GRAND LEDGE — Detroit Country Day did the heavy lifting in the first 40 minutes, scoring three goals by halftime to beat South Haven 4-1 Saturday afternoon to win the D3 state title.

It marks the 16th state championship in program history and Country Day’s second under Steve Bossert after last lifting the D2 trophy seven seasons ago.

“On our practice jersey, we’ve got all the numbers,” Country Day senior forward Micah Zacks said. “I’m glad we got to add one.”

It looked written in the stars by the interval for the Yellowjackets, who already began to pepper South Haven senior netminder Alex Jaimes (1.20 goals per game allowed through regionals) within the opening 10 minutes. However, just after that a throw-in led to an aerial opportunity for sophomore Rye Clegg, whose header from seven or eight yards out was directed well to make it 1-0 Yellowjackets 10:31 into the game.

Philip Mateer executed a roulette away from his defender to carve a chance out for Yousef Darwich that required a low save by Jaimes less than five minutes later, but moments after Darwich knocked again and wouldn’t be denied, doubling the lead with a little less than 25 minutes to play in the half.

That ended any hopes the Rams (18-5-4) may have had of relying on their size and the abilities of Jaimes to weather the early onslaught unblemished.

“When we’ve scored early this year, then we can keep the ball away from teams, and then they have to try and get us and we can move it around them,” Bossert said. “It’s just really difficult to play against, so getting that first goal early, then another one, it was a little like the semifinal game (against Lansing Catholic) where we just kind of piled them on (from there).”

In this case, the pile-on initiative was carried out by Country Day’s senior offensive leaders, Tino Haratsaris (22 goals, 19 assists entering the final) and Zacks (15 G/14 A). Haratsaris got onto the ball to the goalkeeper’s right near the end line, then played a cutback pass for Zacks, who met the ball with a rising effort into the net that made it a three-goal affair with over 18 minutes still to play before the break.

Country Day had to wait until after intermission to continue padding its lead, but tacked on its last goal with 35:35 remaining as Haratsaris assisted Zacks in very similar fashion to the previous one.

“I just work with (assistant coach Ricardo Lopes) all year on driving to the baseline and dropping that slotback pass,” said Haratsaris, who estimated he’s played nearly 100 games with Zacks. “We work on it so much, I just know where he’s going to be, and he’s just a great striker.”

“I can’t say enough about Tino,” added Zacks. “He’s great. When I’m making a run I know he’s going to find me with the ball, and just being able to finish past a great goalie, it felt great.”

Jaimes did his best to keep it from getting too out of hand, laying out to deny Kris Bushkashi as he reached double-digit saves with still over 20 minutes remaining. Zacks nearly traded his scoring boots for the assisting hat on a ball teased behind the line to Haratsaris, but a shot off the toe of his boot swiveled wide of the post with a little over 17 minutes left.

Both attackers had a laugh when asking if there was a concerted effort to get Haratsaris a goal as time was winding down and the result all but certain.

“Yeah, I was definitely hoping (Tino) would get one,” Zacks said, “but he’s got more goals than me, so it’s alright.”

It seemed as though the best chance for South Haven would be part of a sequence just inside the final 10 minutes. A free kick where the Rams’ players were searching to get a foot to a ball rattled around among the crowd briefly before the Yellowjackets put out the fire. However, the Rams settled on a more spectacular consolation effort when, after Country Day starting goalkeeper Mitchell Hamway’s day was done, junior Jaden Bolhuis rocketed a shot from at least 35 yards distance into the opposite upper-90.

The Yellowjackets (22-2-1) began the season at the Boyne Mountain Invitational, where they suffered a 1-0 loss to Forest Hills Central. They went on and avenged the only other regular season games they didn’t win — a draw to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and a loss to Ann Arbor Greenhills — by beating those teams back-to-back in districts (Notre Dame Prep) and regionals on their way to the summit.

“Every year I tell my wife that we don’t have it this year, and the first day of tryouts we always look kind of ragtaggy,” Bossert said. “Right after tryouts, we went right up to Boyne and had four games against some pretty good competition, and we played really well, were moving the ball all over the place, and it just seemed like we were going to be able to keep the ball … After we came back from the Boyne trip, I said (to my wife), ‘I think we might be pretty good.’ A couple weeks after that, I said, ‘I think we might do this.’

“We beat a ton of ranked teams all year, and had the top MPR, and it just seemed like we were going to get here. We just had to take care of business, and they did it today.”

Opposite top-ranked DCD, South Haven came into the playoffs outside the polls, but toppled a handful of top-15 sides to reach the final. Country Day beat the Rams for a pair of state championships while coached by Paul Bartoshuk (2004, 2009).

The Yellowjackets previously won it on Bossert’s watch in D2 in 2018, then were runners-up to Hudsonville Unity Christian in D3 two seasons ago.

“It feels great,” Haratsaris said. “We’ve been working at this for four years, and we knew we had the group of guys that was going to be able to get the job done. As long as we stayed close together, we were going to finish it off, and here we are, champions.”

By Richard Silva, The Detroit News

ALLEN PARK — In their professional careers, this is Round 4.

But in their lives, they’ve squared off countless times.

Within Sunday’s game between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings lies a matchup layered with history and competition: Amik Robertson vs. Justin Jefferson. The two are incredibly familiar with one another, having grown up attending rival high schools in Louisiana. Robertson went to Thibodaux. Jefferson went to Destrehan. They battled at college camps throughout their recruitments before Robertson committed to Louisiana Tech. Jefferson ended up at LSU, where he spent three seasons and won a national championship in 2019.

“It’s always a great opportunity to go against the best,” Robertson said of Jefferson. “(We) all have a great respect for him. He’s a dog, but I’m a dog, too.”

Robertson had a standout performance while shadowing Jefferson in Week 18 last season, helping limit the receiver to 54 yards on three catches, way below his career average of 95.6 yards per game, which is currently the highest for any player in NFL history. The Lions, who beat Minnesota at Ford Field to secure their second consecutive NFC North title, benefitted from a handful of errant throws from former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Still, Robertson was attached to Jefferson’s hip throughout, barking out some smack.

“A lot, but I’ve always been a confident guy,” Robertson said, when asked how much confidence he drew from that January outing. “Of course, it gave me a lot of confidence, just to show the world that I can play this game. That was new to the world, old to me.”

In their three previous meetings, Jefferson has caught 12 of his 20 targets for 162 yards and a touchdown, though he left their first duel with a chest injury in 2023 (when Robertson was still on the Las Vegas Raiders) after playing only 13 snaps. Jefferson beat Robertson for a 25-yard touchdown in Minnesota last season.

“I love his competitive spirit,” Jefferson said this week of Robertson. “I love the way he approaches the game, his energy, his trash talk. That’s all something that I’m used to, with knowing him and playing against him. I just love that type of energy and love that type of competition.”

Although Sunday’s game has less stakes than last year’s Week 18 bout, Robertson intends to approach it with the “same smoke.” His competitive edge doesn’t come from playing in big-time moments. That helps, naturally. But, as he put it, “any time you get to step foot on that grass and face an opponent, you’ve got to come with the same smoke, man. You can’t get too high because that’s when you get knocked off.”

Respect between Robertson and Jefferson is high. Robertson called Jefferson an “All-World talent,” and Jefferson said Robertson has “always been a baller.” That esteem, however, won’t diminish any of the competitive juices Sunday, when Robertson hopes to move to 3-0 against Jefferson in a Lions uniform.

“It’s definitely weird going up against him for this long period of time,” Jefferson said. “I’m pretty sure he’s the only one — especially through high school, college and now into the league — that I’ve went up against my whole entire career. It’s been a fun matchup.”

ALLEN PARK— The Detroit Lions have swung a deadline trade in three straight seasons, acquiring pass rusher Za’Darius Smith and receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones in 2024 and 2023, respectively, and sending tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.

Will general manager Brad Holmes make it four in a row in 2025? Head coach Dan Campbell didn’t totally rule out the possibility Friday, but he cast some doubt on the idea of making a move.

“Look, I don’t,” Campbell said, when asked if he expects the Lions to be active before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t. (Holmes has) brought up a couple of things already, but there again, I’m so focused on the here and now and the roster we have in place, getting these guys ready to go.”

There aren’t many holes for the Lions to fill. They could target a cornerback, given the position’s attrition, but Terrion Arnold is expected to return against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and veteran D.J. Reed (hamstring) figures to be back at some point. Plus, Detroit’s depth on the outside — notably, Rock Ya-Sin and Nick Whiteside — has stepped up mightily in recent weeks.

How about a pass rusher? The Lions are down Marcus Davenport (chest), but Campbell believes he’ll come off injured reserve this season, and Al-Quadin Muhammad has proven to be a viable option opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Muhammad has 27 pressures and five sacks through seven games, including a career-best nine pressures in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 20.

“I love where we’re at,” Campbell said. “I think the roster is healthy, I think it’s in a good position, I think we have depth. But like I said, (Holmes is) always looking to improve the roster. That’s one of his jobs, and he does a hell of a job at it.”

Campbell wouldn’t share how many potential trade targets Holmes has approached him with, but he described the two as having “open communication.” Holmes, assistant general manager Ray Agnew and the front office do their work, studying those around the NFL who could potentially be had. If enough boxes are checked, Campbell gets looped in.

“If there’s somebody he knows that he feels good about, and that I would, then he’ll bring it,” Campbell said of Holmes. “Otherwise, he doesn’t bog me down with any of that. Listen, the amount of time spent and players that are looked at between he and Ray and that staff, you’d be shocked the hours that goes in. They’re doing the legwork. If there’s somebody that he thinks is intriguing, he thinks the price could be right, it’s somebody, maybe, he fits us, it could be a need, then it comes to me. Like, ‘Hey, let’s check this out.’

“But otherwise, he just kind of stays away from that. Which is all good, man.”

Happy Halloween

The Lions recently had their team Halloween party, and we saw some creative costumes come to life. Quarterback Jared Goff was the chef from Pixar’s “Ratatouille.” Rookie receiver Dominic Lovett was the Joker. Offensive lineman Christian Mahogany was Shrek.

But none of those getups have anything on what Campbell wore many years ago, when his wife, Holly, purchased him an outfit so that he could pretend to be Marilyn Monroe. Campbell recalled the costume Friday, tabbing Holly as “the creative one” in their relationship.

“I actually had broken an ankle, so I was on crutches, too,” Campbell said. “So, that was great.”

Told he’s a good sport, Campbell replied: “Yeah, I guess so. Alcohol helps.”

The Campbell residence plans to hand out Reese’s and M&Ms to Friday’s trick-or-treaters. “That’s usually kind of been the staples. That’s where we go,” Campbell said. “It’s not the caramel apples or anything.”

Social service agencies in Oakland County are ready to help people receiving food aid from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. They just don’t know what will happen next.

“Organizations like ours shouldn’t scramble to meet emergency needs,” said Ryan Hertz, president and CEO for Lighthouse of Oakland County,. “We should have public policy that meets the needs on an ongoing basis.”

Lighthouse already serves an estimated 111,000 people – half of whom are children – in 40,000 households in Oakland County. He said 60% of the people who receive SNAP benefits find the money isn’t enough to feed their families. The federal shutdown is having a destabilizing effect on people who use SNAP for groceries and who get vouchers or other financial aid for housing, he said.

Hertz said he was glad Michigan had joined an effort to sue the federal government to fund SNAP. He’s frustrated that it has to happen.

Late Friday, two federal judges ordered the administration to continue payments using emergency reserve funds during the shutdown. In Michigan, SNAP money is distributed via Bridge cards. But it can take days for the cards to be loaded with funds, so people will go hungry while they wait..

It’s also unclear whether the administration will appeal the decisions, which would add to the delay.

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture initially planned to continue providing SNAP benefits by using nearly $6 billion in contingency funds, but reversed the decision and announced benefits would be paused on Nov. 1 because of the shutdown.

SNAP serves an estimated one in eight Americans and is considered an important part of the nation’s social safety net. It costs an estimated $8 billion a month.

SNAP’s 2025 poverty threshold for a family of four is a net income of $31,000 after certain expenses. Last year, SNAP provided assistance to 41 million people, nearly two-thirds of whom were families with children, according to an Associated Press report.

In Michigan, 1.4 million residents benefit from SNAP, including approximately 492,225 children and 38,513 veterans.

More than 102,000 Oakland County residents live below the poverty line, according U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Nearly 255,000 of the county’s 1.2 million residents are under age 18. Of those children, an estimated one in seven, or nearly 36,000 don’t have adequate food on a daily basis.

But Hertz said that doesn’t include people who are barely above poverty level and juggling bills.

“We’re talking about low- to middle-income folks who are employed but not making enough to make ends meet,” he said, adding that low-income families have faced an exhausting and prolonged series of threats to support services that are affecting their wellbeing.

Lighthouse estimates it reaches 74% of impoverished people scattered among the county’s 62 municipalities.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calls the pause on payments unacceptable. She ordered $4.5 million sent to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, which supports outlets in all 83 counties.

FBCM officials declined an interview request from The Oakland Press because, a spokeswoman said, “circumstances remain highly fluid, and we want to avoid contributing to speculation while we continue gathering updates from our network and state partners.”

She said FBCM is monitoring conditions and prepared for an increase in need. The focus, she said, “is on maintaining access to food for the people we serve, even as no new resources are currently available to meet higher demand.”

Whitmer also ordered an expansion of the state’s Double Up Food Bucks program, which gives Michigan families money to purchase groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

She promoted Hunters Feeding Families, a program that provides venison or other fresh game to feed families and said the state’s 1.4 million public school students would continue receiving free breakfast and lunch. The school meals save families an estimated $1,000 a year.

Gleaners Community Food Bank is another southeast Michigan nonprofit monitoring requests for support with partners and community mobile distributions, according to spokeswoman Kristin Sokul.

She said Gleaners has experienced a rise in requests for information about receiving food aid.

“We remain focused on increasing food purchases where necessary, increasing volunteer shifts to support more box builds, and looking at where hot spots may be to respond with mobiles,” she said.

People can help in three ways, according to Sokul:

•  Use your voice to advocate for SNAP funding.

•  Volunteer at a food pantry or food bank to help stock and deliver groceries.

