By Jolie Kerr

Special to The Washington Post

January is a great time of year to pick off decluttering projects, big and small. The new year, new you vibe can transform a task you’ve been putting off into one you cannot wait to cross off your to-do list.

And for many people, that overcrowded, overstuffed feeling the home can take on gives way to a burst of energy to get rid of it all.

Parting with your things, however, can be hard even when you’re excited at the prospect of a fresh start. Picking some easy(ish) decluttering projects is a great way to build momentum.

Here are 20 pretty easy things to consider removing from your home, your car or your life, in service of a less-cluttered 2026:

Holiday decorations

Start with the most obvious: As you take down holiday decor, weed out and throw away broken light sets and ornaments. (Will you need replacements? Order them now when you’re thinking of it, and they’re on sale.) Include holiday cards in the purge; keep the ones you want and throw away the rest.

Unwanted gifts

This one pushes the boundaries of “easy.” It can be hard to get rid of a gift that someone put thought and effort into. But if you got a gift you will truly never use, get rid of it. Return it, regift it, donate it, whatever the right move is, make it now. It won’t be easier in July.

Holiday food

It’s time to break up with that tin of peppermint bark, the container of homemade cranberry sauce or the turkey carcass that hasn’t and will never be turned into stock. Use it up now or throw it out.

Ingredients from 2025 that are languishing

If you bought an ingredient for a dish you made once and will never make again, or that you simply ended up not liking, this is the time to remove it from your life.

That one serving platter that exists to cause you trouble

Not everyone will have one of these, but those of you who do know the exact platter in question: It’s too heavy, too wide or too weirdly shaped, and it never quite works for anything other than getting in your way. Make 2025 the last year you deal with this diva! Donate or sell it if you can, and if it’s an heirloom or similarly significant, pass it along to a family member.

Reusable bags

These things proliferate in the night, and we all have too many of them. If you’ve still got a stack of Trader Joe’s bags with receipts from 2024 in them, a stash of plastic bags spilling out of other plastic bags or shopping bags from stores you haven’t shopped at in years, it’s a sign that you do not actually reuse those reusable bags you keep hanging on to.

Automotive detritus

Does your car need to be cleaned out? Grab a trash bag and spend five minutes purging. It will have an almost-immediate positive effect on your life.

Broken, duplicate or unused cooking utensils and small appliances

This one is especially well-suited to people who plan to make changes to their diets or undertake new cooking or baking endeavors in the new year. Donating or selling utensils and small appliances in January is ideal because for every person who vowed to eat less ice cream in the new year, there’s also a person who is making 2026 their year of ice cream artistry.

Anything you don’t like the smell of

Whether it’s a candle, a body wash, a countertop spray or a perfume, the experience of feeling stuck with a scented item that you hate the smell of is so relatable. Free yourself from those stinking shackles! Admit it was a mistake, and cast it off.

Promotional items and/or freebies you got in 2025

Water bottles, koozies, T-shirts, key chains, notepads — promotional items take many forms, and they’re free, which makes it easy to say, “Eh, it was free. Might as well keep it.” But if you didn’t pay for it and you don’t use it, you owe it nothing and it owes nothing to you. Toss, recycle or donate.

Cleaning products you don’t use

A small collection of cleaning agents are all you need to keep a clean home. Stocking a huge array of cleaning products is counterproductive. They’ll get in your way and make it harder for you to keep your home clean! Unwanted cleaning products, including ones that have been opened, are also super donate-able.

Old slippers

Alas, old slippers are not super donate-able, which can make them oddly hard to part with. But when you replace old slippers with new ones, it is time to say goodbye to your old friends. Beware of the role reassignment trap, here: Are those house slippers you bought in 2019 really going to serve as your new outdoor shoe?

Old dog leashes and collars

Leashes and collars are to our dogs as slippers are to us, which is funny to think about! Hopefully, bringing a bit of humor to the purge party will make it easier to admit that those old leashes and collars will not be used again.

Broken luggage

If you returned from holiday travels with broken luggage, repair it or toss it. Deal with it now; it won’t become less broken in the future.

Hair accessories, products or tools from two hair styles ago

Maybe it’s a bottle of purple conditioner from your short-lived platinum blond era or the round brush you bought when you decided to cut bangs or those clips you bought when you admitted the bangs were a mistake and set about growing them out. If it’s intended for a hairstyle you no longer have, it’s clutter that’s taking up valuable bathroom storage space.

Too many hangers

A common reason people struggle to keep their clothes organized is that their closets are simply too jammed up to be functional. Free up some space by paring down your spare hanger collection.

Rags, used sponges and old toothbrushes

All the stuff you reassigned as cleaning tools, if you’re not actually using them, then you’re just storing old, gross trash with your cleaning supplies.

Clothes you didn’t mend in 2025

This can feel like a bummer, because it requires admitting that you meant to do something, and didn’t, and that you’re unlikely to do it in the future. Use January’s “fresh start” energy to make a clean break from those unmended clothes, instead of clinging to a past you’ve grown out of.

Broken electronics you didn’t fix in 2025

Ditto broken electronics.

Empty boxes

Empty boxes — shipping boxes, product boxes, even unused storage containers — take up space and get in the way. Remove them from your orbit! Put the broken electronics and unmended clothes and gross old toothbrushes in them and get rid of all of it at once!

Community activities

• Zenning Your Space wellness workshop is 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 23, at Wint Nature Center, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Independence Twp. Craft a kokedama (a Japanese moss ball plant) and discover ways to weave natural elements into your environment for relaxation, balance and better air quality, suited for ages 8+, $10/person, preregistration is required; call 248-858-0916, or visit www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks.

• The Meadow Brook Garden Club meeting is Jan. 23, at Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester. Coffee and refreshments will be served at 9:15 a.m., program at 10 a.m. featuring guest speaker, Marilyn Trent, founder of Rochester Pollinators, “Petals, Pollinators & Pocket Forests”. Reservations are not required, $5 non-member fee, enter through the De Carlo Visitor Center. For information, call 248-364-6210 or email MBGC@Oakland.edu.

