katie Lawton:

Pick a manageable distance. Turkey trots range from one mile to a half marathon, but Lawton says a 5K is often best for beginners. Train ahead of time. Even with race day close, try to log a few miles beforehand. Run with a group. Invite friends or family to join for added fun. Wear comfortable shoes. Any athletic shoe works for a one-time 5K, but if you plan to keep training, invest in running or walking shoes. Specialty stores can help find the right fit. Dress for the weather. Layer clothing so you can remove pieces as you warm up. Hydrate. Drink water before and after the race, especially if you sweated or drank alcohol the night before. Pace yourself. Slower runners should start toward the back of the pack to give faster runners a clear path. Cool down and refuel. Keep moving after the race and eat a light snack, such as a banana or granola bar.

A Washington state resident is believed to be the first person to die from a rare strain of bird flu, but state health officials said Friday the risk to the public is low.

The person, an older adult with underlying health conditions, was being treated for a bird flu called H5N5 after becoming seemingly the first known human infected by the strain, according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Health.

The person from Grays Harbor County, about 78 miles southwest of Seattle, had a backyard flock of domestic poultry that had been exposed to wild birds, health officials said.

RELATED STORY | CDC ends its emergency response to bird flu as cases decline

The risk to the public remains low," the statement from state health officials said. No other people involved have tested positive for avian influenza.

Health officials said they will monitor anyone who came in close contact with the person, but there is no evidence of transmission of this virus between people."

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement about the infection that said no information would suggest the risk to public health has increased as a result of this case.

H5N5 is not believed to be a greater threat to human health than the H5N1 virus behind a wave of 70 reported human infections in the U.S. in 2024 and 2025. Most of those have been mild illnesses in workers on dairy and poultry farms.

The distinction between H5N5 and H5N1 lies in a protein involved in releasing the virus from an infected cell and promoting spread to surrounding cells.

A bipartisan group of senators echoed concerns over a peace deal pitched by President Donald Trump to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Five senators three Democrats, a Republican and an independent released a statement saying they share significant concerns about the peace deal. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Thom Tillis, R-N.C.; Peter Welch, D-Vt.; Chris Coons, D-Del.; and Angus King, I-Maine, gave the joint statement.

We share significant concerns over the details of the reported peace plan that has been released, the senators said. For over 10 years, Russia has illegally occupied Ukrainian territory and for almost four years, Ukraine has admirably defended itself against Russias attempts to fully occupy Ukraine. No one wants a just and lasting peace more than the Ukrainian people.

However, we will not achieve that lasting peace by offering Putin concession after concession and fatally degrading Ukraines ability to defend itself.

Trump has given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until Thursday to accept the deal.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine risks losing its dignity and the support of the United States as a key international ally if it signs the agreement.

Circulated points of the plan, which have not been independently confirmed by Scripps News, indicate Ukraine would be called on to give up some eastern territory, including the Donbas, and areas it currently controls. It would be required to cap its military size and forgo seeking NATO membership, instead relying on security guarantees from the U.S.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the agreement could represent the basis for a peace deal but denied that Russia had substantive talks ongoing.

Trump briefly discussed the plan on Saturday.

RELATED STORY | Zelenskyy warns Ukraine risks losing key ally or dignity with US plan

Wed like to get to peace. It should have happened a long time ago. The Ukraine war with Russia should have never happened. If I were president, it never would have happened. Were trying to get it ended one way or the other. We have to get it, he said.

But the group of senators suggested the cost of ending the war might be too high.

History teaches us that Putin only understands strength and will not abide by any agreement unless it is backed by force. We must consult closely with our Ukrainian and NATO partners on the path forward, they said. We should put real pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table. And we must make clear to the Kremlin and would-be aggressors in Beijing that America will stand unwaveringly in defense of freedom.

In the meantime, Zelenskyy met with several key allies Saturday at the G20 conference, which Trump did not attend.

European Union President Ursula von der Leyen expressed concerns over aspects of the deal, saying it would need additional work.

We are ready to engage in order to ensure that a future peace is sustainable. We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force, she said. We are also concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraines armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack.

Cracker Barrel shareholders voted Thursday to keep company CEO Julie Felss Masino in place despite a debacle over the company's logo that continues to hurt its sales.

But one of the company's directors, Gilbert Davila, resigned from Cracker Barrel's board Thursday after preliminary results indicated that shareholders rejected his reelection.

Davila, who joined Cracker Barrel's board in 2020, is the president and CEO of DMI Consulting, a multicultural marketing firm. He reviewed Cracker Barrel's advertising as part of his role on the board. Two influential shareholder advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis, had recommended against Davila's reelection ahead of the vote.

Sardar Biglari, a longtime Cracker Barrel shareholder and activist investor, was among those pressing for the ouster of Masino and Davila. Biglari is the chairman and CEO of Biglari Holdings Inc., a San Antonio, Texas-based company that owns Steak n Shake. He also owns 3% of Cracker Barrels shares.