•  Consider donating money instead of food. Gleaners has agreements with retailers for discounted groceries. Donated money “will help us support our partners in the charitable food network and flexibly resource our drive-up distributions while we continue to hope for a resolution at the federal level,” she said.

Hertz said Lighthouse assumed a leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging its network of volunteers and agreements with suppliers.

“It was a joint effort for our staff, volunteers, local, state and federal governments,” he said. But it took three months to organize.

There’s no mechanism to increase resources in the space of a few days, he said, adding that families are facing more than food insecurity. People who receive housing benefits are also at risk during the shutdown.

“There’s a degree of fatigue happening with how heavily our community has been hit,” he said. “It’s hard on our staff, donors and volunteers” who can’t provide immediate support or quick resolutions.

“It’s not something you can turn on or off. We can’t just say ‘We’ll meet this massive additional need,’” he said. “We’d have to dramatically ramp up capacity.”

 

Nonprofit food banks and pantries exist to reduce or prevent hunger. They need supplies, staff, volunteers and warehouse space, all of which costs money, he said.

“That’s a very expensive way to get food to people, instead of just giving them adequate SNAP benefits and letting those people go shopping,” he said. “In an ideal universe, we‘d be funding SNAP at an appropriate level – which would also help grocery businesses.

“Give people the dignity and resources to go grocery shopping because they’re human beings like the rest of us,” he said.

Pontiac resident Eisha Branner spent the week creating lists of resources for the people she works with through her nonprofit, E-Community Outreach Services. She helps families with case management, community and other resources. The organization has few barriers when people need help, she said.

She said most of her clients are from Pontiac and some are from Detroit, but the SNAP crisis has caused a surge of inquiries.

“It’s alarming to me,” she said. “These are not just people who are not working. These are people who are the true working class. I’m seeing people in higher income brackets looking for help. They’re always struggling to pay bills but with SNAP they knew they at least had food coming.”

She recently expanded from a 2,500 sq. ft. building to a 5,000 sq. ft. space at 180 N. Saginaw in Pontiac, which officially opens on Nov. 12.

To find food resources or other support, call 211 or visit https://mi211.org.

By KIKI SIDERIS

Don’t let your Halloween pumpkin haunt the landfill this November.

More than 1 billion pounds of pumpkins rot in U.S. landfills each year after Halloween, according to the Department of Energy.

Yours doesn’t have to go to waste. Experts told us your pumpkins can be eaten, composted or even fed to animals. Here’s how.

Cooking with pumpkin waste

If you’re carving a jack-o’-lantern, don’t throw away the skin or innards — every part is edible.

After carving, you can cube the excess flesh — the thick part between the outer skin and the inner pulp that holds the seeds — for soups and stews, says Carleigh Bodrug, a chef known for cooking with common food scraps. You can also puree it and add a tablespoon to your dog’s dinner for extra nutrients. And pumpkin chunks can be frozen for future use.

“The seeds are a nutritional gold mine,” Bodrug said. They’re packed with protein, magnesium, zinc and healthy fats, according to a 2022 study in the journal Plants.

One of Bodrug’s recipes involves removing the seeds, rinsing and roasting them with cinnamon for a crunchy snack or salad topper. Then you can use the stringy guts to make a pumpkin puree for muffins. This version differs from canned purees in grocery stores — which typically use a different type of pumpkin or squash — because carving pumpkins have stringier innards and a milder flavor. A carving pumpkin’s guts can still be used for baking — you’ll just have to amp up the seasoning to boost the flavor.

If you don’t want to eat your pumpkins, you can donate them to a local farm, which might use them to feed pigs, chickens and other animals.

Edible parts should be collected while you’re carving and before it’s painted, decorated or left on your porch for weeks. Paint and wax aren’t food-safe, and bacteria and mold can grow on the skin in outdoor climates.

Once you’ve cooked what you can and donated what’s safe to feed, composting the rest is the easiest way to keep it out of the landfill.

“That way, even though they’re not safe to eat, they can still give back to the earth,” Bodrug said.

Composting at home or donating to a farm

Composting pumpkins keeps them out of methane-emitting landfills and turns them into nutrient-rich soil instead. You can do this at home or drop them off at a local farm, compost collection bin or drop-off site.

“A large percentage of what ends up going to the landfill is stuff that could have been composted,” said Dante Sclafani, compost coordinator at Queens County Farm in New York. “So even just cutting down something like pumpkins could really help curb how many garbage bags you’re putting out every week.”

Before composting, remove any candles, plastic, glitter, or other decorations — they can contaminate the compost. A little glitter or paint won’t ruin the pile, but it’s best to get it as clean as possible before tossing it in. Then, chop up the pumpkin in 1-inch pieces so it can break down easier.

“Pumpkins are full of water, so it’s important to maintain a good balance of dried leaves, wood chips, sawdust, shredded newspaper, cardboard, straw — anything that’s a dry organic material — in your compost bin,” Sclafani said. If you don’t maintain this balance, your compost might start to stink.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a healthy compost pile should include a mix of “greens” — like pumpkin scraps and food waste — and “browns” like dry leaves, straw or cardboard, in roughly a three-to-one ratio. That balance helps the pile break down faster and prevents odors.

And if your pumpkin’s been sitting on the porch all month? That’s actually ideal. “It’s never too far gone for compost,” Sclafani said. “Even if it’s mushy or moldy, that actually helps, because the fungus speeds up decomposition.”

“Composting anything organic is better than throwing it out because you’re not creating more refuse in landfills, you’re not creating methane gas,” said Laura Graney, the farm’s education director.

Graney said autumn on the farm is the perfect opportunity to teach kids about composting since it gives them a sense of power in the face of big environmental challenges.

“Even though they’re little, composting helps them feel like they can make a difference,” Graney said. “They take that message home to their families, and that’s how we spread the word.”

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

By Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

When it comes to leafy green vegetables, cabbage sometimes gets a bad rap because, woof! It can really stink up your kitchen if you don’t cook it just right.

The sulfur in the leaves that gives the humble, cruciferous veggie its characteristic pungent taste breaks down during cooking, releasing a strong, rotten egg-like smell that spreads and lingers. It’s especially odorous when boiled.

Large heads of cabbage also can crowd out other vegetables in your refrigerator crisper, and, thanks to its high water content, can spoil in just a few days if improperly stored.

That puts the vegetable on the bottom of the grocery list for some home cooks, despite its wide availability, versatility, health benefit and affordability. (Common green cabbage can often cost less than $1 a pound.)

A new variety developed by Row 7 Seed Co. aims to put cabbage higher on your shopping list and just maybe make it a centerpiece at mealtime. Dubbed Sugarcone cabbage, it just made its debut at Whole Foods markets across the U.S.

A trusted staple

Cabbage — which belongs to the plant family of brassicas — has fed people through both good times and bad since antiquity.

One of the world’s oldest vegetables, the leafy green is thought to have been cultivated in the Mediterranean around 4,000 years ago. The Romans brought it north to England when Julius Caesar invaded in 55 B.C., and by the Middle Ages, it was a popular food for peasants since it was easy to grow.

First brought to the Americas by French maritime explorer Jacques Cartier in 1541, it became an important staple for early European settlers in the New World because it was both inexpensive and nutritious. By the 18th century, it was a common garden crop and culinary workhorse.

Crunchy when raw and tender and sweet when roasted, cabbage is as good a supporting actor in salads and stir-fries as it is in soups, casseroles, braised dishes and wrapped around a mixture of meat and rice in galumpki.

Sugarcone — which resembles a giant ice cream cone — is bred to naturally contain more sugar. That makes it sweeter than standard, spherical cabbage, and creates thin and delicate lettuce-like leaves that are both juicy and crunchy.

Sugarcone is also a lot smaller (and cuter) than those hefty, cannon ball-sized green cabbages most of us grew up with. Most weigh between 1 and 2 pounds, which makes it easier to store in the fridge and cuts down on waste and leftovers.

Pointed cabbage, which is also known as cone, sweetheart or hispi cabbage, has been around for decades. But it’s only been embraced by chefs in the last decade or so as a great-tasting ingredient that shines in a leading role.

“It’s been an underground cult following in the food community,” says Liz Mahler, chief operating officer for Row 7 Seed Co.

One of its early fans was acclaimed farm-to-table chef Dan Barber, who opened the restaurant Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York’s Hudson Valley in 2004 along with his family.

So when Row 7 — which Barber founded in 2018 with plant breeder Michael Mazourek and seed farmer Matthew Goldfarb — was looking to add to its roster of “democratized” vegetables that thrive both in the kitchen and the field, cone head cabbage seemed like a logical choice.

Already popular in London and other European cities, “it’s also making its way into farmers markets in the U.S.,” Mahler notes.

Yet there was one caveat when the seed company started its first trials earlier this year at farms in Massachusetts and New York: making it mainstream. After all, Barber is a recognized advocate for the “seed-to-table” movement.

“We wanted to source a variety that wasn’t just for white tablecloth restaurants,” says Mahler, “but one that home cooks could also enjoy and experience.”

A lot of the cabbages grown today have been bred to hold up for transport on trucks, says Mahler, with firm and dense heads and tough outer leaves that protect the inner head during travel. That single-minded focus on durability has led to cabbage losing its flavor.

Sugarcone cabbage, which is both sweet and tender, is “a gentle rebuke to everything we’ve accepted about what cabbage should be,” according to its creators.

“We just saw this potential as something delicious and special and transformative in [the] cabbage space, which is a little sleepy and can use some excitement,” says Mahler.

The seeds are sourced from an independent seed company in the Netherlands that leads in cabbage breeding and is known for developing vegetables with flavor and resilience. Regional organic growers include Plainville Farms in Hadley, Mass., Row by Row Farm in Hurley, N.Y., and Spiral Path Farm just north of Carlisle, Pa.

What growers appreciate about Sugarcone cabbage, says East Coast produce manager Larry Tse, is that it’s a small cabbage. That makes it easier to harvest, and helps with weed control because it can be planted more densely, “in a sea of cabbage.”

That, in turn, helps cut down on labor, though learning how to harvest the cone-shaped heads can initially be challenging.

Sugarcone is also a fast grower — it matures in about 70 days after being planted — which means it can be harvested three or four times a year.

“And it’s a fun variety for growers” who are used to round cabbages, says Tse. “They love the shape” as much as the taste.

Launched in mid-September, Sugarcone cabbage is currently available at more than 300 Whole Foods Market stores across California, Texas, the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic, including in Pittsburgh. Depending on sales, they’re hoping to scale it to more retailers in 2026.

At $2.99 a pound, it’s a little more expensive than other specialty cabbages like Napa or Savoy (and way more expensive than green cabbage) but the flavor makes it worth it, says Mahler.

“We pay our growers to be able to take a risk on a new crop,” she notes, “and we also want to make sure everyone on the team is well compensated.”

But at least you get a bang for the buck: Low in calories, salt and sugar, the leafy vegetable is high in fiber and antioxidants, and just one cup contains 85% of your recommended daily value of vitamin K and 54% of the vitamin C.

Thanks to its fine texture, it’s also very versatile. You can shave it raw into a salad or slaw; stuff the leaves with rice or meat; or ferment it into sauerkraut or kimchi. But the best way to enjoy it may be to simply roast some with a little butter until the leaves char and caramelize.

In bringing the cabbage to Whole Foods, its creators hope to bring excitement to the market and encourage consumers to try new vegetables.

A lot of what is pushed out to market is about high yield and uniformity, says Tse.

“We’re not necessarily looking for those things. We want things that taste good, and we work with our growers every step of the way and support them. That makes these varieties really come alive.”

Says Mahler, “We love bringing new, delicious and joyful vegetables into the world.”

Sugarcone Cabbage Wedge with Dill Yogurt

PG tested

If you’re trying to get someone to try cabbage, this is the dish to start with. It’s easy to make and just so incredibly tasty. I may never have enjoyed a vegetable more — after one bite, I ended up eating an entire half cabbage while standing at my sink.

The herbed yogurt is a lovely finishing touch but it’s not necessary.

1 head Sugarcone cabbage

3 tablespoons butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 sprig thyme

1 sprig rosemary

2 tablespoons mirin

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1/2 cup thick Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill, plus sprigs for garnish

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cut cabbage in half lengthwise, then trim the rounded sides so each half sits flat.

In large saute pan, melt butter with garlic, thyme, rosemary, mirin, salt and white pepper. Spoon this mixture generously over the cut sides of the cabbage, allowing it to soak in.

If saute pan is oven-safe, transfer it directly to the oven; if not, transfer the cabbage to a sheet pan, cut side up.

Roast for about 1 hour, flipping halfway through and basting with pan juices as it cooks.

For a clean, sliceable wedge with a meatier texture, let the roasted cabbage cool, then press it between parchment-lined sheet pans with a heavy weight on top. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. To serve, reheat at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until lightly crisped.

Mix the yogurt with chopped dill. Cut the cabage pieces in half, then top each piece with a spoonful of the dill yogurt and a sprig of dill.

Serves 4.

— Row 7 Seed Co.

Vietnamese Chicken Salad with Sweet Lime-Garlic Dressing

PG tested

There’s a reason why I so often reach for a Milk Street cookbook when I’m playing around with a new ingredient. The recipes are always straightforward, and delicious.

This recipe, which levels up that grocery store rotisserie chicken that so effortlessly feeds your family on weeknights, is a classic example. It comes together quickly and packs a punch of awesome flavor.

1/3 cup lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving

3 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar

2 medium cloves garlic, minced

1 small red onion, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced

3 cups cooked shredded chicken

4 cups shredded cabbage

4 medium carrots, peeled and shredded on the large holes of a box grater (about 2 cups)

3 medium jalapeno peppers, stemmed, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

1 cup lightly packed fresh basil

1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves

1 1/2 cup roasted, salted peanuts, roughly chopped

In small bowl, stir together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and garlic, until the sugar dissolves.

Add onion and let stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In large bowl, toss together chicken, cabbage, carrots, jalapenos, basil and cilantro.

Pour on red onion-dressing mixture and toss.

Toss in half the peanuts, then transfer to a serving bowl.

Sprinkle with the remaining peanuts and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Serves 6.