• Oakland County Farmers Market offers free cooking demonstrations, 10-11 a.m. Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 21, March 7 and March 21, held in cooperation with edibleWOW, at Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford Twp. Guests can shop for ingredients during market hours, 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Copies of the recipes will be available at the market and online at www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/parks-trails/farmers-market, following the demonstrations.

• Annual Birmingham Youth Assistance  Kids’ Dog Show 2026 is Feb. 1, at Berkshire Middle School Gym, 21707 W 14 Mile Road, Beverly Hills, children ages 4-14, can compete with their dogs. Tickets are $25+ per dog, dogs must be immunized and on a leash. For online purchases, use a computer, not mobile at www.birminghamyouthassistance.org. Registration closes on Jan. 30. To pay by check, print a form from the website.

• Oakland County is accepting applications for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, through 5 p.m. Feb. 2. The annual program recognizes 40 leaders younger than 40 who live or work in Oakland County – and who are driving positive change in their communities. Applicants must self-nominate, and be at least 18 years old, born after Dec. 31, 1985. For more information or to apply, visit www.oakgov.com/40under40. For questions, email 40under40@oakgov.com or call 248-858-5400.

Education

• The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Detroit Chapter is offering $2,500 scholarships to Michigan students and apprentices pursuing careers in construction and skilled trades. NAWIC Detroit is hosting a free, in-person scholarship workshop on Jan. 24, at Detroit’s Northwest Activities Center, RSVP at https://forms.gle/Dknj4uwvHixp7Wb18. Scholarship applications are due by Feb. 28, https://nawic.org/nfsf-scholarships.

Expos

• The Troy Public Library will host a Preschool Expo, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, at the Troy Community Center and is seeking organizations to participate. The free event is an opportunity for organizations that provide services to children ages birth to 5 years old in the Troy area, troypl.org for more information or call 248.524.3538.

• The HBA and the Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) to present the Great Lakes Design and Construction EXPO 2026 for residential and commercial designers, contractors, suppliers and service providers, Feb. 3, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace (formerly Suburban Collection Showplace), 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi. For registration and ticket information, visit https://miconstructionexpo.com.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day events happening in Oakland County

 

Festivals/Shows

• Detroit Auto Show is Jan. 14-25, Huntington Place, Detroit, https://detroitautoshow.com, ticket prices vary.

• The Novi Home Show is Jan. 16-18, Vibe Credit Union Showplace, formerly Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, www.vibeshowplace.com, general admission is $12, ($5 for ages 6-14) parking is $10.

• Winter White Wonderland Party is at 7 p.m. Jan. 23, 135 S Broadway, Lake Orion, hors d'oeuvres, entertainment from DJ Junbugg and dancing, https://www.facebook.com/winesociallakeorion, https://wine-social.com, $49.87+.

• BRRmingham Blast is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, downtown Birmingham, along South Old Woodward Avenue from Maple Road to Brown Street, featuring a 300-foot zip line, magic shows, marshmallow roasting, inflatable axe throwing, food trucks and warming tent. Free parking in the 333 Pierce Street and the 222 Peabody Street municipal garages, downtownbirmingham.com/park. Zip line participants must weigh at least 40 lbs. and a maximum of 225 lbs. and be at least 6 years of age. The line will close early to accommodate all riders before the end of the event, downtownbirmingham.com.

• Winter Carnival is noon-4 p.m. Jan. 24, Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 W. Snell Road, Oakland Twp., ice skating, sled dogs, snow games, archery shoot, food trucks, weather permitting, https://oaklandtwpmi.gov/winter-carnival, free parking and shuttle service at Rochester Christian Church, 4435 Rochester Road, Oakland Twp.

• Ice Age Giants is 2-3:30 p.m. Jan. 24, at Red Oaks County Park Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights, see and touch fossils from Michigan’s frozen past, explore how DNA studies and replication research may reveal some ice-age genes, program is suitable for ages 8+, $5/person. Register at www.oakgov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/8846/763, or call 248-858-0100.

• Winterfest 2026 is 1-4 p.m. Jan. 25, Oak Park Community Center, 14300 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, free carriage rides, live music, Mini Scottish Cows, reindeer, ice carver, crafts, chili, hot chocolate, www.oakparkmi.gov, free admission.

Health/safety activities

• The American Red Cross is in need of blood donations. Those who give now through Jan. 25 will be automatically entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in February in Santa Clara, California. Donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl, or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

• The Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program, which offers care for metro Detroiters living with dementia, will host a free virtual program on the latest treatments available for treating Alzheimer’s Disease. The live webinar is at 2 p.m. Jan. 29. The program is suitable for caregivers and advocates of people living with dementia. Register for the program by Jan. 27, by email to Joanna Dorfman at jdorfman@jslmi.org or call 248.661.6390 ext. 1, www.brownadultday.org.

• National Radon Action Month is January. Radon test kits for homes are available through the month at no cost to Oakland County residents at Health Division offices: North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph, Building 34E, Pontiac or South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed, Jan. 19). Contact the office ahead of time if you want more than five test kits, 800-848-5533, epa.gov/radon, oakgov.com/health.

Library activities

• Winter Wonder Library is 6-8 p.m. Jan. 23, Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, celebrity storytime readers, cookies and cocoa, kids and adult crafts, a Yeti scavenger hunt, games, and a brightly lit library garden. The library closes early at 5 p.m. to prepare and reopens its doors at 6 p.m. for the event. No registration is required,  rhpl.org/news.

Museums

• Holocaust Remembrance Day: 7 p.m. Jan. 18, with The Zekelman Holocaust Center, at The Hawk Black Box Theatre, 29995 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, TheHawkTheatre.com, $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Parks/Outdoor activities

Snow fort making and campfire is 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 19, at Bloomer Park,  345 John R Road, Rochester Hills, at the Hilltop Shelter, build a fort and deconstruct afterward with talk about “leaving no trace,” includes hot chocolate and a campfire, recommended for ages 7+. Tickets are $7 per person for all ages, children under 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult, register online at www.eventbrite.com/e/snow-fort-and-campfire-tickets-1976877787679?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.