Our campaign is about saving Cracker Barrel from a board and management team that are out of touch with Cracker Barrels customer base, Biglari said in a letter sent earlier this month to Cracker Barrel investors.

In its own statement, Cracker Barrel thanked its shareholders and said it was committed to returning the company to sales growth.

We are more focused than ever on delivering high-quality food and experiences to our guests while staying true to the heritage that makes Cracker Barrel so special, ensuring we are here to welcome families around our table for generations to come, the company said.

Cracker Barrel's shares fell nearly 5.5% Thursday to close at $25.97 per share. They are down 52% from the start of this year.

RELATED STORY | Cracker Barrel reverts logo changes and returns to original signage, vows what you love isnt going anywhere

Cracker Barrel hired Masino, a longtime Taco Bell and Starbucks executive, in July 2023. She was chosen for her record as an innovator, with the hope that she would attract new customers to Cracker Barrel, which operates 660 restaurants in 43 states.

Masino introduced updated menu items, like Hashbrown Casserole Shepherds Pie, to increase Cracker Barrels dinnertime traffic. She also started remodeling the companys dark, antique-filled restaurants, lightening the walls and installing more comfortable seating.

But her decision in August to simplify the chains logo had disastrous consequences. Fans didnt like that the new logo didnt include Cracker Barrels longtime mascot, an overall-clad man leaning on a barrel, or the words Old Country Store. They also rebelled against the store redesigns.

Cracker Barrel reversed course a week later, saying it would keep its old logo. In early September, the company also suspended the remodeling of its restaurants.

The moves could hurt Cracker Barrels sales well into next year. Cracker Barrel said in September that store traffic would likely be down between 7% and 8% in its fiscal first quarter and could decline 4% to 7% for the full 2026 fiscal year, which began Aug. 2.

After the NCAA voted to allow college athletes to wager on professional sports, Division I school leaders have decided to rescind the rule change.

The reversal follows a Justice Department investigation alleging that an active NBA player and coach were involved in an illegal sports and poker gambling scheme.

Last month, Division I leaders approved allowing athletes to bet on professional sports. Later, leaders of Division II and Division III schools voted in favor as well. While Divisions II and III typically consist of smaller universities whose athletes are less likely to turn professional, much of the talent in the four major U.S. pro sports leagues comes from Division I programs.

The rule change was set to take effect Nov. 1, but schools were given until Nov. 21 to rescind their approval.

After a procedural 30-day period, two-thirds of Division I member schools have voted to rescind a previously approved rule change that would have allowed student-athletes and athletics department staff members to legally participate in sports betting on professional sports only, the NCAA said Friday. Because sports betting rules are common legislation, the ban on all forms of betting for sports in which the NCAA sponsors a championship will remain in place for all three NCAA divisions.

An anonymous NCAA survey in 2024 found that, despite bylaws prohibiting it, 22% of male athletes and 5% of female athletes wagered on sports.

The NCAA has faced several gambling scandals in recent months. On Friday, the organization said a former Temple basketball player and two former staff members bet on professional and college sports. The former player, Hysier Miller, admitted to betting on his team and was accused of betting against Temple three times.

Earlier this week, the NCAA said more than one-third of Division I mens basketball players reported being harassed by bettors.

Detroit Hibachi is one of metro Detroit's newest restaurants serving up sizzling hibachi with a twist.

The restaurant is 100-percent halal, with a menu offering chicken, steak and shrimp hibachi. Detroit Hibachi is located at 1339 W. Eight Mile in Highland Park.

To learn more or see the menu, visit https://www.instagram.com/detroithibachico/?hl=en

Dr. Smita Das often hears the same myth: You cant get hooked on pot.

And the misconception has become more widespread as a growing number of states legalize marijuana. Around half now allow recreational use for adults and 40 states allow medical use.

But cannabis is definitely something that someone can develop an addiction to, said Das, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford University.

Its called cannabis use disorder and its on the rise, affecting about 3 in 10 people who use pot, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here's how to know whether you or a loved one are addicted to marijuana and what kinds of treatment exist.

How to identify signs of cannabis use disorder

If pot interferes with your daily life, health or relationships, those are red flags.

The more that somebody uses and the higher potency that somebody uses, the higher the risk of that, Das said.

It's become more common as cannabis has gotten stronger in recent years. In the 1960s, most pot that people smoked contained less than 5% THC, the ingredient that gets you high. Today, the THC potency in cannabis flower and concentrates in dispensaries can reach 40% or more, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

RELATED STORY | Marijuana users under age 50 are six times more likely to have a heart attack, study finds

Cannabis use disorder is diagnosed the same way as any other substance use disorder by looking at whether someone meets certain criteria laid out in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the main guide for mental health providers.

These include needing more of the drug to get the same effect, having withdrawal symptoms and spending a lot of time trying to get or use it.

When we break it down into these criteria that have to do with the impacts of their use, its a lot more relatable," Das said.

What the different levels of addiction are

If you've met just two of the criteria for cannabis use disorder in the last year, doctors say you have a mild form of the condition. If you meet six or more, you have a more severe form.