—”Milk Street Shorts: Recipes that Pack a Punch” by Christopher Kimball

Vegetable Minestrone with Pasta

PG tested

This recipe from Lidia Bastianich’s latest cookbook, which goes on sale Oct. 13, makes a big pot of soup. But it freezes well.

I omitted the pork butt for a vegetarian version of this hearty soup. I didn’t have elbow macaroni on hand so added the pasta from a box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, and also took the shortcut of using canned cannelini beans instead of dried. The pesto added at the end really elevates the flavor to the next level.

With a piece of grilled Italian bread, this is a comforting, nourishing meal.

For soup

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus more as needed

1 medium onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and more as needed

3 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced

1 14.5-ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand

2 fresh bay leaves or 3 dried

2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 large Idaho potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 -inch dice

4 cups shredded green cabbage

2 small zucchini, trimmed and cut into a 1/2 -inch dice

1 up tubettini or small elbow pasta

For pesto

1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup freshly grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano

Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery, season with 2 teaspoons salt and the peperoncino.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are wilted, about 4 minutes.

Add garlic, let it sizzle for a minute, then add tomatoes and let the liquid simmer for 10 minutes.

Add 5 quarts water and bay leaves, and bring to a rapid simmer. Season with 1 teaspoon salt.

Simmer for an additional 20 minutes to blend the flavors, then add canned beans along with potatoes and cabbage.

Bring soup to a rolling boil, adjust heat to simmering, and cook, partially covered, until liquid has thickened, about 20 minutes. Add zucchini, and cook until it’s softened, about 10 minutes. (The soup can be prepared to this point up to 2 days in advance. Cool to room temperature, then chill it completely. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, before continuing.)

Stir the pasta into the soup, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s al dente, about 8 minutes.

While pasta is cooking. combine basil, grated cheese and remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in a mini food processor. Process until you have a coarse pasta, adding a little more oil if necessary. Season to taste with salt.

Taste soup, and season with more salt and red pepper flakes if necessary. Let it rest, off heat, for 5 minutes.

Stir pesto into the soup, and ladle into warm soup bowls.

Makes about 4 quarts.

— adapted from “Lidia’s The Art of Pasta” by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali (Knopf, $35)

© 2025 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Visit www.post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. ©2025 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

DENVER — Everything in moderation. Including moderation.

That’s the idea behind the Colorado sober movement, an unofficial yet growing trend away from alcohol, and toward plant-based and psychedelic drugs.

But how can one be considered sober while, for example, smoking pot and taking LSD?

Because “Colorado sober” — a spin-off of the similar term “California sober” — isn’t about abstaining from all substances, but rather the ones that are known to have lasting effects on your body and brain, advocates say. That includes drugs such as cocaine and opioids, but also alcohol, which has waned in recent years as the standard social lubricant for young people.

“Weed and mushrooms have a lot less next-day negative effects than alcohol,” said Marissa Poppens, a Denver resident who considers herself Colorado sober. “I’m new to the term but I think people are starting to realize what it means on their own. It’s a version of ‘natural high.’ “

Poppens regularly uses cannabis and microdoses psilocybin — the active psychedelic ingredient in magic mushrooms — not only for recreation, but also to help treat chronic pain and symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

As executive director of the 9-year-old nonprofit MSterios Miracles, Poppens wants to help advocate for and provide resources to people living with MS. She said a flare-up two years ago led to one of her medical professionals suggesting psilocybin. The drug has proven itself as an effective alternative to psychiatric medication, according to licensed psychedelic therapists and researchers, with studies bearing out its transformative effects on depression, PTSD and addiction.

As of 2025, the state’s Natural Medicine Division has begun licensing psilocybin healing centers, which follows Colorado’s recreational legalization of cannabis for people 21 and over in 2014. The combination of those actions — magic mushrooms have been decriminalized since 2022 so it’s not a crime to grow or ingest them, though retail sales are not yet here (as they are for cannabis) — and cultural acceptance has helped Poppens feel better about abandoning alcohol, she said, and find allies in her quest for nontraditional relief.

“I was able to get off my prescribed depression medication, which I hated taking, after I started microdosing,” she said, adding that her regimen is based around wellness, not recreational highs.

In that way, it’s not just a cheeky term for non-drinkers, said Josh Kesselman, owner of the cannabis magazine High Times. It’s an evolving descriptor for people who want to explore, not pummel, their minds.

Research compiled by the Cleveland Clinic has shown that the movement away from alcohol is rooted as much in alcohol’s deleterious effects as increased emphasis on education, mental wellness and healthier lifestyles.

“Alcohol is a depressant and never the answer to a bad day,” said addiction psychiatrist Dr. Akhil Anand in the Cleveland Clinic report. “Gen Z seems to understand that concept, and they’ve moved in a different direction.”

“It’s a great place for many of us to dwell,” Kesselman said. “Cannabis expands the brain, the neural network fires, and synapses connect. We have an endocannabinoid system for a reason.”

Gen Z’s alcohol consumption is dropping rapidly, with a Journal of American Medicine report showing that the percentage of college students abstaining from alcohol was 28% in 2022, as compared with 20% in 2018. Sales of beer have dropped year-over-year, and Pew Research and other reports have shown that the youth movement away from alcohol has rippled out to all age groups.

“I broke up with wine!” reads a testimonial for Feals cannabis gummies, which is categorized under Health/Beauty on Facebook. The image on its social media campaign shows a spilled glass of red wine next to an orange packet of THC and CBD gummies.

“Ten years ago, I would go visit friends in New York, and I could never handle two nights in a row of drinking, because by the third night I’d be useless,” Kesselman said. “Alcohol is something that takes your life force and gives you nothing in return. Plus, when people drink they do terrible things. Nobody’s like, ‘Let’s get stoned and rob people.’ “

Kesselman, who also founded the Raw Rolling Papers company, has a strong business reason for encouraging others to drop alcohol for cannabis. But it’s no smokescreen, he said: There’s not an objectively right or wrong way to be sober, and that can easily include abstaining from substances altogether.

That would not, however, be considered Colorado sober, or even sober-curious. Rather, Colorado sober describes intentional consumption based around wellness, said Ricardo Baca, who was appointed to the state’s first Natural Medicine Advisory Board last year by Gov. Jared Polis.

“The California sober movement was really born out of recreational cannabis, but also the medical movement before it,” Baca said of that state’s pioneering cannabis laws. “So I was glad when I first heard of the Colorado sober movement, because there was space being carved out for our home state to stake this claim around intentional consumption.

“It’s not about restriction or prohibition or a purity test, because we’ve seen how that goes,” he added, “but about redefining sobriety and aligning with plants and mushrooms and chemical-based alternatives.”

That covers purely synthetic substances that have shown positive, peer-reviewed results as medical treatments — but that can also have their own party-ready uses as recreational drugs. Think ketamine, MDMA (a.k.a. ecstasy or molly), kratom and DMT.

Baca has long studied the subject, both as the former editor of The Denver Post’s groundbreaking Cannabist journalism site, as well as founder and owner of Denver’s Grasslands PR and marketing agency. His clients include cannabis, psilocybin, kratom and other companies — including High Times’ Kesselman. He’s delivered TEDx Talks and keynotes at South by Southwest and other conferences detailing how cannabis works in pain management and the effects of its legalization.

He acknowledged his company benefits by boosting the Colorado sober trend, but said that it’s more about harm reduction than profit.

“We’ve seen the California sober movement co-opted by brands and businesses, and we will absolutely see the Colorado sober movement co-opted by similar brands,” Baca said. “I don’t see anything wrong with it, that myself and other marketers and businesses will take advantage of this to help tell their own stories. It’s still an organic trend that came from the community.”

On the other hand, the idea of being Colorado sober soft-pedals the potentially addictive effects of cannabis and psychedelics, said Alton P. Dillard II, a media consultant for the One Chance to Grow Up nonprofit. The Colorado organization includes a number of top medical and academic advisors advocating against drug use for young people.

“We recognize the intense toll of alcohol addiction and understand that adults make choices that they think best support their health,” he said. “The problem for youth is that they are already getting confusing messages that marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms are healthy, natural medicines.

“In fact, they both present significant risks to young brains, which are growing until age 25,” he continued. “When weed and mushrooms are presented as part of a ‘sober’ lifestyle, teens may get the impression that they’re harmless. They’re not.”

High Times’ Kesselman said the Colorado sober movement is not about pushing anyone toward drugs.

“Just like with anything else, people have to consume within their own limits, and we at High Times do not recommend any kind of overconsumption,” he said. “But what that means to one person might be different than someone else, and you have to find that balance in your own life. This is a way to change your thinking, not just your chemistry.”

By Katie Kelton, Bankrate.com

The winter holidays are a time for dusting off decorations and observing traditions — but they’re also rife with money decisions.

Americans are choosing how much to spend on travel, gifts and decorations in today’s economy, along with how they’ll make those purchases. Some holiday shoppers and travelers plan to use credit cards, but debit cards; buy now, pay later services (BNPL); and rewards points are other popular payment options.

Bankrate’s key findings on holiday spending

Fewer Americans will travel for holidays this year, compared with last year: 21% plan to fly or stay in a hotel or short-term rental for Thanksgiving or the December holidays, compared to 27% in 2024.Source: Bankrate’s 2025 Holiday Travel Survey

Around 2 in 5 holiday shoppers expect higher price tags this year: 41% say they’re concerned winter holiday gifts will be more expensive this year. But only 24% will budget for holiday spending.Source: Bankrate’s 2025 Early Holiday Shopping Survey

Roughly half of holiday shoppers will begin before the end of October: That includes 13% who started shopping or planned to in August, 11% in September and 25% in October.Source: Bankrate’s 2025 Early Holiday Shopping Survey

Home for the holidays? Fewer Americans plan to travel this holiday season

If you’re opting out of a flight to visit Grandma and Grandpa or a trip to Disney for the holidays in 2025, you’re not alone. Fewer Americans plan to travel for Thanksgiving or the winter holidays this year versus last year, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Holiday Travel Survey.

Around 1 in 5 U.S. adults (21 percent) say they plan to stay in a hotel or short-term rental or travel by airplane for the upcoming holidays. That’s compared to 27 percent in 2024.

Younger generations, men and parents of young kids are most likely to plan for less holiday travel this year

Interestingly, the people who are overall most likely to travel for the holidays are also the ones responsible for the biggest declines in travel this year.For example, Gen Zers (ages 18-28) and millennials (ages 29-44) are overall the most likely to travel at 30 percent and 29 percent, respectively, compared to 16 percent of Gen Xers (ages 45-60) and 12 percent of boomers (ages 61-79).But the percentage of traveling Gen Zers dropped the most from last year, by 14 percentage points, followed by traveling millennials, who dropped by 9 points. Gen Xers dropped by 5 points, and boomers are traveling at basically the same rate this year as last, with a 2-point difference.

And while 21 percent of both men and women say they plan to travel this holiday season, that’s down 10 percentage points from 2024 for men and down 2 points for women.

Let’s look at parents — 33 percent of parents with children under the age of 18 plan to travel this holiday season, down 13 points from 2024. In comparison, 21 percent of all parents plan to travel this season, down 7 points from last year.Lastly, higher earners are more likely to travel for the holiday season. Twenty-nine percent of those earning $100,000 and above say they plan to travel, compared to 23 percent of those in both the $80,000 to $99,999 and $50,000 to $79,999 income brackets and 16 percent of those earning below $50,000. Still, all of those income brackets are traveling less than or about the same as they did last year, with drops of 9 percentage points, 2 points, 8 points and 8 points, respectively.

“While many Americans appear to be scaling back their travel plans this year, we’ll have to see if that actually happens,” says Rossman. “Consumer sentiment has been depressed for a while now, thanks mostly to worries about inflation and tariffs, yet people are still spending. The disconnect between what people say and what they do has been growing.”

Holiday travelers prefer credit cards

Among all the ways to pay, credit cards are the most popular method for holiday travel (63 percent) — either paid in full (40 percent) or with a balance paid over time (23 percent).

Debit cards and/or cash is the second most popular option (44 percent), followed by rewards points (32 percent), asking friends/family to pay (13 percent) and BNPL services (10 percent).

Both credit cards and rewards travel are more popular this year. The number of adults who say they’ll use each method of payment are up 4 percentage points and 8 percentage points, respectively, from 2024.

“Don’t forget about your rewards points and miles,” Rossman advises. “Many people have accumulated more than they realize.”

Nearly 1 in 3 holiday travelers plan to take on debt

Adjusting for overlap between those who plan to carry a credit card balance and those who will use BNPL, nearly 1 in 3 travelers (31 percent) are likely to take on debt.Millennial holiday travelers are most likely to accrue debt, at 39 percent. That’s compared to 30 percent of Gen X, 25 percent of Gen Z and 21 percent of boomer travelers.And debt usage for holiday travel peaks among middle-income earners of $50,000 to $99,999 (39 percent). The lowest income bracket, those making less than $50,000, is next (34 percent), followed by 23 percent of $100,000+ earners.Learn how to travel smart and stay out of debt.

Around 2 in 5 holiday shoppers, especially boomers, fear high price tags this holiday season

Loren Jerae, a 26-year-old stay-at-home mom in Charlotte, North Carolina, has already begun Christmas shopping. She’ll frequent thrift stores, online marketplaces and clearance racks for the next few months until she’s curated the perfect pile of presents for her 5-year-old son.

As a young mom, “I didn’t want our finances to determine his holiday,” she says. “Ever since he was born, I have always been budget-friendly.”

When it comes to holiday shopping, Jerae is in good company.

Most Americans (79 percent) plan to holiday shop this year. And about half of holiday shoppers (49 percent) have already begun or plan to begin shopping before Oct. 31, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Early Holiday Shopping Survey. Jerae starts even sooner.

She says she sets money aside during the first half of the year. Come July, she takes advantage of summer clearance sales and back-to-school deals to snag some early Christmas gifts. By August, she’s tackling her entire shopping list for her son, fiancé, parents and other friends and family.

Two in 5 shoppers (41 percent) are concerned that holiday gifts will be more expensive this year, which may be why they’re getting a head start. “I absolutely feel like [prices are] higher,” Jerae comments.