• City of Auburn Hills Winter Solstice Lantern Walk is 6-9 p.m. Jan. 23, (previously scheduled for Dec. 19) at Hawk Woods Park and Campground, 3799 Bald Mountain Rd, Auburn Hills, family event to check out the night sky with a local astronomy group, create a winter craft by a campfire, and walk an illuminated woodland trail, www.facebook.com/CityofAuburnHills, (248) 370-9353.

• Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skiing, a two-hour class is offered Jan. 24, Feb. 7 or Feb. 28, at Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. The two-hour class includes skis, poles and boot rental. The cost is $35/person/session and each session is limited to 20 participants. Classes meet at the boathouse. Preregistration and payment is required by calling 248-625-2044 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or visiting www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/events.

• Independence Oaks County Park in Independence Twp. has groomed trails, cross-country skiing rental equipment and restroom facilities. Call the park at 248-625-0877 for current information about hours and equipment availability. For hikers or those with their own cross-country or snowshoe equipment, ungroomed trails can be enjoyed at Addison Oaks north of Rochester, Highland Oaks in Highland, Lyon Oaks in Lyon Township, Orion Oaks in Orion Township and Rose Oaks near Holly, www.oakgov.com/parks/recreation/Pages/Winter-Fun.aspx.

• Winter Park is open Fridays-Sundays, through March 1, at Bowers Farm, 1219 E Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills. Timed tubing tickets must be purchased in advance at www.schoolfarm.org/winter-activities, $17+, festive lights during evening hours. Activities include viewing farm animals, hay tower, bonfires, shopping at Farm Kitchen and Farm Store for local products, free admission to the park.

• The Rink at Royal Oak, ice skating at Centennial Commons in downtown Royal Oak, weather permitting, www.therinkatroyaloak.com.

• The Rink at Stine Community Park is open daily through the season, 241 Town Center, at the corner of Town Center and Civic Center Drive at the City of Troy Civic Center Campus, free admission, skate rentals are $3 residents, $5 non-residents, https://rec.troymi.gov/parks___facilities/the_rink/index.php, weather permitting.

• Riley Park Ice Rink in downtown Farmington open through February, 23600 Liberty St., Farmington, www.downtownfarmington.org, open daily, weather permitting, free admission, bring skates, https://farmgov.com/Community/Parks-and-Recreation/Riley-Park-Ice-Rink.

• Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne, metroparks.com. Park entrance fees apply. Annual vehicle passes are $40 for residents or $45 for non-residents. Senior citizen pricing on annual passes are available in-person at toll booths or park offices with ID as proof of age.

• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.

Support resources

• For access to local community services, dial 211 (844-875-9211) or text zip code to 898211, for information and referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions, United Way, https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help.

• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for people who are suicidal or in emotional distress, or who know someone who is. Calls and text messages to 988 route to a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, www.fcc.gov/988Lifeline.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, available 24/7.

• Common Ground's Resource & Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 - call or text 800-231-1127.

• Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and then press 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.

Submit community events online at https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.

By Craig Mauger, Carol Thompson, The Detroit News

Lansing — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Thursday that she said would help explore geologic hydrogen as a new source of energy in Michigan, requiring state agencies to plan for needed infrastructure and policy changes.

Whitmer announced the initiative during a speech at the Detroit Auto Show, saying if Michigan’s hydrogen reserves are proven to be safe and viable, they could lead to a “massive economic boom, creating jobs, lowering costs and reducing our reliance on foreign fuel.”

The directive, her first of 2026, will require the Department of Natural Resources to develop a report on any legal impediments to leasing “state-owned subsurface rights” for hydrogen exploration and the Michigan Public Service Commission to develop a report on needed infrastructure upgrades.

“The directive could make us a national leader in this space,” Whitmer said Thursday, according to her prepared remarks for the event. “We’re already seeing a lot of interest in Michigan because we have more potential reserves under our feet than every other state.”

The reports from state agencies are due by April 1, according to the directive. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy must file one on “statutory and regulatory authority to permit” geologic hydrogen exploration and any impediments in current law.

A statement from the governor’s office described geologic hydrogen as “a natural energy resource with the potential to serve as a fuel source at a scale and price that is competitive with fossil fuels.” Hydrogen releases water when it is burned, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, while petroleum and other fossil fuels release planet-warming gases such as carbon dioxide.

The USGS released a report last year indicating Michigan could be rich with geologic hydrogen that could be tapped for fuel. The state has three elements needed for hydrogen accumulation, the report authors said: a source of hydrogen generation, porous reservoirs that store hydrogen and seals to prevent hydrogen from leaking.

The four-page directive that Whitmer signed said Michigan could see “billions of dollars in new economic activity by tapping into a fraction of the U.S. hydrogen economy.”

In the statement from the governor’s office, Judd Herzer, director of mobility research and innovation at Michigan State University, said Whitmer’s directive sent a signal that Michigan was serious about leading in geological hydrogen.

“With the right coordination across state agencies, research institutions and the private sector geological hydrogen can move rapidly from scientific promise to practical application, supporting hydrogen-powered mobility, clean energy independence and the advanced manufacturing opportunities that will define Michigan’s next era of innovation,” Herzer said.

At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Energy is funding ongoing research into safe hydrogen handling and storage practices, according to the department’s website.

Geologists predict Michigan rich with hydrogen

Exploration of underground hydrogen stores is in the early stage, USGS geologists said in their report published last year. Finding underground hydrogen stores has historically been considered a problem or gone unreported, since companies were typically on the hunt for petroleum and lacked the tools to measure hydrogen.

Geologists used multiple data sets that covered the 48 contiguous states to determine where hydrogen reserves were likely, said Geoffrey Ellis, a USGS geochemist at the Central Energy Resources Science Center and coauthor of the report. He said geologists need to do more focused work to better understand reserves in Michigan.

“The fact that a state like Michigan has so much interest is great,” Ellis said. “Hopefully, we can work with the state (geological) survey and do that type of effort.”

Sara Ryker, USGS associate director for energy and minerals, described the report as “tantalizing” when it was released in January 2025.