According to the latest version of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7% of all people 12 or older had cannabis use disorder in 2024 and most had a mild form. About 1 in 5 had a severe form.

People can be dependent on and addicted to substances. Dependence is physical, while addiction involves behavior changes.

Marijuana doesn't affect everyone the same way, though. The same amount can have major impacts on one person's daily life but have no impact on another person's, Das said. It really comes down to: How much is that substance impacting someones functioning and life day-to-day?

Where people can get help for cannabis use disorder

Many marijuana users first come to Das for help coping with something else, like alcohol use disorder. Later, she said, theyll often come back and mention a struggle with cannabis.

She assures them that there are effective treatments for the disorder.

One is called motivational interviewing, a goal-oriented counseling style that helps people find internal motivation to change their behavior. Another is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, a form of talk therapy that helps people to challenge negative thought patterns and reduce unhelpful behaviors.

Twelve-step programs like Marijuana Anonymous can also be helpful, Das said. But whether someone chooses to join a group or not, even being able to lean on a community of people who arent using pot is an important part for recovery.

Dave Bushnell, a retired digital executive creative director, started a Reddit group 14 years ago for people who, like him, had developed an addiction or dependency to cannabis and wanted help recovering. Its discussion forum has 350,000 members and continues to grow.

Bushnell, 60, said peer support is essential to recovery and some people feel more comfortable chatting online than in person. This is potheads taking care of potheads, he said.

Doctors urged people who need help to get it, whether it's with a professional or in a peer group.

As with alcohol, just because somethings legal doesnt mean that its safe," Das said.

Have a frozen Thanksgiving turkey in the freezer? Depending on its size, you may need to start thawing it now.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, heres the general rule for moving a turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator:

4 to 12 pounds 1 to 3 days 12 to 16 pounds 3 to 4 days 16 to 20 pounds 4 to 5 days 20 to 24 pounds 5 to 6 days

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Missed the deadline? You can thaw the turkey in cold water, though it requires more effort. The USDA recommends placing the turkey in a leak-proof bag, submerging it in cold tap water and changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.

Heres how long it takes using cold water:

4 to 12 pounds 2 to 6 hours 12 to 16 pounds 6 to 8 hours 16 to 20 pounds 8 to 10 hours 20 to 24 pounds 10 to 12 hours

Once thawed, the turkey should be cooked within one to two days to avoid contamination.

The USDA says its safe to cook a turkey from frozen, but it generally takes about 50% longer.

For food safety, cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Other tips experts remind home cooks:

Never thaw a turkey on the counter. Keep it refrigerated while thawing, check the packaging for leaks, use a meat thermometer and let the turkey rest before carving. Wash hands and surfaces often to prevent salmonella.

Experts also recommend factoring in extra time if you plan to marinate or brine the turkey after thawing.

For the sixth consecutive year, Black Friday will predominantly be a Friday event as most major retailers have shifted away from opening on Thanksgiving Thursday since the pandemic.

Some stores, such as Walgreens, Dollar Tree, and Dollar General will open on Thanksgiving. Some grocery chains, like Kroger and Albertsons, have limited hours on Thanksgiving.

Most major retailers tell Scripps News they plan to open early on Friday, which is considered the busiest in-person shopping day of the year.

When will stores open for Black Friday?

Most major retailers will open several hours early the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers noted there might be some local variations in hours.

Here is when stores will be open (list will be updated as retailers announce updated hours):

Bass Pro Shops: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Best Buy: TBA Cabela's: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Costco: 10 a.m. to regular close (store open one hour early for Executive Members) Dick's Sporting Goods: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dollar General: Normal hours Gap: Opening as early as 5 a.m., but hours will vary Home Goods: TBA Kohl's: 5 a.m. to midnight Lowe's: 6 a.m. to regular close JCPenney: TBA Macy's: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Marshall's: 7 a.m. opening Old Navy: Opening as early as 5 a.m., but hours will vary Target: 6 a.m. opening TJ Maxx: 7 a.m. opening Walmart: Normal hours, generally 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.How busy will Black Friday be?

If last year is any indication, stores will be busy. According to the National Retail Federation, 2024 marked the busiest Black Friday in five years. The day attracted 81.7 million in-person shoppers, which was up from 76.2 million the year before.

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But 2024 Black Friday remained below pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, the National Retail Federation estimated that 84.2 million people shopped in person on Black Friday.

The National Retail Federation expects Black Friday to be quite busy again this year, with 197 million people to shop online, in-person or both Thanksgiving weekend.

Noel Night taking a hiatus this year.

With that in mind, business leaders in Midtown Detroit are hosting the inaugural Merry Midtown celebration. The event will be taking place on Saturday, December 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the North Cass district.

More than 25 local businesses and restaurants will be offering extended hours, seasonal shopping, dining specials, and family-friendly activities. Highlights will include exclusive deals of up to 50% off, live music, DJs, a hot cocoa bar, festive treats, and visits from Santa & Mrs. Claus.

For more information, visit

https://www.instagram.com/p/DRQKSCFCdNW/