A few years ago, she and her fiancé tried shopping the month before Christmas and ended up spending around $700 on “a bunch of junk.” She told herself she’d never do that again.

“I am not spending that type of money on one or two items,” she says. By shopping early, “I can make $100 stretch, and we can get several things.”

Boomers and middle-income earners are most concerned about higher holiday prices

Notably, that concern over high prices is highest among boomers (46 percent, ages 61-79) and decreases with age. Forty percent of Gen Xers (ages 45-60), 39 percent of millennials (ages 29-44) and 37 percent of Gen Zers (ages 18-28) noted the same concern.Concern about high holiday prices this year is also more prominent among middle-income households. Forty-nine percent of $80,000-$99,999 earners and 45 percent of $50,000-$79,999 earners say they’re concerned, versus 38 percent of both the highest and lowest earners ($100,000+ and under $50,000, respectively).Rossman says the higher earners are easier to explain, as more disposable income allows for some wiggle room in the budget. But lower earners may have already tightened their holiday budgets after high inflation and interest rates in the last few years. It could still be a tough financial season — but they’ve adapted.On the other hand, Rossman explains, middle earners may be newly disenchanted by higher prices and feel like their paychecks aren’t stretching as far as they used to.

Concern about high prices may be warranted

Money woes are top of mind for some holiday shoppers

More than 1 in 3 shoppers say inflation will change how they shop (36 percent), and more than 1 in 4 say holiday shopping will strain their budgets (29 percent) and are stressed about winter holiday shopping costs (27 percent).In fact, only 11 percent explicitly said they’re not concerned about the cost of winter holiday shopping.

More holiday shoppers will make their purchases online

Nearly 2 in 5 shoppers (38 percent) intend to make most of their purchases online, versus 1 in 5 (20 percent) who plan to make most of their purchases in person. Perhaps surprisingly, boomers are the most likely to make most of their purchases online (45 percent), compared to just 33 percent of Gen Zers.Jerae, a Gen Zer, tends to shop more in person. “I’d rather just hit all the thrift stores in my area,” she explains.And roughly 1 in 6 shoppers (16 percent) expect that gifts will be harder to find this year.

Around 1 in 4 shoppers expect to spend more this holiday season

Twenty-seven percent of holiday shoppers expect to spend more this holiday season than they did last year, compared to 30 percent who expect to spend less. Forty-three percent expect to spend about the same.

There could be a couple of factors at play.

First, those who plan to spend more may anticipate higher prices this year, Rossman explains. Or, they could simply be earning more income and feeling generous.

Meanwhile, Rossman says those who plan to spend less might be more optimistic about prices this year. Or, they might be shortening their gift lists to save money.

More than 1 in 4 shoppers plan to take on debt this season, but debit cards are the top pick for payment

Sixty-one percent of holiday shoppers expect to use debit cards for at least some of their purchases, avoiding debt but likely sacrificing rewards potential.

Credit cards are the next most popular option, with 57 percent of shoppers planning to use them. Among those users, 35 percent plan to pay in full and 21 percent plan to carry balances over time.

Cash remains a popular option, with 49 percent planning to pay with cash. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services (12 percent), checks (5 percent) and some other method (3 percent) round out the ways people plan to pay for their winter holiday shopping.

Gen Zers are the most likely to use debit cards (70 percent) and cash (55 percent). Boomers are the most likely to pay with credit cards (62 percent), and millennials are the most likely to use a BNPL service (17 percent).

After adjusting for overlap, more than 1 in 4 shoppers (28 percent) may take on debt either with a credit card they will pay off over time or BNPL. But just 4 percent say they are “willing to take on debt” in another survey question — revealing a possible disconnect between what Americans say and what they do.

Nearly half of shoppers will start before Halloween

You’re not behind on holiday shopping yet, but nearly half of shoppers (49 percent) will have started or plan to start before the end of October.

That includes 13 percent who started or planned to start by the end of August, another 11 percent in September and another 25 percent in October, leaving 37 percent who plan to start shopping in November and 14 percent in December.

Rossman thinks the early bird might get the worm.

“While some consumers shake their heads that holiday shopping seems to start earlier each year, the early start gives you more time to spread out your cash flow and find the best deals,” he explains.

5 ways to save money this holiday season

You don’t have to go into debt to pay for the holidays. Instead, try these tips to be a smart shopper this season.

Set aside money ahead of time. Half of Americans are in credit card debt, and the holidays make it easy to spend more money than you have. Instead, try building a holiday fund before you start shopping or booking travel. From January to July, Jerae puts between $30 and $50 weekly into a high-yield savings account that she’ll later use for Christmas gifts. Only around 1 in 4 holiday shoppers (24 percent) expect to budget for the holidays, but you can be one of them. Learn how to create a sinking fund to avoid going into debt.

Start shopping early. The thought of buying gifts in July may sound like holiday creep, but it can actually lead to better deals and help you dodge the December mall frenzy. Take advantage of sales throughout the fall and compare prices without feeling rushed. You could have every item on your list checked off weeks before the holidays, leaving you more time to nosh on cookies and celebrate with your family.

Stay flexible with your travel schedule. “You can save on travel costs by going a few days before the holiday and/or coming back a few days later,” Rossman explains. “Or even traveling on the holiday itself. You could also consider nearby airports, connecting flights, less popular flight times and staying with family instead of booking a hotel room.”

Try secondhand shopping. Jerae found a play kitchen for $40 resale, well below the brand-new $100+ price tag. She says kids don’t know or care if a gift is secondhand — and she can find better prices for items with higher quality and more character. Learn how to thrift to help your budget.

Use a rewards credit card. You could earn cash back or points on your holiday purchases, flights or hotel stays with one of the best rewards cards. And those rewards could go toward future gifts or a family vacation. Learn how to choose a rewards card.

You can also combine money-saving methods. “Starting early and stacking discounts are strategies that shoppers can deploy to save money,” Rossman advises.

The bottom line

Many Americans are holiday shopping early this year, and possibly with good reason — they’re worried about rising prices and want more time to find the best deals. Just don’t fall prey to impulse shopping during those extra months.

By sticking to a list and a budget, it really could be the most wonderful time of the year.

MethodologyBankrate commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the surveys. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.2025 Holiday Travel Survey: Total sample size was 2,529 adults, of which 498 plan to travel this holiday season Fieldwork was undertaken between Sept. 2-4, 2025. The survey was carried out online. It gathered a non-probability-based sample and employed demographic quotas and weights to better align the survey sample with the broader U.S. population.2025 Early Holiday Shopping Survey: Total sample size was 2,567 adults, including 2,020 who expect to participate in winter holiday shopping. Fieldwork was undertaken between July 28-30, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults (aged 18+).

©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

WALLED LAKE – One of the most anticipated matchups in the first round of this season’s high school football playoffs did not disappoint, as Birmingham Brother Rice narrowly defeated Walled Lake Western in a neck-and-neck battle.

Brother Rice will be moving on to the district finals after the 28-24 win, building off of its scorching hot streak to inch its way into the playoffs following a 2-4 season start.

“It means a lot,” Brother Rice head coach Aaron Marshall said. “We couldn’t stop them at all in the first half. They were getting what they wanted in the run game. My defensive coordinator made really good adjustments in the second half, and we got really really key stops.”

The game began in favor of Western, who stretched the opening drive out to nearly seven minutes, topping it off with a 37-yard touchdown reception on fourth and long by junior Timon Dogan to make it 7-0.

The time-consuming drive by Western was rough on the defensive end, but Marshall said they stuck to the game plan.

“You stick with the game plan,” Marshall said. “When it’s the playoffs, you’ve got to take what you can get when you get it right. You’re never automatic to score. You keep calling the plays you’re going to call and defense will adjust.”

While Western appeared to have complete control of the game, the tide quickly turned. Sophomore Deondre Hill instantly rushed 79 yards to answer back in a drive that lasted less than a minute. A failed extra-point attempt made it a 7-6 game in favor of Western.

The long rush paid off for Brother Rice, which forced Western to go three-and-out on their next possession. The defensive effort was aided by a 40-yard receiving touchdown to senior Jacob Johnson from junior Sam Eyde to take the lead at 13-7 ending the first quarter.

Johnson and Hill were the difference-makers on offense for Brother Rice.

“That’s our version of Sonic and Knuckles, that’s thunder and lightning man,” Marshall said. “They both are prime time players. They are big time guys and they make those kinds of plays in big time games.”

While the first quarter was a shootout for both teams, the second quarter showcased strong defense. Western once again used a long, near 10-minute opening drive to set up a short rushing touchdown by junior Michael Walker Jr. to retake the lead at 14-13.

Following a turnover on downs by Brother Rice, Western couldn’t add on to their lead despite a 57-yard reception by senior Jacarri Anderson. Western would get into scoring range and set up a field goal attempt, but the snap was long to send both teams to half.

Brother Rice looked like they were going to use the Western mishap to their advantage to begin the second half, as Johnson took the ball 40-yards downfield, only for it to be followed by a field goal to give them the lead once more at 16-14.

Both teams once again reverted to their quick scoring as Western followed the field goal with a short rollout touchdown caught by Central Michigan commit Lucas Hoffmeyer. Brother Rice responded with a wide open touchdown caught in the corner of the end zone by sophomore Tyler Trussell to turn the game in their favor to end a back-and-forth third.

The fourth quarter seemed to be all Western, which held a 24-22 lead until two minutes to go in the game. On the final offensive drive for Brother Rice, Deondre Hill sent a 24-yard rush to the endzone to retake a 28-24 lead. Despite a minute and a half to win the game, Western was stopped by an aggressive Brother Rice pass rush.

Brother Rice will move on to face Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, a 35-7 winner over North Farmington, in next week’s district finals. Despite the immediate emotion of the win over Western, Marshall said they’re going right back to the drawing board to prepare.

“Literally starting tomorrow, we’re going to watch this film and correct our mistakes from here,” Marshall said. “We’ve got to have a great week of practice, it’s imperative that we start there.”

The following is a list of in-person and online worship services and events happening at churches and synagogues in the Oakland County area. Visit websites or call for service times and events.

• Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 1550 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills, 248-651-6550, abidingpresence.org. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m., also virtual services are available on the website.

• Adat Shalom Synagogue, 29901 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, in-person and online services via Zoom. To view daily Minyan video conferences; email Executive Director Michael Wolf at mwolf@adatshalom.org or visit adatshalom.org, 248-851-5100.

• All Saints’ Episcopal, 171 W. Pike St., Pontiac, allsaintspontiac.org, 248-334-4571, rector@allsaintspontiac.org.

• The Apostolic Church of Christ, 3655 N. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills, theapostolicchurch.com, 248-373-4500, Sunday worship services at 11 a.m.

• Archdiocese of Detroit, livestream Mass times, aod.org/livemasses.

• Auburn Hills Christian Center, 2592 Walton Blvd., Auburn Hills, Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m., Servicio Evangelistico services (in Spanish) at 2-4 p.m. Sundays, 248-373-7139, www.myahcc.org.

• Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Troy, in-person and online services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, beaconcongregation.org, admin@beaconcongregation.org.

• Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 5631 N. Adams Road, Bloomfield Hills, livestream services at 9 a.m. Sundays, and in person at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. at bslcmi.org, facebook/bslcmi, 248-646-5041.

• Berea Family Tabernacle of Faith, Pontiac, Sunday worship services are at 11 a.m., experienceberea.org, 248-338-4748.

• Berkley First United Methodist Church, 2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley, worship services are 10 a.m. Sundays in person and online at www.berkleyfirst.org.

• Bharatiya Temple, 6850 N Adams Road, Troy, www.bharatiya-temple.org, 248-879-2552.

• Big Beaver United Methodist Church, 3753 John R Road, Troy, worship services at 10 a.m. Sundays, http://bbumchurch.org.

• Birmingham First United Methodist Church, 1589 W Maple Road, Birmingham, www.fumcbirmingham.org, 248-646-1200. Sunday worship services are in person and online at 9:30 a.m., and in-person only services at 11 a.m. (Summer worship services are at 10 a.m. between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.)

• Birmingham Unitarian Church, 38651 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, in-person and online worship services, 10:30 a.m. Sundays, bucmi.org, 248-647-2380.

• Bridge Community Church, 5700 Rochester Road, Troy, in-person and online worship services, 10 a.m. Sundays, bridgecommunitychurch.com/live, 248-879-9500.

• Bridgewood Church, 6765 Rattalee Lake Road, Clarkston, 248-625-1344, www.bridgewoodchurch.com. Sunday worship services are 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., also online services, and locations in Goodrich.

• Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile Road, Novi, www.brightmoorchurch.org. Sunday worship services at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

• Calvary Chapel Oakland County, 1975 E. Long Lake Road, Troy, 248-457-9673, ccoaklandcounty.com. Worship 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. Sundays.

• Calvary Church, 1361 Giddings Road, Pontiac, Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m., https://ccpontiac.org, 248-373-0311.

• Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6805 Bluegrass Drive, Clarkston, calvary-lutheran.org. Sunday worship services are Traditional Worship at 7:55 a.m.; Modern Worship at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.; and livestream at 9:30 a.m. Food pantry (drive-up or curbside pickup) is 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays.

• Central Church, 1529 Twelve Mile Road, Madison Heights, www.centralchurch.cc. Sunday worship services at 10 a.m.

• Central Oaks Community Church, 2005 Rochester Road, Royal Oak, www.centraloaks.com, 248-547-7755. Sunday worship services at 11 a.m.

• Central United Methodist Church, 3882 Highland Road, Waterford Twp., 248-681-0040, WaterfordCUMC.org. In-person worship at 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sundays and online at 10:30 a.m. at Live.WaterfordCUMC.org.

• Central Woodward Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 3955 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 248-644-0512, centralwoodwardchristian.com. Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m., in person and online at centralwoodwardchristian.com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/CentralWoodward.

• Chapel of Our Lady of Orchard Lake, 3535 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield Twp., www.sscms.edu, 248-683-0310.

• Christian Science Church, 355 E Maple Road, Birmingham, worship services are 10:15 a.m. Sundays, https://christiansciencebirminghammi.com, 248-644-7935.