“For decades, the conventional wisdom was that naturally occurring hydrogen did not accumulate in sufficient quantities to be used for energy purposes,” Ryker said in 2025. “This map is tantalizing because it shows that several parts of the U.S. could have a subsurface hydrogen resource after all.”

The USGS report sparked interest in recovering hydrogen from below ground rather than making hydrogen by splitting molecules such as water, said Todd Allen, University of Michigan College of Engineering associate dean for research.

While the report shows what federal geologists believe to be the best places for finding geologic reserves of hydrogen, there hasn’t been much test drilling to determine whether the geologists’ predictions are right, Allen said.

“To a great extent, it’s unknown,” he said. “I think the interest in the state of Michigan is that the USGS map said we ought to have a lot.”

It could be a big deal for Michigan if the geologists turn out to be right and the state has large quantities of hydrogen available to recover, he said.

Hydrogen fuel cells could power heavy vehicles, such as ships and trucks. Some clean energy advocates see it as a way to decarbonize heavy-duty transportation and shipping as well as some heavy industries like steelmaking that traditionally rely on coal to power furnaces.

Hydrogen fuel typically is created by separating molecules that contain hydrogen – taking the H₂ out of H₂O, for example.

“If we could bring hydrogen out of the ground, it would be much cheaper,” Allen said. “If people can recover geologic hydrogen at the same rate we do natural gas, it would be much, much cheaper (than other sources of hydrogen) and it would be much, much easier to bring it into commerce.”

Separating out that hydrogen requires a lot of electricity and sometimes is done using natural gas, which releases fossil fuels is costly and negates some of the climate benefits of hydrogen. Extracting hydrogen from the ground also could be a win for the climate, Allen said, because it wouldn’t require electricity.

During a speech in Detroit on Tuesday, Republican President Donald Trump referenced hydrogen, appearing to joke — as he has many times during previous campaign stops in Michigan — that he would “pass on” using hydrogen to power cars.

“I’m hearing it’s not testing so well,” Trump said. “It’s fine, except when there’s an explosion, you’re a goner.”

Under former President Joe Biden, the U.S. Department of Energy funded regional hydrogen hubs to study and produce hydrogen fuel and develop a supply chain for its use. Michigan is part of one such hub, the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen, known as MachH2, which was set to receive up to $1 billion in federal funding as of 2023.

The hub programs are on “standby,” Allen said. Most were in the planning stage when Trump took office and had not yet received much of their promised funds, according to Allen.

“To a great extent, I think the hubs are just stuck,” Allen said. “There’s not a lot of action. I think it’s because the administration is not on a path to provide the big funding.”

Geologic hydrogen may be more appealing to the Trump administration because it requires a familiar process of extracting resources from underground, much like fracking natural gas or drilling for oil, Allen said.

“It could be a (good) thing just in general, a good, useful way of powering modern society, but it could be that the federal government shifts their focus, too,” Allen said. “It’s an extension of the thing we know how to do.”

Governor seeks new North American trade pact

Whitmer’s speech at the auto show Thursday touched on tariffs, Michigan’s economy and some of her goals for her final year as the state’s governor. She can’t run for reelection this fall because of term limits.

She called on Trump’s administration not to abandon the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, which is up for review this year.

“Instead, we should build on the best parts and make it even better,” Whitmer said, according to her prepared remarks. “The USMCA has some of the strictest auto rules of any free trade agreement in the world.

“It raised wages for workers in all three countries, and guaranteed that more parts were made in the U.S. Is it perfect? No. But without our allies, we do not stand a chance.”

The USMCA started in 2020, during Trump’s first term in the White House. But in recent days, he’s downplayed it. During his trip to Michigan on Tuesday, he labeled it “irrelevant.”

Also, on Thursday, Whitmer called on the Legislature to get a new state budget to her desk by June 30.

“With so much uncertainty, we owe it to local governments, schools, and businesses leaders to enact a transparent, timely budget,” Whitmer said. “I’m confident we can get it done.”

Last year, lawmakers and Whitmer failed to get the budget approved until after the Oct. 1 constitutional deadline.

Today is Sunday, Jan. 18, the 18th day of 2026. There are 347 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Jan. 18, 2019, Jason Van Dyke, the white Chicago police officer who gunned down Black teenager Laquan McDonald in 2014, was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison.

Also on this date:

In 1778, English navigator Captain James Cook reached the present-day Hawaiian Islands, which he dubbed the “Sandwich Islands.”

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson asked Congress in a confidential message for $2,500 in funding for exploration of Western lands all the way to the Pacific, an early step in the eventual formation of the Lewis and Clark expedition that would ultimately accelerate American expansion westward beyond the Mississippi River.

In 1911, the first landing of an aircraft on a ship took place as pilot Eugene B. Ely brought his Curtiss biplane in for a safe landing on the deck of the armored cruiser USS Pennsylvania in San Francisco Harbor.

In 1958, Canadian Willie O’Ree became the first Black player in the National Hockey League as he made his debut with the Boston Bruins.

In 1977, scientists identified the bacteria responsible for the deadly form of atypical pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease.

In 1990, Washington, D.C., Mayor Marion Barry was arrested after FBI agents caught him smoking crack cocaine in a hotel room in a videotaped sting. (Convicted of drug possession, Barry spent a few months in prison, returning to win a D.C. Council seat in 1992 and his fourth and final mayoral victory in 1994. He died in 2014.)

In 1993, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday was observed in all 50 states for the first time.

In 1996, Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Jackson, citing “irreconcilable differences” after less than two years of marriage.

In 2013, former Democratic New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was indicted on charges that he’d used his office for personal gain, accepting payoffs, free trips and gratuities from contractors while the devastated city was struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina. (Nagin was later convicted, served time, and was released from prison in 2020.)

In 2025, a gasoline tanker exploded in Nigeria, killing at least 70 people as individuals sought to transfer gasoline from one tanker into another truck as numerous bystanders looked on.

Today’s birthdays:

• Actor-filmmaker Kevin Costner is 71.
• Actor Mark Rylance is 66.
• Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier is 65.
• Actor Dave Bautista is 57.
• Actor Jesse L. Martin is 57.
• Rock singer Jonathan Davis (Korn) is 55.
• Football Hall of Famer Julius Peppers is 46.
• Actor Jason Segel is 46.
• Actor Carlacia Grant is 35.
• Singer and activist Montana Tucker is 33.
• Spanish soccer star Aitana Bonmati is 28.
• Actor Karan Brar is 27.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Both were happy to be there, but there could only be one to emerge between Walled Lake Central and West Bloomfield Saturday afternoon.

Ultimately, the Vikings outpinned the Lakers 220-212, 191-180 in the finals to win the 2026 Oakland County boys bowling tournament.

“We haven’t really done well here (recently),” Walled Lake Central head coach Jeff DeSlippe said. “But I’d say this is probably one of the biggest highlights we’ve ever had (as a program). It’s a career win.”

Walled Lake Northern, who won the regional the Vikings were in last postseason, finished top of qualifying with a 3,907 total, followed by South Lyon East (3,866), but the margins were slim for the top-3 as the Vikings came in just behind that at 3,863.

When match play began, WL Central defeated Avondale (201-156, 171-132), Detroit Catholic Central (197-174, 232-178) and then Clarkston (223-200, 212-212) in the semifinals to reach the championship.

“We felt pretty confident going in, and I don’t think we were too concerned about anyone really until West Bloomfield,” DeSlippe said.

In singles play, Vikings senior Connor Martin was dominant, his best competition proving to be runner-up Joe Lindholm of Troy (717), who rolled a 300 in his first game. That pair aside, there were fewer than 10 other scores of 250 or higher throughout the singles portion, but Martin compiled scores of 235, 257 and 267 for a series total of 759.

“It’s incredible,” Martin said. “I’ve never shot that high of a series before ever in high school. I was nervous at first, but throughout the day I got better. I was just making good shots, being happy.”

Martin, who went to states as a freshman, now has a special tool in his box that has taken him up a level.

“I gave him my bowling ball (I used in) my men’s league,” DeSlippe said. “I found a new ball that I don’t like as much. Now I’m just wondering if I can get the ball back.”

“Yes, very,” Martin responded when asked if he’s been improved since he began utilizing it. “It goes through the pins better, hits them stronger.”

Central’s next-best performer in individual play was Justin Jensen, who finished 15th individually (636), followed by Aaron Dorfman (33rd, 605).

West Bloomfield was the more unexpected of the two to reach the final. Beyond the Knights, Cougars and Vikings, The Lakers finished 10th in qualifying behind Southfield A&T, Oxford, Catholic Central, Lakeland and South Lyon. North Farmington, Royal Oak, Lake Orion, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, Avondale, Clarkston and Mott also qualified to the Round of 16.

West Bloomfield had just one bowler inside the top-40 individuals in Mason Ermis, whose output of 647 was good for 12th. Collectively, the Lakers beat South Lyon, then Waterford Mott and Lake Orion to reach the final.

Photo gallery from the 2026 Oakland County boys bowling tournament

As far as West Bloomfield's first-year head coach Reg Watts is aware, this is the first time the program has reached the finals of the county tournament. "As a matter of fact, this is our first year winning trophies."

While the Lakers were in a strong regional last postseason, led by Troy Athens, who won last year's county tourney, they finished fifth in that regional. On top of it, they graduated seven seniors.

"Last year, we were pretty good," Watts said. "But this year, a couple of my guys bowled a lot over the summer, some of them that were JV (last year). I'm really deep in good bowlers this year."

Watts also believed that his team could take it up a notch in the last stage Saturday. "I guess my guys just woke up," he said. I knew there was another level. We were performing below my expectations at the beginning of the tournament, but I expected us to do well."

He said this also raises the ceiling on what the Lakers can achieve this postseason, adding, "It does, because we've never made it (this far here) before. This is the second trophy for us this year, not the last .. and I have most of my bowlers -- Mason, Jayden (Watts), Brenden (Doyle), that's my core -- coming back next year, so we'll be even stronger."

After Martin and Lindholm, the rest of the top-10 individuals were Oxford's Dom Hambly (696 series), Walled Lake Northern's Ethan Faurote (685), Southfield A&T's Anthony Jones II (682), Clarkston's Gavin Pittman (676), WL Northern's Hunter Clary (674), A&T's Aiden Mason (661), and South Lyon East duo Dain Virdee (657) and Thomas Martin (651). Mason had the best individual one-game score aside from Lindholm's 300 with a 276.

Astro Lanes in Madison Heights hosted the Oakland County boys bowling tournament on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Walled Lake Central edged West Bloomfield in the finals to win the title.

SEATTLE (AP) — Jeremy Fears Jr. scored 19 points and No. 12 Michigan State beat Washington 80-63 on Saturday for its fourth straight victory.

The Spartans (16-2, 6-1 Big Ten) won in their first game at Washington since 1957.

Fears was 6 of 9 from the field and made 7 of 8 free throws in his fourth straight game with at least 15 points. He also had five assists.

Kur Teng added 11 points, hitting three 3-pointers.

Zoom Diallo led Washington (10-8, 2-5) with 18 points, and Hannes Steinbach had 17 points and nine rebounds. The Huskies have lost four of five, three of them against teams ranked 12th or better.

Washington was without guard Desmond Claude. He announced Friday on social media that he was “stepping away from all on-court activities” due to health concerns stemming from a sprained ankle in fall workouts that forced him to miss the first four games of the season. In 12 games (nine starts), he averaged 13.3 points.

Up next

Michigan State: At Oregon on Tuesday night

Washington: At No. 8 Nebraska on Wednesday night.

— By JOSH KIRSHENBAUM, Associated Press

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Elliot Cadeau scored 17 points and No. 4 Michigan defeated Oregon 81-71 Saturday afternoon at Matthew Knight Arena.

Nimari Burnett scored 15 points and Aday Mara added 12 points as Michigan (16-1, 6-1) won its second straight game following its lone loss of the season. Morez Johnson Jr. scored nine points in 17 minutes despite foul trouble and Yaxel Lendeborg added six and a game-high 10 rebounds for the Wolverines, who shot 49% from the field and outrebounded the Ducks 36-30.