• Christian Tabernacle Church, Southfield, ctabchurch.com, 248-213-4770.

• Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Road, Bloomfield Hills, in-person and online worship services, 10 a.m. Sundays, ccc-info.org.

• Christ Lutheran Church, Waterford Twp., https://christwaterford.org, 248-673-7331. Sunday worship services at 10 a.m.

• Christ Lutheran Church and School, 620 General Motors Road, Milford, www.christlutheranmilford.org. Sunday worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

• Christ, Our Light! Catholic Church, 3077 Glouchester, Troy. Mass times are: Saturday at 4 p.m.; Sunday at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.; weekday Masses (followed by Rosary recitation) are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 9 a.m., and Friday at 12:05 p.m., www.coltroy.org, 248-649-5510.

• Christ the Good Shepherd Progressive Catholic Church, 3947 Twelve Mile Road Berkley, church services: Saturday Mass at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday Mass at 10:30 a.m., 248-439-0470, www.cgs-occ.org.

• Christ the Redeemer Parish, 2700 Waldon Road Orion Township, 248-391-1621, www.ctredeemer.org. Weekend Masses are 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays.

• Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 2975 Dutton Road  Rochester Hills, www.crownoflifechurch.org, 248-652-7720. Sunday worship services are 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

• Church of the Holy Spirit, 3700 Harvey Lake Road, Highland Twp., www.holyspirithighland.com.

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregations in Oakland County include: Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Commerce Twp., Farmington Hills, Lake Orion, Pontiac (Spanish), Rochester, Troy and White Lake Twp. The congregations host worship services on Sundays. For worship times and locations, visit churchofjesuschrist.org.

• Church of the Resurrection, 6490 Clarkston Road, Village of Clarkston, https://clarkstonepiscopal.com, 248-625-2325. Sunday worship services at 10 a.m.

• Clarkston Community Church, 6300 Clarkston Road, Clarkston, in-person and online services at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays, clarkstoncchurch.com, 248-625-1323.

• Clarkston United Methodist Church, 6600 Waldon Road, Clarkston, in-person and online faith services, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays, clarkstonumc.org, 248-625-1611.

• Commerce United Methodist Church, 1155 N. Commerce Road, Commerce Twp., commerceumc.org/media.

• Community Bible Church, 1888 Crescent Lake Road, Waterford Twp., https://cbcmi.com, 248-674-4871. Sunday worship services at 11 a.m.

• Community Fellowship Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 27800 Southfield Road, Lathrup Village, church services at 11 a.m. Saturdays, http://communityfellowship22.adventistchurchconnect.org, 248-469-8539.

• Community Presbyterian Church, 4301 Monroe Ave., Waterford Twp. In-person worship is 10 a.m., Sundays, cpcwaterford.org, 248-673-7805.

• Congregation Beth Ahm, 5075 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield Twp., 248-851-6880, cbahm.org.

• Congregational Church of Birmingham, UCC, 1000 Cranbrook Road, Bloomfield Hills. Worship services are 10 a.m. Sundays, ccbucc.org, 248-646-4511.

• Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 27375 Bell Road, Southfield, Jewish religious services including daily morning and evening Minyan services, Shabbat morning services and Youth Shabbat activities, shaareyzedek.org, 248-357-5544. Daily minyan services are hybrid services, meeting both in person in the Lee and Gerson Bernstein Chapel (morning services are followed by breakfast), and on Zoom. Shabbat musical services meet on the first Friday evening of each month, in person  and on Zoom.

• Congregation Shir Tikvah, 3900 Northfield Parkway, Troy, www.shirtikvah.org.

• Cornerstone Baptist Church, Ortonville, in-person worship services, Sundays at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Also online at Facebook at Cornerstone Baptist Church Ortonville, cbcortonville.com, 248 627-4700.

• Cornerstone Church, 4995 N Hickory Ridge Road, Highland, cornerstonehighland.com, 248-887-1600. Worship services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Also, livestream at 11 a.m. Sundays on YouTube, Facebook, and website.

• Crossroads Free Will Baptist Church, 4804 White Lake Road, White Lake Twp., https://crossroadswl.org, Sunday worship services at 11 a.m. The church has a Blessing Box that is stocked with non-perishable food items, books and other household items for those in need. Donations welcome.

• Destiny Faith Church, 501 University Drive, Pontiac, Destinyfaith.org, 248-322-2200. Worship services at 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, in person and online.

• Divine Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3000 S. Lapeer Road, Orion Twp., divinegrace.net, Sunday worship services at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

• Door of Faith Christian Church, Pontiac, online services, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays, mydooroffaith.org.

• Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 23425 Lahser Road, Southfield, 248-357-1848, emmanuellutheransouthfield.org.

• Empowerment Church of Southfield, worship services are 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sundays at new worship center location, Shriner’s Silver Garden Events Center, 24350 Southfield Road, Southfield, 248-569-2299, empowerment.mi.org. Also virtual worship services, 10:30 a.m. Sundays at empowermentmi.org/stream and on Facebook Live.

• Encounter Church, 600 North Campbell Road, Royal Oak, in-person and online services, 11 a.m. Sundays; also services at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, www.encounter360.org.

• Faith Church, 160 W Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, Sunday services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., www.faithrh.com, 248-651-3535.

• Faith Covenant Church, 35415 W. 14 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, worship services at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Sundays, 248-661-9191, www.4fcc.org.

• First Baptist Church, 2601 John R Road, Troy, worship services at 10 a.m., Sundays, fbctroy.org.

• First Baptist Church, 255 E. Scripps Road, Lake Orion, worship services at 10:30 a.m., Sundays, fbclo.org, 248-693-6203, info@fbclo.org.

• First Congregational Church, 5449 Clarkston Road, Clarkston, (just east of Sashabaw Road), 248-394-0200, www.fcclarkston.com, worship services at 10 a.m. Sundays.

• First Congregational Church of Rochester UCC, 1315 N. Pine, Rochester, worship services at 10 a.m. Sundays, fccrochester.org, 248-651-6225.

• First Congregational Church of Royal Oak, 1314 Northwood Blvd., Royal Oak. Worship services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, www.fccro.org.

• First General Baptist of Waterford, 2933 Frembes Road, Waterford, wgbchurch.com, 248-673-6481, Sunday school at 10 a.m., worship services at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

• First Missionary Church, 4832 Clintonville Road, Independence Twp., www.fmcclarkston.org, 248-674-3186. Sunday worship services at 11 a.m.

• First Presbyterian Church Birmingham, 1669 W. Maple, Birmingham, worship services are Sundays, 8:30 a.m. in person, and 10 a.m. in person and livestream, fpcbirmingham.org, 248-644-2040.

• First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac, 99 Wayne Street, Pontiac, fpcpontiac.info.

• First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, 529 Hendrie Blvd., 248-541-0108. Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m., online services available anytime at fpcro.org, 248-541-0108.

• First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois, Troy. Church services are 10 a.m. Sundays in person and livestream on YouTube and Facebook, www.FUMCTROY.org, 248-879-6363.

• Five Points Community Church, 3411 E Walton Blvd, Auburn Hills. Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m., https://5pointscc.org, 248-373-1381.

• Four Towns United Methodist, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford Twp. Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m., www.fourtowns.org, 248-766-8868. Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m.

• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1950 S. Baldwin Road, Lake Orion. Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m., 248-391-1170, goodshepherdlakeorion.net.

• Grace Gospel Fellowship, 65 East Huron Street, Pontiac; in-person and livestream services are 11 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Livestream services are at www.facebook.com/GraceGospelFellowshipPontiac, 248-334-2187.

• Greenfield Presbyterian Church, 2312 Greenfield Road, Berkley, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m. only, youtube.com/user/GreenfieldChurch, greenfieldchurch.com, 248-544-1800. (After Labor Day, in-person and online worship services are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays.)

• Grace Church, 220 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake Twp. Sunday services are 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Gracechurchinfo.net, 248-887-3700.

• Harvestland Church, 5848 Clintonville Road, Independence Twp., https://harvestland.church, 248-391-2063. Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m.

• Hazel Park First United Methodist Church, 313 E. Nine Mile Road, Hazel Park, 248-546-5955, hpfirst.org. Sunday worship services at 11:15 a.m.

• Heart of the Hills Christian Church, 5085 Orion Road, Rochester, https://heartofthehills.com, 248-841-1679. Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m.

• Hillside Bible Church, 73 N Church St, Ortonville, 248-627-2513, hillsidebible.org, Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m.

• Hilltop Church of the Nazarene, 21260 Haggerty Road, Northville, hilltopnaz.org, Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m.

• Holly Calvary Church, 15010 N Holly Road, Holly, hollycalvary.org, Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. in person and online, Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m.

• Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 4800 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp. In-person worship services at 10 a.m. Sundays, livestream on YouTube youtube.com/@spiritdrivenchurch, 248-682-5441, spiritdrivenchurch.com.

• Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield, 248-356-1020, hopeumc.org.

• Immanuel Congregational Church of Christ, Oxford, 248-628-1610, icucc.org, in-person worship services at 11 a.m. Sundays, and online at facebook.com/oxfordimmanuelucc.

• International Christian Church, 1630 Joslyn Ave, Pontiac, worship services at 11:30 a.m. Sundays, 248-494-8757, globalicc.org, facebook.com/icchurch/live.

• Islamic Association of Greater Detroit, 879 West Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, www.childrenofabrahamday.org.

• Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center, 27745 Woodward Ave., Berkley, www.jewelheart.org.

• Journey Lutheran Church, (joined with Holy Cross Church) 136 S. Washington St., Oxford, in-person and online worship services, 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays, education hour is at 10 a.m., journeylutheran.church, 248-628-2011.

• Kensington Church with locations in Birmingham, Clarkston, Clinton Twp., Orion Twp. and Troy, in-person Sunday worship times, and online services offered streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and website, kensingtonchurch.org.

• King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1715 S. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion, www.kingofkingslakeorion.org. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. Sundays, online streaming at www.facebook.com/kingofkingslakeorion.

• Kirk in the Hills, 1340 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills. Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., kirkinthehills.org, 248 626 2515.

• Lakecrest Baptist Church, 35 Airport Rd, Waterford Twp., www.lakecrestbaptist.com, 248-681-3214. Sunday worship services are at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Spanish service at 1 p.m.

• Lake Orion Church of Christ, 1080 Hemingway Road, Lake Orion, www.lococ.org, 248-693-7242. Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m.

• Lake Orion Methodist Church, Lake Orion, www.lakeorionumc.org. Sunday worship services at 10 a.m., in person and online.

• LakePoint Community Church, 1550 W. Drahner Road, Oxford, https://lakepointcc.org, 248-628-0038.

• The Lakes Church, 1450 S Hospital Road, Waterford Twp., www.thelakes.cc, 248-254-7833, Sunday worship services are 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. The 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services are livestreamed.

• Liberty General Baptist Church, 3545 Joslyn Rd, Auburn Hills, https://libertygeneralbaptistchurch.org, 248-431-3498. Sunday worship services at 11 a.m.

• Lifepoint Church, 5601 Scott Lake Road, Waterford Twp., lifepointchristian.com.

• Life Renewal Church, 28312 Grand River, Farmington Hills, https://liferenewalchurch.org, worship is 11 a.m. Sundays.

• Madison Heights Church of the Nazarene, 555 E 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, mhnaz.org, 248-585-5551.

• Maranatha Baptist Church, 5790 Flemings Lake Road, Clarkston, Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m., www.mbcclarkston.org.

• Marimont Community Church, 424 W Walton Blvd., Pontiac, Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., https://marimontcommunitychurch.com.

• Masjid Mahmood, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center, 1730 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, ahmadiyyamosque.blogspot.com.

• Metro Detroit Christian Church, 33360 W. 13 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, https://metrodetroit.org, 248-562-7998. Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m.

• Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church, 25585 Berg Road, Southfield, https://mogccc.com, 248-356-0565.

• Motor City Church, 3668 Livernois Road, Troy, www.motorcitychurch.org, 248-524-2400. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

• Mt. Zion Church, 4900 Maybee Road, Clarkston, mtzion.org. Sunday worship services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

• Muslim Unity Center of Bloomfield Hills, 1830 W. Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, Muslimunitycenter.org.

• Nardin Park United Methodist Church, 29887 W Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, 248-476-8860, nardinpark.org, www.facebook.com/NPUMC.

• Nativity Episcopal Church, 21220 W. 14 Mile Road, Bloomfield Twp., nativityepiscopalchurch.org, 248-646-4100.

• New Heights Baptist Church, Grand Blanc, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays, newheightsbc.com. For information, email pastornewheights@gmail.com or call 810-866-4563.

• New Hope Christian Fellowship, 6020 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford Twp., https://newhopemi.org, 248-886-1500, Sunday worship services at 10 a.m.

• New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 23455 W Nine Mile Road, Southfield,  www.newhope-mbc.org, 248-353-0675. Sunday worship services at 11 a.m., in person and livestream.

• New Hudson United Methodist Church, 56730 Grand River Ave., New Hudson, newhudsonumc.org. Worship services, 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

• Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3633 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 248-644-5920. Worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, in person and livestream, www.facebook.com/TroyNorthminster.

• Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 23925 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, www.northwestuu.org, 248-281-4902. Worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sundays in person and virtual.

• North Congregational Church, 36520 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, northcongregationalchurch.org.

• North Hills Christian Reformed Church, 3150 North Adams Road, Troy, worship services, 9:30 a.m. Sundays, 248-645-1990, northhillscrc.org.

• North Oaks Church, 9600 Ortonville Road, City of the Village of Clarkston, worship services are 10:30 a.m., Sundays, northoakschurch.org, office@northoakschurch.org, 248-922-3515.

• Oakland Church, 5100 North Adams Road, Rochester, worship services, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays, www.oaklandchurch.me.

• Oakland Church of Christ, 23333 West 10 Mile Road Southfield, in-person and online worship services are at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, TheOaklandChurchofchrist.org, 248-355-9225.

• Oakland Hills Community Church, Farmington Hills, ohcc.net, 313-686-4578.

• Oakland Woods Baptist Church 5628 Maybee Rd, Village of Clarkston, www.facebook.com/OWBCClarkston, 248-625-7557. Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

• Oak Pointe Church,1250 South Hill, Milford, in-person or online worship services are 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays, opcmilford.org.