Sean Stewart scored a career-high 22 points to go with eight rebounds for Oregon (8-10, 1-6), which dropped its fourth straight game. Kwame Evans Jr. had 18 points and seven rebounds while Takai Simpkins scored 12 for the Ducks.

Oregon played without its two leading scorers as senior center Nate Bittle, who averages 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, is likely out for a month after injuring his foot last week in a loss at Nebraska. Junior point guard Jackson Shelstad, who averages 15.6 points and a team-high 4.9 assists per game, missed his fifth straight game with a hand injury.

Oregon led 41-40 at halftime and opened the second period with a basket from Stewart before Burnett answered with a 3-pointer. Oregon went back up 47-46 on a dunk from Devon Pryor before Michigan went on a 12-2 run to take a 58-49 lead.

Oregon got within 74-68 on a basket by Stewart with 3:33 to play, but Cadeau made a layup and Johnson added a bucket to put the Wolverines ahead 78-68 with 2:28 left in the game.

Up next

Michigan: The Wolverines return home to face Indiana on Tuesday.

Oregon: The Ducks host No. 12 Michigan State on Tuesday.

— By STEVE MIMS, Associated Press

The state’s quarterly theme-park injury report for the final three months of 2025 includes a Nov. 25 death following a ride on Revenge of the Mummy, an indoor roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida.

An unidentified 70-year-old woman was unresponsive and later died at the hospital, according to the report compiled by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The state’s major theme parks self-report about visitors injured on rides if they result in at least 24 hours of hospitalization.

The summary “reflects only the information reported at the time of the incident,” the report says. “Due to privacy-related concerns, the department does not receive updates to initial assessments of a patron’s condition.”

A Universal spokesperson said via e-mail that the company does not comment on pending claims. The Orlando Sentinel has requested records for the scene and date from the Orlando Police Department.

The Mummy ride, which opened in 2004, reaches 40 mph as it rolls through dark Egyptian-themed scenes and fiery effects amid appearances by animatronic Imhotep and scarab beetles plus a drop hill of 39 feet. It has appeared on the quarterly report about 20 times since opening, including the death of an Apopka man who fell from the loading platform onto the tracks in 2004. He died after a related surgery, and his death was ruled an accident by the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner’s office.

The latest injury report, posted Thursday, has a mix of spinning rides and high-intensity attractions and roller coasters, including Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers.

On Nov. 6, a 78-year-old man had chest pain after being on the Epic coaster, and on Nov. 14, a 61-year-old man had cardiac arrest on the ride. Stardust Racers is considered Epic’s most intense ride, with dueling trains going up to 62 mph and a top height of 133 feet. Both sides include one inversion, sudden launches and intertwined-rails moments. The coaster debuted with the Universal Orlando Resort park in May.

In September, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala of Kissimmee died after riding Stardust Racers. His family and Universal reached an “amicable resolution” in December, but no details were shared. Later, five people filed lawsuits against Universal Orlando, claiming severe and permanent injuries after their heads slammed against the seats in front of them while on Stardust Racers.

Of the nine fourth-quarter reports filed from the three Universal Orlando parks, five involved Epic rides. Other incidents included Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, where a 41-year-old woman had numbness and visual disturbance on Oct. 4; on Oct. 25, a 19-year-old woman had altered mental status during Mario Kart: Bower’s Challenge, a flat ride with virtual-reality elements; and on Nov. 14, a 47-year-old woman had nausea after Yoshi’s Adventure, a slow-paced flat ride.

At Islands of Adventure, a 45-year-old women had motion sickness and stroke symptoms after riding the Incredible Hulk Coaster on Oct. 13 and a 49-year-old woman had chest pain after being on Jurassic World: VelociCoaster on Nov. 30. Also at IOA, a 61-year-old woman had lower back spasms after Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, a drop-tower ride.

At Walt Disney World, three Epcot incidents are on the new report. On Nov. 12, a 72-year-old woman was disoriented after exiting Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, an indoor coaster; on Nov. 23, a 59-year-old woman had breathing difficulties while exiting Test Track; and on Dec. 28, a 35-year-old woman lost consciousness while on The Seas With Nemo and Friends, a low-speed dark ride that travels through an aquarium.

At Magic Kingdom theme park, a 65-year-old woman felt chest pain after Peter Pan’s Flight ride on Oct. 28, and a 42-year-old woman had a seizure while on Mad Tea Party, the spinning ride commonly called the teacups, on Nov. 22.

A 75-year-old woman had “stroke-like symptoms” aboard Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, on Nov. 28.

No reports were filed in the quarter from SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and their associated water parks.

By Melody Baetens, Adam Graham, Francis X. Donnelly, The Detroit News

It was cold and it was sloshy and it didn’t make a bit of difference Friday night.

When you’re attending the premier social event of the year, the last thing on your mind is meteorology.

The forecast for the Charity Preview gala, which opens the Detroit Auto Show each year, was shiny tuxedos, glittering gowns, bubbly champagne and, oh yeah, cars.

All this finery transpired within the confines of the Huntington Place convention center, where 6,000 revelers oogled the latest designs from automakers.

The oglers sported some fancy designs of their own. Their jewelry alone put the glitz into the social spectacle.

Like most years, the fashion was black-tie with a dash of Motor City swagger and wintertime ritz.

Women have been hip to the fact that the hard, freshly carpeted floors of the showroom can be tough if you’re wearing heels, and many opt for flats. Complimentary comfy slippers were at the ready, piled high near the stage area.

Also spotted were a few gals in expensive sneakers.

Mia Talbott of Rochester Hills rocked an emerald satin mini dress with modern gold jewelry and black-and-white Jordans.

“They’re really comfy and they’re also my favorite pair of shoes,” said the young car fan, who was attending the event for the second time with her mom, Lori Talbott. “I like how they’re every day, but when you style them right, they can be fancier.”

During the entertainment portion of the evening, longtime “Masked Singer” judge Robin Thicke performed a brief 19-minute set that included his hits “Lost Without U” and “Blurred Lines.”

But it was a step down from 2025’s headliner, Flo Rida, who ignited a dance party on stage and brought out Flavor Flav to hype up the crowd, turning the buttoned-up Charity Preview setting upside down. Thicke didn’t bring any of that energy or excitement, and his set was seemingly over before it even got going.

A local guy did a much better job.

Trick Trick performed a 25-minute set on a large stage at the back of Huntington Center. Joined by his brother Diezel, a Detroit sex symbol in his own right due to his heavy Tubi presence, Trick took the stage and was greeted by a rumble of bass that echoed throughout the show floor.

The Detroit rapper had the tux- and gown-clad crowd throwing their hands in the air as he performed songs like “Bet She Wanna Smoke,” “My Name is Trick Trick” and “Booty Bounce,” the 1995 single that put him on the Detroit map.

Crowd faves “Welcome 2 Detroit” and “From the D” followed, and Trick served as a proper scene-setter for headliner Thicke.

Trick left the crowd with some parting words of unity.

“Listen,” he told the crowd. “It don’t matter what political party you represent, there’s always one Detroit.”

Besides fun and fashion, some do-gooderism also abounded.

As Carolyn Clifford and Glenda Lewis welcomed the growing crowd ahead of the ribbon cutting, the WXYZ-TV anchors talked about the financial impact of the event. Clifford said the gala has raised more than $125 million for local children’s nonprofits.

“At the heart of the night is impact,” said Clifford.

Proceeds from the $400-a-ticket event will go to six children’s charities in southeastern Michigan. The final tally won’t be known for several weeks but organizers hope to raise an additional $3 million for the charitable groups.

Todd Szott, auto show chair, echoed the importance of the charity support.

“What you make possible tonight through your support and your presence and your belief has a real and lasting impact on children and families across our region,” he told the crowd.

Lewis introduced the newly elected mayor of Detroit, Mary Sheffield, who said the auto show has had a great economic effect on the city.

Her Honor said the event generated $370 million in economic activity last year and $8 billion over the years.

“The auto show is such an important time and event for our city throughout the years,” she said. “It is more than just cars in glamour. It really is about the heart of our city. It is about the meaningful impact that this event has on our community.”

For former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, it was his first Charity Preview not as the city’s chief executive since 2013. But it felt just like the others, especially when snow fell on the same day as the gala, he said.

He didn’t mind the snow and thought the event was smart to return to winter after giving summer a try.

“Crowds come in from all over, and all you hear is, ‘the city looks incredible,’” he said.

Duggan said he didn’t have any official duties during the soiree, including making speeches, and he was fine with that, too.

“I’m adjusting to retirement without a problem,” he joked.

It may be a short-lived retirement as Duggan is currently running for governor.

Jalen Rose is many things ― a Detroit native, media mogul, and former NBA star, but until Friday night, he was never an attendee of the Charity Preview.

He not only corrected the last part of that, but doubled down as the evening’s master of ceremonies.

“This is incredible,” Rose said. “It’s a celebration of vehicles, and a celebration of the city.”

Rose said he loved that everyone dressed to the nines, and said no one does that better than Detroit. He was among the fashionistas, wearing a black suit, black rimmed glasses and a black hat with a red underbrim.

Marissa Bennett of Richmond floated through Huntington Place with a dress made of magazine-style paper ads for Vernors, Better Made potato chips, the city’s sports teams and everything else that screams Detroit.

Bennett was constantly stopped by people asking about the outfit, which had a plastic base and was held together with tape and glue.

Standing beside Bennett was Matt Richmond of Pontiac, who designed the dress and assembled it just a few hours before the show.

“It’s pretty crazy. You can’t go more than a few feet without someone stopping and asking about it,” Richmond said. “It’s a showstopper.”

Emerald and similar shades of green were prominent, not only via sparkly gowns but also accents on men’s tuxedos. It may be an ode to cash money or inspired by the latest “Wicked” film.

State Sen. Stephanie Chang was more Glinda than Elphaba in a pale pink, almost-cream gown with sparkling accents, which she purchased at Detroit’s Peacock Room.

“It’s a super fun event, great for networking, but also you get to see all the cars,” she said. “So many great things, but I think the most important thing is raising money for really important organizations.”

Chang said she was especially happy with the financial support for the Children’s Center, which helps kids with mental health and foster care placement.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel has been coming to the Charity Preview for years and said he always enjoys meeting people. He said the event also is a great way for the region to show off its attributes.

“It’s not about being a politician, it’s about being a people person,” he said. “It’s a target-rich environment for people who like people so I love it.”

The Detroit Lions are still going through the painstaking process of dissecting what went wrong in a disappointing 2025 season, but just around the corner are several opportunities to revamp the roster and get ready for a playoff push in 2026.

For Part 2 of our three-part offseason blueprint, designed to help prime you on every second of the Lions’ offseason, we’re taking you through several steps of the player-acquisition process, from which in-house free agents the team could look to bring back in 2026 to the positions they could be targeting when free agency opens for the entire league.

In the first part, we gave an overview of Detroit’s staffing changes, college All-Star games, and the NFL Scouting Combine. In the next, we’ll cover the NFL Draft, extension-eligible players, fifth-year options, the NFL’s schedule release, and the offseason workout schedule.

In-house unrestricted free agents (End of season through training camp)

League-wide free agency doesn’t begin until March, but teams can start re-signing their own free agents at basically any point. The Lions have big decisions to make about several players who contributed to wins not so long ago.

Quarterback: The Lions’ lone free-agent quarterback (other than C.J. Beathard, who was on the practice squad) is Kyle Allen, who has a seemingly good chance of returning. Allen was extremely reliable in training camp and had a strong showing throughout much of the preseason. While we didn’t get to see how it looked during the regular season, Allen has significant starting experience and is a high-floor backup for Jared Goff.

Wide receivers/tight ends: One of the more intriguing decisions the Lions will make this offseason is on wide receiver Kalif Raymond, who’s been with the team since 2021 and embodies the culture they’ve built. At 31, is it time to move on? The Lions’ other free-agent receiver is Tom Kennedy, who’s a restricted free agent because of service time despite being the second-longest tenured member of the team. Kennedy, 29, seems like a lock to be here for training camp.