• Oak Pointe Church, 50200 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi, in-person or online worship services are 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. oakpointe.org, 248-912-0043.

• Oak Pointe Church, 6343 Farmington Road, West Bloomfield, in-person or online worship services are 10:15 a.m. Sundays, oakpointe.org/westbloomfield.

• Oakwood Community Church, 5791 Oakwood Rd, Ortonville, www.oakwoodcc.org, 248-628-6388.

• Orchard Grove Community Church, 850 Ladd Rd; Bldg. C, Walled Lake, Sunday worship services are at 10:10 a.m., www.orchardgrove.org.

• Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian, 5171 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake, worship services are at 9 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. Sundays, olccp.com, 248-682-0730.

• Orchard United Methodist Church, 30450 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, Sunday worship services are 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. (Summer worship services are at 10 a.m., mid June to September). Livestream at youtube.com/c/OrchardUMC and facebook.com/OrchardUMC/live_videos, 248-626-3620, orchardumc.org.

• Our Lady of La Salette, 2600 Harvard Road, Berkley, 248-541-3762, par8551@gmail.com, lasalette-church.org, Mass is at 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

• Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in-person Mass, Saturday at 5 p.m., Sunday at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., weekdays at 8:15 a.m., 5481 Dixie Hwy., Waterford Twp. Livestream Mass at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. Sunday, ollonline.org/live.

• Our Lady of Refuge Church, 3700 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake, olorcc.org, 248-682-4099, Mass is 5 p.m. Saturdays and  8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. Sundays.

• Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 23815 Power Road, Farmington, church.olsorrows.com.

• Our Mother of Perpetual Help, 13500 Oak Park Blvd, Oak Park, www.omoph.org. Saturday mass is at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday mass is at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

• Oxbow Lake Baptist Church, 10730 Elizabeth Lake Rd, White Lake Charter Township, www.oxbowbc.com, 248-698-3034. Sunday worship services at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

• Oxford United Methodist Church, 21 E. Burdick St. Oxford, 248 628-1289, oxfordunitedmc.org. People Feeding People (PFP) free breakfast is 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturdays. In-person worship services and online at youtube.com/channel/UCN2R96oWdXzxDqwdz8YBlrQ.

• Paint Creek United Methodist Church, 4420 Collins Road, Rochester, www.paintcreekumc.org, 248-373-2360, Sunday worship services are at 11 a.m.

• Renaissance Vineyard Church, 1841 Pinecrest Drive, Ferndale, https://renvc.com, 248-545-4664. Sunday worship services at 10:33 a.m.

• The River Church of Auburn Hills, 315 S. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills, http://riverchurch.faith, 248-853-1524. Worship services are 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sundays.

• The River Church, Holly, Lake Orion, Waterford and more locations, livestream and videos of sermons, theriverchurch.cc, 248-328-0490.

• River North Church, 67 N Lynn Ave, Waterford Twp., Sunday School is 10 a.m. Sundays, worship services at 11:15 a.m. Sundays and 7:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Also view sermons online at www.youtube.com/@rivernorthchurch2023, nondenominational family church, 248-724-6559, www.facebook.com/Rivernorthchurch.

• River Of Life Christian Church, 5482 Winell St., Independence Twp., 248-599-3074.

• Rochester Christian Church, 4435 Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, https://rcc4me.com, 248-652-3353, Sunday worship services at 10 a.m.

• Rochester Church of Christ, 250 W. Avon Road, Rochester Hills, www.rochestercoc.org, 248-651-1933, Sunday worship services at 10 a.m.

• Royal Oak First United Methodist Church, 320 W. 7th Street, Royal Oak, www.rofum.org, 248-541-4100. Worship services are 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays, in person and online, www.rofum.org/live.

• Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 3400 S. Adams Road, Auburn Hills. Mass times are at 4 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday. Weekday Mass services are 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, www.esacredheart.org, 248-852-4170.

• St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church, 4571 John R Road, Troy, www.stanastasia.org, 248-689-8380.

• St. Anne Catholic Church of Ortonville, 825 South Ortonville Road, Ortonville. Mass times are Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; Saturday at 5 p.m.; Monday at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m., 248-627-3965, churchofstanne.org.

• St. Augustine Lutheran Troy (SALT) Church, 5475 Livernois in Troy, www.saltchurch.net, communications@saltchurch.net, 248-879-6400.

• St. Benedict Catholic Church, 60 South Lynn Street, Waterford Twp., 248-681-1534. Sunday Mass times are 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., streaming at stbencc.org/live-stream.

• St. David’s Episcopal Church, 16200 W. Twelve Mile Road, Southfield, www.stdavidssf.org. Sunday worship services are at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. both in person and via zoom. Food pantry is 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

• St. George’s Episcopal Church, 801 E Commerce, Milford, 248-684-0495. Sunday worship services 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., in person and online, www.stgeorgesmilford.org.

• St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 43816 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, 248-335-8869, www.stgeorgebloomfield.org.

• St. George Orthodox Church, 2160 E Maple Road, Troy, 248-589-0480, www.stgeorgeoftroy.org, www.facebook.com/stgeorgeoftroymi.

• St. James Church, 46325 Ten Mile Road, Novi, Mass times are 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sundays, and 4 p.m. Saturdays. Livestream services, 4 p.m. Saturdays, 248-347-7778, stjamesnovi.org.

• St. John Lutheran Church & School, 1011 University Drive, Rochester. Traditional praise worship services are Sundays at  8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Modern praise services are Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 10:45 p.m. The 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday worship services are livestreamed and posted on the website at stjohnrochester.org.

• St. John Lutheran Church, 23225 Gill Road, Farmington Hills, www.stjohn-elca.org.

• St. John’s Episcopal Church Royal Oak, 26998 Woodward Ave. Royal Oak. Services are 8 a.m. Sundays, in person and 10:15 a.m. Sundays, in-person and online worship, stjohnsroyaloak.org, 248-546-1255.

• St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lake Orion, view Mass services on the church’s Youtube channel, youtube.com/user/stjosephmassarchive, or at Facebook page, facebook.com/StJoeLo, stjoelo.org, 248-693-0440.

• St. Joseph Chapel and Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 400 South Blvd. West, Pontiac, https://terrasanctaministries.net.

• St. Mark and St. Mary & St. Philopater Coptic Orthodox Church, 3603 Livernois Road, Troy, www.stmarkmi.org. Divine liturgy services are at 7 a.m. (Arabic) and 8:15 a.m. (English), Sundays.

• St. Mary Catholic Church, 730 S Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, www.stmaryroyaloak.com, 248-547-1818. Mass at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday.

• St. Mary of the Hills Roman Catholic Church, 2675 John R. Road, Rochester Hills. In-person Mass is 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. Sunday, 248-853-5390, smoth.org. Live online Mass is 4 p.m. Saturday, on Facebook and YouTube.

• St. Mary’s In-the-Hills Episcopal Church, 2512 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion, 248-391-0663, www.stmarysinthehills.org. Sunday Services are at 8:30 a.m.-Simple service of Holy Eucharist and at 10 a.m.-Service of Holy Eucharist with choir and Children’s Church School-Service, livestream on YouTube or Facebook or www.stmarysinthehills.org. Adult Bible Study is held Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

• St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, 248-624-7676, st-matthew.org. Blended Worship services are 8:45 a.m. Sundays (also livestream on YouTube); Prayer & Praise Worship services are 11 a.m. Sundays; Monday Blended Worship services are 7 p.m.

• St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 48380 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 248-624-9525, st-matthew.org. Sunday worship services are 10 a.m.

• St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. Sundays, 760 W Wattles Road, Troy, 248-362-9575, stnicholastroy.org.

• St. Owen Catholic Church, 6869 Franklin Road  Bloomfield Hills, stowen.org.

• St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 1413 E. Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, 248-585-9591, in-person Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m., or online at stpatsmh.org.

• St. Paul Community Lutheran Church, 1133 Joslyn Ave., Pontiac, www.stpaulpontiac.com. 248-758-9019. Sunday worship services at 11 a.m.

• St. Paul Lutheran Church, 202 E. Fifth St, Royal Oak, worship services are 8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays. Livestream also at 8:15 a.m. service, stpaulroyaloak.org, 248-930-3100.

• St. Paul United Methodist Church, 165 E. Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 248-338-8233, services are at 9:45 a.m. Sundays, SPUMC.net, facebook.com/spumcbloomfieldhills, 248-216-1657.

• St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester. Open door worship services are at 9:30 a.m. Sundays and sanctuary worship services are at 11 a.m., Sundays, livestream available, facebook.com/stpaulsrochester, stpaulsrochester.org.

• St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 100 Romeo Road, Rochester, stpfeeds.org.

• St. Rita Catholic Church, 309 E Maple, Holly, 248-634-4841, stritaholly.org. Weekend services are 4 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday.

• St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 5500 N Adams Road, Troy, www.ststephenstroy.org, 248-641-8080, In-person Sunday worship services are at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Online service at 10 a.m.

• St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church, 69 S. Astor St., Pontiac, 248-335-5873, www.saintstephenmbc.com. Sunday worship services are at 11 a.m.

• St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church, 6900 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield Twp., www.stccc.org.

• St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sundays,  29150 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, 248-471-1059, stthomasalbanianorthodoxchurch.org.

• St. William Parish, 531 Common St., Walled Lake, stwilliam.com, 248-624-1421.

• Sanctuary Church, 300 Willits St., Birmingham, in-person and online services, 10:30 a.m. Sundays, 248-644-0550, sanctuary-church.com.

• Sashabaw Presbyterian Church, Clarkston, worship services via Zoom, services at 11 a.m. on 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month, and at 6 p.m. on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Email sashabawpresbyterianchurch@gmail.com for a link to services, sashabawpresbyterianchurch.org, 248-310-0792.

• Scott Lake Baptist Church, 811 Scott Lake Road, Waterford Twp., Sunday worship services at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., also livestream, https://hisscottlake.org.

• Seymour Lake United Methodist Church, 3050 S. Sashabaw Road, Oxford, in-person or online services at 10 a.m. Sundays, 248-572-4200, email- office@seymourlakeumc.org, seymourlakeumc.org.

• Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, 2905 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, worship services are 10 a.m. Sundays, and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. during Lent and Advent, www.shepherdlakes.org, 248-624-4238.

• Shrine Catholic Church, 12 Mile and Woodward, 248-541-4122, https://shrinechurch.com.

• Silver Lake Church Of The Nazarene, 20 W Walton Blvd., Pontiac, https://slcpontiac.org, 248-977-4698.

• Spirit of Grace Church, 2399 Figa Ave., West Bloomfield Twp., 248-682-0270, Sunday worship at 10 a.m., spiritofgrace.church, facebook.com/spiritograce/videos. The church has a diabetic food pantry for those in need with dietary restrictions. The church seeks donations of non-perishable food items for diabetics including: proteins, nuts, grains and beans, sugar-free foods, low carb and high fiber foods as well as shopping bags and unused boxes. Drive-up diabetic food pantry hours are 10 a.m.-noon, 3rd Saturdays of the month.

• Spiritual Life Center, Troy, www.slctroy.com, 248-925-6214. A Message of Hope is 10 a.m. Sundays at www.youtube.com/c/SLCTroy.

• Temple Beth El Synagogue, 7400 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, www.tbeonline.org. In person services are Friday at 7 p.m. Online services are Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom, www.tbelive.org and facebook.com/tbeonline/live, 248-851-1100.

• Temple Israel, West Bloomfield Twp., streaming video at temple-israel.org.

• Temple Kol Ami, 5085 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., tkolami.org, 248-661-0040.

• Temple Shir Shalom, 3999 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., www.shirshalom.org, 248-737-8700. Rabbi Michael Moskowitz is being honored as Rabbi and Spiritual Leader at Temple Shir Shalom on his 30th anniversary. Services are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and on Nov. 15, a celebratory bourbon- themed dinner along with live music and dancing will be featured at the Temple.

• Thrive Church, a Global Methodist Church, 680 W. Livingston Road, Highland Twp., www.thrive-church.us, 248-887-1311.

• Trinity United Methodist Church, 6440 Maceday Drive, Waterford Twp., Services, 11 a.m. Sundays, waterfordtrinityumc.org, 248-623-6860.

• Troy Church of the Nazarene, 6840 Crooks Road, Troy, troynaz.org, 248-802-7650. Worship Services and Bible Study, 11 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Wednesdays.

• Unity of Farmington Hills worship service in person and online at 10 a.m. Sundays, youtube.com/channel/UCi90mgzXUDpw0k21_3JXlTg, Unityfh.com.

• Unity of Lake Orion, 3070 S. Baldwin Road, Orion Twp., unitylakeorion.org, 248-391-9211. Sunday worship services are 10 a.m. Sundays, in person and livestream on Facebook.

• Unity of Royal Oak, 2500 Crooks Road, Royal Oak, unityofroyaloak.org, 248-288-3550. In-person Sunday worship services at 10 a.m., livestream on YouTube and Facebook.

• Universalist Unitarian Church of Farmington, 25301 Halsted Road, Farmington Hills, uufarmington.org. Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, in person and livestream.

• University Presbyterian Church, 1385 S. Adams, Rochester Hills, universitypres.org, 248-375-0400.

• The Village Church of Ortonville, 93 N Church St. Ortonville, www.facebook.com/oumvillagechurch, 248 627-3125.

• Walled Lake United Methodist Church, 313 E Northport St., Walled Lake. Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m. in person, or at Facebook Live, facebook.com/walledlakeumc and YouTube, youtube.com/channel/UCjOTQmG5DAGUdd_ghKdp2FQ, walledlakeumc.org, 248-624-2405.

• Warren’s Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 29860 Dequindre, Warren. Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m. in person and livestream at www.aglc-warren.org, 586-751-7750.

• Waterford Seventh-day Adventist Church, 5725 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford Twp., www.waterfordadventist.org, 248-681-3334. Worship services in person and livestream, 11 a.m. Saturdays.

• Waypoint Church, 8400 Dixie Hwy., Clarkston, waypoint.org, 248-623-1224. Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m.

• Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, 143 Oneida St, Pontiac, www.welcomemissionarybaptistchurch.com, 248-335-8740. Sunday worship services are at 8:30 a.m. in person and livestream on Facebook at www.facebook.com/welcomemissionary.church.

• Wellspring Bible Church, 485 Farnsworth, White Lake Twp., worship services are at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, wellspringbiblechurch.org, 248-682-0319.

• West Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 4100 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., worship services are at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, westbloomfieldumc.org, 248-851-2330.

• White Lake Presbyterian Church, 4805 Highland Road, White Lake Twp., 248-887-4654, www.whitelakepc.org.

• Williams Lake Church, 2840 Airport Road, Waterford Twp., www.facebook.com/williamslakechurch, 248-673-5911, www.williamslakechurch.com.

• Woodside Bible Church, with 14 locations in Southeast Michigan, in-person service times vary by location, online services at 8:15 a.m.10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sundays, live.woodsidebible.org, 248-879-8533.

• Zion Lutheran Church, 143 Albany St., Ferndale, in-person and online worship services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, www.zionlutheranmi.org.

To add a church to this list, visit https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

— MediaNews Group

A few weeks ago, I was about to pay the HVAC technician who had repaired my home’s heat pump. Out of habit, I pulled a credit card from my wallet — I figured I’d earn rewards on this pricey transaction — but then the tech warned me that his company assesses a 3% surcharge on credit card payments. Thankful for the heads-up, I wrote him a check instead.

Credit card surcharges aren’t new, but they’re becoming more common. According to J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Merchant Services Satisfaction Study, “34% of merchants are adding surcharges for customer purchases made using credit cards.” Compare that number to just a year before, when 20% of merchants reported assessing surcharges, per a 2024 State of the Industry Report from CMSPI, a payments consultancy firm.

Surcharging at restaurants, in particular, can at times feel like the rule, not the exception. One Reddit thread from August 2025 pointedly asked: “Since when did 3% CC [credit card] fees at restaurants become the new normal?” In other words, why now?

Several factors are at play, but a short version is that it’s simply become more expensive, over time, for businesses to accept credit cards, and surcharges help offset those costs.

The practice, though, is changing the math for users of rewards credit cards. While it used to be a no-brainer to pick up the tab with a card that earns a flat 2% back, now that same decision on a bill with a 3% surcharge could result in a loss.

“We’re approaching a tipping point where consumers are actively saying they won’t pay the surcharge,” says Don Apgar, director of the merchant payments practice at Javelin Strategy & Research.

In the moment — stuck in the restaurant booth when the check arrives — you don’t exactly have much of a choice. But you do have longer-term options.

» MORE: NerdWallet’s best credit cards for restaurants

Why surcharges exist

The payment processing company Stripe defines a surcharge as “an additional fee that a business may add to a transaction when a customer pays with a credit card,” meant to recoup “the costs that the business incurs for processing credit card payments.” These costs to businesses, known as interchange fees, totaled more than $160 billion in 2022, according to Stripe.

Interchange fees are set by the payment networks that credit cards run on: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. The rewards that your credit card earns — cash back, points or miles — are largely funded by those interchange fees. As such, merchants generally pay more in interchange fees to accept rewards cards as a payment method. Apgar estimates that 75% of the credit cards that consumers pay with today earn rewards.

It’s become a flashpoint in the payments industry, pitting credit card companies against merchants. The former argue they’re providing an essential service and that interchange fees are simply the cost of doing business, while the latter argue that those costs are spiraling out of control.

Lawmakers, too, are paying attention. In 2022, the Credit Card Competition Act was introduced in Congress. It aims to create more competition in the credit card payment network market, which supporters argue would lead to lower interchange costs for merchants. The bill hasn’t passed, but supporters continue to push for it every year.

Why they’re ‘becoming de facto’

So for now, merchants are leaning on surcharges to defray interchange fees, when they can. Some states ban surcharging outright, while others allow it as long as merchants abide by certain rules.

For example, businesses must tell their customers — through written or verbal notices — if they impose a surcharge for credit card payments. And in general, surcharges cannot exceed the limit set by the payment network that the card runs on. (You may have encountered such language on a restaurant bill: “Non-cash adjustments are not greater than our cost of acceptance.”)

It’s a patchwork system that can be hard to follow for both customers and merchants. And on top of that, rewards credit cards are getting even more generous for consumers — and thus more expensive for businesses to accept.

“U.S. cardholders have an insatiable appetite for rewards and benefits,” says John Cabell, managing director of payments intelligence at J.D. Power. “We continue to see an upward spiral for rewards, cash back percentages [and] the number of rewards categories.”

Cabell also believes the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the surcharging trend. “Since the pandemic, additional fees and charges have become more commonplace,” he says. For instance, some restaurants that remained open during the pandemic tacked on a COVID-related surcharge to make up for the extra costs required to operate safely.

Today, restaurants may be more inclined to surcharge with the recent memory that their patrons were willing to pay extra fees before.

“Surcharging was few and far between … but now it’s becoming de facto,” Apgar says.

What are your options?

‘Do the math’

When faced with a surcharge, you could opt to pay the bill with cash, check or debit card, instead of credit. You won’t be alone. J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Merchant Services Satisfaction Study found that “41% of credit card users … decided not to use a card payment method at a large or small business because of a surcharge.”

If you insist on paying with a credit card, try to use one whose rewards outweigh the surcharge. And remember, it’s not always about the percentages. To come out ahead on a restaurant tab with a 3% surcharge, a card that earns 3% cash back on dining would cover you — but so might a card that earns 2 points back per $1 at restaurants, depending on how much those points are worth. For that matter, so might a card with a large welcome bonus that you’re trying to snag.

“You have to do the math to figure out if it’s worth it based on the type of rewards and benefits you’re pursuing,” Cabell says.

Stack rewards

Use a card that earns bonus rewards on dining, then “stack” those savings with a cash-back app or card-linked offer.

Chain restaurants and local eateries alike are often featured in both.

Flag improper charges

If you suspect a restaurant is illegally surcharging, you can dispute the charge by filing a complaint with the card issuer, who will escalate it to the payment network and then the payment processor for that particular merchant.

You could also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or your state’s attorney general. To recover a surcharge, you could ask for a refund from the restaurant, or go to small claims court. However, Cabell warns that it could “take a real effort for a very small amount of money.”

Go next door

If you see a sign on the door or menu mentioning a “non-cash service fee” or a “discount for all cash purchases,” you could walk out and take your business elsewhere.

That’s cold comfort to, say, foodies who love trying out the latest trendy spots, surcharges be darned. In that case, it may help to keep in mind that rewards are only one benefit of paying with a credit card. You’ll also get stronger fraud protections, easier budget tracking and opportunities for credit-building. Depending on the card and the purchase, you may also get insurance coverage or extended warranties.

Whether it’s worth paying a surcharge for those benefits is up to you.

Jae Bratton writes for NerdWallet. Email: jbratton@nerdwallet.com.

The article Restaurant Surcharges Are Changing the Math for Credit Card Rewards originally appeared on NerdWallet.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Multiple people who had been allegedly plotting a violent attack over the Halloween weekend were arrested Friday morning in Michigan, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a social media post.

Patel didn’t release further information about the arrests, but said more information would be coming.

Dearborn Police said in a social media post that the department was made aware that the FBI conducted operations in the city on Friday and assured residents that there is no threat to the community.

 

By CLAUDIA LAUER, Associated Press

A U.S. Senate investigation has uncovered dozens of credible reports of medical neglect and poor conditions in immigration detention centers nationwide — with detainees denied insulin, left without medical attention for days and forced to compete for clean water — raising scrutiny about how the government oversees its vast detention system.

The report released by Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Democrat from Georgia, is the second in a series of inquiries examining alleged human rights abuses in the immigration detention system. It builds on an August review that detailed mistreatment of children and pregnant women and draws from more than 500 reports of abuse and neglect collected between January and August.

The latest findings document more than 80 credible cases of medical neglect and widespread complaints of inadequate food and water. Senate investigators say that points to systemic failures in federal detention oversight.

The report cites accounts from detainees, attorneys, advocates, news reports and at least one Department of Homeland Security employee, describing delays in medical care that, in some cases, proved life-threatening. One detainee reportedly suffered a heart attack after complaining of chest pain for days without treatment. Others said inhalers and asthma medication were withheld, or that detainees waited weeks for prescriptions to be filled.

A Homeland Security staff member assigned to one detention site told investigators that “ambulances have to come almost every day,” according to the report.

Ossoff said the findings reflect a deeper failure of oversight within federal immigration detention.

“Americans overwhelmingly demand and deserve secure borders. Americans also overwhelmingly oppose the abuse and neglect of detainees,” Ossoff told The Associated Press. “Every human being is entitled to dignity and humane treatment. That is why I have for years investigated and exposed abuses in prisons, jails, and detention centers, and that is why this work will continue.”

The medical reports also detailed how a diabetic detainee went without glucose monitoring or insulin for two days and became delirious before medical attention was given and that it took months for another detainee to receive medication to treat gastrointestinal issues.

Expired milk, foul water, scant food are reported

The Senate investigation also identified persistent complaints about food and water, including evidence drawn from court filings, depositions and interviews. Detainees described meals too small for adults, milk that was sometimes expired, and water that smelled foul or appeared to make children sick. At one Texas facility, a teenager said adults were forced to compete with children for bottles of clean water when staff left out only a few at a time.

The Associated Press asked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for comment on the report’s findings multiple times Wednesday and Thursday, but the agency did not provide a response. The Homeland Security Department previously criticized Ossoff’s first report in August, saying the allegations of detainees being abused were false and accusing him of trying to “score political points.”

Attorneys for some of those detained at facilities across the country said they’ve seen some of the issues with medical care and food firsthand.

Stephanie Alvarez-Jones, a Southeast regional attorney for the National Immigration Project, said one of the organization’s clients was denied a prescribed medical device while being detained at Angola’s Camp J facility in Louisiana in the last two months. The man, in his 60s, experienced stroke-like symptoms, including partial paralysis, and was eventually taken to the hospital, where he was transferred to an intensive care unit for several days.

Doctors there prescribed him a walker to help him move during his recovery, but Alvarez-Jones said the detention staff would not let him have it when he first returned and placed him in a segregation cell.

“He still could not walk by himself,” she said. “He still had paralysis on his left side.” She added: “He was not able to get up and get his food, to shower by himself or to use the bathroom without assistance. So he had to lay in soiled bedsheets because he wasn’t able to get up.”

Alvarez-Jones said the guards had insinuated to the man that they believed he was faking his illness. He was eventually given the choice of staying in the segregation cell and being allowed a walker, or returning to the general detainee population. She said he’s been relying on the help of others in the general population to eat and use the bathroom as he recovers.

The Baltimore field office is examined

Amelia Dagen, a senior attorney with the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, is working on a lawsuit against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore Field Office as well as officials in charge of national immigration enforcement efforts.

Dagen said several of the organization’s clients have had to fight for access to medication at the Baltimore holding facility. Through the lawsuit, she said the government agency had to admit in the court record that it does not have a food vendor to provide three meals a day or any onsite medical staff at the facility that was initially only supposed to hold detainees for about 12 hours.

But since January and the various immigration enforcement actions, it’s much more likely that detainees are held for as much as a week in the Baltimore Hold Room.

“What we started hearing very quickly, maybe in February, was that the food they were being fed three times a day was incredibly inadequate,” Dagen said. “We would hear sometimes it would be a protein bar or sometimes just bread and water. There is very little nutritional value and very little variety. I mean, sometimes it was a military ration component, but just the rice and beans, not a full meal.”

Dagen said the detainees also have to ask for bottles of water and they aren’t always given. The ICE office has taken the stance that the sinks attached to the cell toilets are a continuous supply of water. But Dagen said the detainees complained the sink water has a bad taste.

“This is 100% a problem of their own making,” she said of the authorities. “These hold rooms were not used in this way prior to 2025. They are setting themselves these quotas, removing discretion to release people and trying to arrest numbers of people that are just impractical … fully knowing they don’t have the ability to hold these people.”

GENEVA (AP) — The U.N. human rights chief said Friday that U.S. military strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean allegedly carrying illegal drugs from South America are “unacceptable” and must stop.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk called for an investigation into the strikes, in what appeared to mark the first such condemnation of its kind from a United Nations organization.

Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for Türk’s office, relayed his message on Friday at a regular U.N. briefing: “These attacks and their mounting human cost are unacceptable. The U.S. must halt such attacks and take all measures necessary to prevent the extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats.”

She said Türk believed “airstrikes by the United States of America on boats in the Caribbean and in the Pacific violate international human rights law.”

President Donald Trump has justified the attacks on the boats as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States, but the campaign against drug cartels has been divisive among countries in the region.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday announced the latest U.S. military strike in the campaign, against a boat he said was carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean. All four people aboard were killed. It was the 14th strike since the campaign began in early September, while the death toll has grown to at least 61.

Shamdasani noted the U.S. explanations of the efforts as an anti-drug and counter-terrorism campaign, but said countries have long agreed that the fight against illicit drug trafficking is a law-enforcement matter governed by “careful limits” placed on the use of lethal force.

Intentional use of lethal force is allowed only as a last resort against someone representing “an imminent threat to life,” she said. “Otherwise, it would amount to a violation of the right of life and constitute extrajudicial killings.”

The strikes are taking place “outside the context” of armed conflict or active hostilities, Shamdasani said.

DETROIT — Slow starts have been a significant issue for the Pistons through the first five games. They have yet to win a first quarter and have consistently ranked near the bottom in every statistical category.

The Pistons rank 30th in points per game (25.6) and field goal percentage (36.8%) in the first quarter heading into Saturday’s interconference match against the Dallas Mavericks in Mexico City. Detroit also ranks 27th in points allowed in the first quarter, giving up an average of 34 points.

From the coaching staff to the players, everyone has emphasized the importance of solving their first-quarter woes, but no one can pinpoint the logic behind the team’s subpar starts.

“There are a lot of things we can point out, but we just have to self-reflect and see what is going on. Eliminate the problem and go out there and try to (solve) it,” forward Ron Holland II said.

The slow starts have forced the Pistons to rely on their resilience to claw back into the game. Playing catch-up has led to a 3-2 start to the season.

While Cade Cunningham’s second-half average of 14.2 points on 44.2% shooting has been a central figure in Detroit’s comeback efforts, nothing has been more essential to the Pistons’ rally success than the production from the bench.

“If there is a slow start, the bench mob, we can get into the game and bring the energy. That is what we are here for,” Holland said. “As a bench mob member, we are all waiting for our names to be called. Once we get out there, we are like, ‘Let’s do it, we are here now,’ no matter how the game is going. If the first five get off to a great start, we want to keep it going. If they get off to a slow start, we want to lift them so we can get a run going.”

The Pistons’ bench has been one of the most productive in the league. Detroit’s reserve unit ranks 10th in scoring league-wide, averaging 40.2 points per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. On defense, they have held opponents to an average of 43.4 points per game.

While averaging 11.6 points, Holland has taken the helm as the unit’s leading scorer. Still, the Pistons’ bench production has been a collective effort, with Javonte Green and Isaiah Stewart displaying their two-way talents and leading the Pistons in 3-point field goal percentage at 41.7% and 58.3%, respectively.

Having a greater offensive responsibility has not hindered Stewart’s role as Detroit’s defensive anchor. He is in a four-way tie league-wide for the most rejections as a reserve, averaging two blocks per game.

“Those guys are dependable. They’re pros. They work their tails off, and they just make sure that they keep themselves in position to be ready when their numbers are called,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “They’re competitive, they’re team-first guys. They’ve given us a spark, and they’ve changed the game for us when they’ve come in with that energy and tried to propel our starters.”

In each of their three victories, the Pistons have had several players come off the bench and play essential roles. Paul Reed was critical in last week’s 115-111 victory over the Houston Rockets, recording 13 points, nine rebounds and two blocks after the losses of Jalen Duren (ejection) and Stewart (foul trouble).

Reed wasn’t the only reserve to step up for the Pistons in that game. Late in the fourth quarter, two-way guard Daniss Jenkins hit a 3-pointer that gave Detroit a 101-99 lead, as the Pistons’ second unit outscored the Rockets’ bench 43-25.

The Pistons’ bench received an additional boost in Wednesday’s 135-116 victory over the Orlando Magic with Caris LeVert’s return. After missing the last three games due to hamstring tightness, LeVert’s energy and intensity on both ends complemented the second unit.

“We have to start games better, that has been a point of emphasis for us,” LeVert said. “We know once we get back into the game, it’s in our hands. It is tough when you are playing from behind.”

A strong bench unit is crucial for the Pistons to achieve their ambitious goals and expectations, as it can significantly enhance the team’s overall performance.

However, Detroit must find a way to address a troubling trend just nine days into the season. If the Pistons continue to risk slow starts in games, their comeback efforts could eventually lead to disaster.

“I don’t like them (slow starts),” Cunningham said. “I want to start fast. I want to start playing well.”

Jim McCarty and Johnny “Bee” Badanjek may not be household names, but in the music world, the guitarist and drummer, respectively, are legends.

And now the two Detroiters are the subject of a documentary series, “Jim and the Bee,” that will have a premiere screening this weekend before airing next spring.

The three-part series examines the duo’s careers, which include tenures with Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, Detroit, Cactus, the Rockets and more. McCarty currently leads his own band, Mystery Train, while Badanjek — whose session resume includes work with Alice Cooper, Edgar Winter, Nils Lofgren and others — is also a noted painter who released a solo album.

Ken LaPlace, whose Ortonville-based Living Legends Motion Pictures directed and co-executive produced “Jim and the Bee,” says the plan began after Badanjek appeared on its syndicated PBS cooking show “The Melody Grill.” “The original plan was to produce a simple half-hour feature on Johnny,” he explains. “Word got out and pretty soon, we had a list of well-known rockers calling to be in it, and here we are today.”

Filming took place between March 4, 2024, and Oct. 2, 2025, including interviews with Cooper, Lofgren, Suzi Quatro, Ted Nugent, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, the E Street Band’s Max Weinberg, Mark Farner, the Smithereens’ Dennis Diken and others. It’s slated to be shown in three parts on WDCQ in Saginaw, most likely in March, and is being pushed to other PBS outlets. An extended trailer is available on YouTube.

The “Jim and the Bee” premiere takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Harpo’s Concert Theatre, 14238 Harper Ave., Detroit. 313-824-1700. Proceeds will benefit sick, injured and disabled first responders through the nonprofit Living Legends Organizations. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign a petition requesting Ryder and the Detroit Wheels to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

ALLEN PARK — Amid a host of other self-scouting initiatives that were undertaken during the bye week, the Detroit Lions want wide receiver Jameson Williams to get the ball on a more consistent basis.

It was fairly reasonable to expect that Williams would see a jump in production after he surpassed 1,000 yards last season, but the numbers have significantly regressed after he signed a three-year, $83 million contract extension on the eve of this year’s opener. Through seven games, Williams has just 17 catches for 289 yards and two touchdowns.

Still, coaches are hesitant to blame Williams for the situation. Lions offensive coordinator John Morton pointed the finger at himself, saying he needs to do a better job of getting Williams open.

“There (have) been opportunities where it just didn’t happen. It’s not like we aren’t going to try to target him,” Morton said Thursday. “So, that was the biggest thing. I looked at everything, and I failed him. That’s what I told him. I have to do a better job with that.”

As many coaches have noted during the drought, Williams holds value outside of being a pass catcher. His speed puts fear into the hearts of opposing defenses, forcing them to play with two high safeties and opening up the receivers underneath. Williams is also a terrific and willing run blocker, so it’s not like the lack of production is causing him to slack in other areas.

Williams has been a good sport about it in his weekly media sessions as well.

“I ain’t frustrated at all, bro. How could I be frustrated? I’m me,” Williams said. “It’s a part of the game, but I got catches. I would like more, but I’m never frustrated.”

Asked what he’s seeing from defenses, Williams said: “They try to take … my ability to go over the top out of the game. That’s the main thing that I’ve been seeing in the first half (of the season). We’ve got plans to attack it, and we’ve got a lot of players, so we’re never really worried about one person getting (taken) out of the game, because we got other players who go make explosives and touchdowns and plays for us.”

Morton is thrilled with how Williams has responded to the lack of opportunities.

“He was great. He doesn’t sweat it. I’m like, ‘Listen, man, I’m going to do a better job.’ That’s my job during the bye week, because I stayed here. And that was my job — and third down — to really study that,” Morton said.

“Because there’s a lot of — especially on third down — they’re doubling (Amon-Ra St. Brown), they’re doubling him, there’s a lot of stuff that’s going on. So, I have to be creative. I have to go in the archives to try to get these guys open better.”

No tricks, just treats

The Lions haven’t used one of their patented trick plays on special teams this season, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t called them.

“We always have something available, but it just hasn’t come up, whether it be the situation of the game, the look we wanted,” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said.

During the early stages of Dan Campbell’s tenure in Detroit, the team gained a reputation for its propensity to gamble on fourth down by using trick plays out of punt formation. These days, the Lions still have the gambling reputation — but they typically run fourth-down plays using their offense instead.

Fipp said one of the reasons why opportunities have been so limited is that teams are always prepared to have to defend a fake punt. Which, in turn, does benefit their punt unit.

“It’s definitely gotten harder,” Fipp said. “You definitely see a lot more people around the box, and some guys playing with eyes inside, and just a lot of different things. But yeah, I would say it’s definitely gotten harder. But theoretically, it should help us punt the ball better, too.”

Hometown heroes

Among a host of standouts in the “Legion of Whom” — the nickname affectionately given to the Lions’ patchwork secondary, which dominated in the win over Tampa Bay — the story of cornerback Nick Whiteside shined through.

Whiteside grew up in Auburn Hills and attended Avondale High School, where Morton also attended. Morton’s brother, Tim, was the head basketball coach at Avondale for multiple seasons and coached Whiteside.

“I think it’s awesome to have somebody from my high school that can do that,” Morton said. “It’s kind of like my story a little bit. He’s had a lot of ups and downs and has fought his way. And listen, he had an opportunity, he did a good job. And hopefully that gives him confidence, and you never know what can happen. When you get confidence, guys change in different environments.”

After high school, Whiteside went on to play college football at Saginaw Valley State and was most recently in the United Football League before getting a chance to participate in Detroit’s training camp, where he made a positive impression. When health woes struck Detroit’s secondary, Whiteside got the call and lived up to the challenge. He had three pass breakups and two tackles against Tampa Bay.

“It’s nothing better to see than when I click on my Instagram and I see 100 articles talking about Nick Whiteside. That is unbelievable,” defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said. “A guy that was in the UFL, probably thought honestly, ‘Man, this is the end of the road for me. Oh, I get a practice squad spot.’

“And they’re grateful for those moments, but those guys never see themselves lining up mano a mano on (Buccaneers receiver Emeka) Egbuka. They never see themselves lining up mano a mano on (Buccaneers receiver) Mike Evans. That’s just real. And for him to not only get that opportunity but make the most of it — Erick Hallett, (cornerback) Art Maulet, (edge defender) Tyrus Wheat.

“I mean, the names go on and on of the guys that went out and not only just played, not only held the line, but they’ve put some pressure on some of our starters now.”

Return of the Mac

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill immediately made his presence felt in Detroit’s win over Tampa Bay.

He recorded five pressures and made one tackle, but his impact can better be measured by the production of Detroit’s edge rushers. Edge defenders Aidan Hutchinson (12 pressures), Al-Quadin Muhammad (nine), and Wheat (two) all set a season high in pressures, with Wheat adding 1 1/2 sacks.

“Mac is exceptional. I know Hutch is glad to have him back, but more importantly, I’m glad to have him back,” Sheppard said. “Because if you try to double, nudge Hutch and things like that, you’re leaving your guard one-on-one on one of, if not the best, three-(techniques) in the NFL.”

Fipp not worried about Bates

Kicker Jake Bates missed a 54-yard field goal in the Lions’ last game, bringing him to 2-for-5 on field goals of 50-plus yards this season. Bates, whose massive leg is a defining trait, also missed a 67-yard attempt against Baltimore in Week 3 and a 55-yarder against Chicago in Week 2.

But he’s a perfect 6 for 6 on all field goals under 50 yards and has made all 27 extra-point attempts, so Fipp isn’t sweating the misses. Still, it’s something they plan to work on throughout the season.

“Practice-wise, the numbers that I have, I mean, he’s been exceptional,” Fipp said. “So, I feel really good about what he’s doing, where he’s at. I have a lot of confidence in him. But yeah, he hasn’t made all of the long kicks that we would love for him to make. Can he hit that at a higher percentage? For sure. Will that be something to work on? Yeah, no doubt.”

By Breana Noble

MediaNews Group

Ford Motor Co. is opening the doors of its new world headquarters to the public on Nov. 16.

Attendees must register online for free to enjoy the festivities that include self-guided tours, a car show, live entertainment, food trucks and other activities for families from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The Dearborn automaker last month announced it was moving its headquarters across town to the new, enormous, glassy product development center known as “The Hub” off Oakwood Boulevard across from the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. It’ll serve as the home for the company that first made vehicles accessible to the masses as it pursues a future toward greater electrification, autonomous driving and other advanced technologies.

The new headquarters will get the 1 American Road address that has marked the location of the Glass House at Michigan Avenue and Southfield Road that has served as Ford’s headquarters since 1956. That building will be demolished and is expected to be turned into a park-like community space in partnership with the city.

On Nov. 16, a grand opening ceremony will occur at noon and a closing ceremony at 4 p.m. Guests can make reservations to see the inside of the building, including workspaces and employee wellness areas. The walking, self-guided look likely will take 15 to 30 minutes, according to Ford.

Guests still can register to attend, even if tour reservations become fully booked. The Ford Community Car Show will show privately owned Ford classics from custom designs and sports models to heavy-duty trucks.

For now, The Hub is listed at 2100 Carroll Shelby Way on Google Maps. Ford’s invitation encourages guests to enter at Village Road and South Pond. Parking is at Deck 300 at 21324 S. Military St. and the PDC lot at 21000 S. Military.

DETROIT — The appetizer portion of Tarik Skubal’s offseason is just about over.

With the main course — likely his second straight American League Cy Young Award — coming in a little over a week, Skubal has nibbled on a pair of honors this week.

On Wednesday, he won the MLBPA Players’ Choice Award for the most outstanding pitcher in the American League. And on Thursday, in a vote of the Detroit Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, Skubal was named Tiger of the Year for the second straight season.

Skubal received 20 of 23 votes, with Riley Greene, Dillon Dingler and Kerry Carpenter each receiving one vote.

This one was a no-brainer.

Skubal led the American League in 12 different statistical categories this season, including WAR (6.6), WHIP (0.891), strikeout-walk ratio (7.3) and was second in strikeouts per nine innings (11.1).

“He’s just a complete bulldog out there,” said Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who is favored to win the National League Cy Young Award. “You talk about predator versus prey, he’s the predator. Always attacking, just attacking the strike zone with his stuff. Obviously, it’s really good stuff and, you know, he trusts it.”

Skubal’s plus-51 run value ranks in the top percentile in baseball. In 31 regular-season starts (195.1 innings), he limited hitters to a .200 average and a sub-.600 OPS (.559), with a 32% strikeout rate and 4% walk rate.

And in three postseason starts, he allowed four runs in 20.2 innings with 36 strikeouts and four walks.

All of that is why he is expected, on Nov. 12, to become the first pitcher since Pedro Martinez in 1999-2000 to win back-to-back Cy Young Awards.

Around the horn

The Detroit Chapter of the BBWAA also named Spencer Torkelson as the recipient of the 2025 Good Guy Award, given to the player who best exemplifies a cooperative spirit with the beat writers who cover the team. In a clubhouse full of worthy recipients, Torkelson stood out especially during the team’s slide in the final two months of the regular season. He stood in front his locker after a lot of tough losses and never ducked a question.

… Per MLB transactions, the Tigers have re-signed veteran catcher Tomas Nido to a minor-league contract. Nido, 31, spent the entire 2025 season in the Tigers’ system, appearing in 10 games with the Tigers. He was also on the club’s postseason taxi squad.