Meanwhile, the Lions could upgrade the competition in the tight end room by moving on from Shane Zylstra and Anthony Firkser. Both were solid depth players after the team lost its top two players, but neither is likely to challenge Brock Wright for the No. 2 job behind Sam LaPorta, and Lions coach Dan Campbell said he wants to bring more competition to training camp next season.

Offensive line: One of the biggest reasons to believe in a Lions bounceback is that the offense returns every 2025 starter. Of course, one or two of the positions along the offensive line might need an upgrade, but that’s generally a positive for a top-five unit.

On the O-line, Detroit will have the opportunity to reshape its depth. There seems to be a decent chance that the team’s first-choice backups are on their way out, with Dan Skipper mulling retirement and Kayode Awosika being a healthy scratch during desperate portions of the season. Interior lineman Trystan Colon also had his ups and downs, but could certainly stick around as a depth option.

We are intrigued by tackle Jamarco Jones, who was the top candidate to win Detroit’s backup tackle job before a season-ending ankle injury. While Jones, 29, is no spring chicken, there’s a sense the Lions really like him as a depth piece.

Defensive line/defensive end: There’s a big opportunity to reshape the defensive line this season, with seven of the Lions’ defensive free agents coming from that unit, and five of those players being edge defenders. On the interior, the Lions still could have plenty of use for D.J. Reader, so long as it’s at a much lower price than the $11 million annual salary he signed for two years ago, and likely have a strong interest in bringing back Roy Lopez, who was arguably the most cost-effective signing of the 2025 offseason. Levi Onwuzurike, who missed the entire season with an ACL injury, is a wild card. He had a breakout season in 2024 but missed the entire next season after getting a below-market deal, so there’s no telling what outside interest will look like for him.

On the edge, the Lions can and should seriously consider reshaping the room. Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal have often been injured — Paschal missed the entire season with a back injury — and have been, at best, replacement-level players when healthy. I could see the team bringing back Tyrus Wheat, a restricted free agent who was a waiver claim and didn’t get many defensive opportunities, but flashed when he was on the field.

Lastly, we have Al-Quadin Muhammad. After an 11-sack season, which nearly doubled his career-best, his services are expected to be in high demand. But he’s also 30 years old and has much less of a track record than, say, a Za’Darius Smith, who ended up signing with the Philadelphia Eagles for just $4.5 million guaranteed before ultimately retiring. I’d expect the Lions to try everything to bring him back; the question is whether another, more desperate team will outbid them.

Linebackers: Alex Anzalone is the headliner of Detroit’s upcoming free-agent class. He was one of Campbell’s original soldiers back in 2021 and became one of the league’s most valuable linebackers as the Lions became a juggernaut in 2023 and 2024. His attempt to ink an extension last offseason did not come to fruition, and it might be tough to re-sign him after Detroit extended Derrick Barnes to the tune of $8.5 million annually the previous offseason.

Barnes has yet to become the player Anzalone is now, which makes their decision on what to do with Anzalone interesting. From Anzalone’s perspective, he’s 31 and yet to receive a big payday (relative to his high-end linebacking peers), which could play into his decision-making over the next few months. But at his age, it’s understandable why the Lions might be hesitant to give him the money he wants. It seems the writing is on the wall after last offseason, but perhaps the two sides can find some middle ground after another full season behind them.

Elsewhere in the linebacking unit, the Lions will have to make decisions on a pair of young players in Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Lions keep both. They’ve invested quite a bit into each player’s development. As for Ezekiel Turner and Zach Cunningham, I wouldn’t be surprised to see either player at training camp this year. Grant Stuard certainly could be back as a special-teams ace. Still, he mentioned the opportunity to play on defense drew him to Detroit last offseason, and that ultimately didn’t happen much, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him seek a new opportunity.

Secondary: This time last year, cornerback Amik Robertson was a full-blown fan favorite for his role in the team’s division-clinching, Week 18 win against the Minnesota Vikings. But now, after Robertson was repeatedly picked on after being thrust into action as a starting outside cornerback, it seems the two parties are headed toward an amicable split. The Lions could bring Robertson back to challenge for the starting nickel corner job, but part of his appeal was his ability to bounce outside when needed, and he was a liability in that role this season.

The rest of the Lions’ reserve free agents in the secondary actually put together solid campaigns. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin was arguably Detroit’s best cornerback over the entire season and should be a high priority this offseason. Avonte Maddox and Daniel Thomas played well in most of their appearances at safety, with both players also contributing on special teams.

Rounding out this group is safety Jalen Mills, a late-season signing, and cornerback Arthur Maulet. Again, it wouldn’t be surprising to see either of these players in training camp next year — but that’s probably about the extent of their expectations.

Special teams: After finishing his two-year contract with the Lions, kicker Jake Bates is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA), a designation for players with fewer than three accrued NFL seasons. The Lions have complete control over the negotiation; they’ll either be able to sign him to a multi-year deal or tender him a qualifying offer at league minimum, which he must accept. Bates had more misses in 2025 than he did the year prior, but Detroit still has full belief he’ll eventually be one of the league’s best, and he’s certainly got the talent to do so.

Free-agent negotiation period begins (March 9)

Free agency doesn’t officially open until the new league year begins on March 11 (4 p.m.), but teams can get a head start on negotiations when the legal tampering window opens on March 9 (noon). These two days are some of the most exciting on the NFL calendar.

New league year begins (March 11, 4 p.m.)

Players who are not under contract for the 2026 season are officially set free from their previous deals at 4 p.m. on March 11, when they can formally put pen to paper on signing with a new team. Additionally, teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents before this time, or they’ll lose the first right of refusal if and when a player signs an offer sheet elsewhere. With the start of the new league year, the trade market also reopens.

Tenders: The Lions have three restricted free agents (RFAs) this offseason: Nowaske, Wheat and Kennedy. RFAs are players with exactly three years of service time who are technically eligible to sign with any team, but the original team has the right of first refusal — or, in other words, the ability to match — on any contract signed by said player if they submit a qualifying offer (or “tender.”) They’re kind of like franchise tags but for players of a lower caliber. For example, the Lions used a right-of-first-refusal tender on tight end Brock Wright during the 2024 offseason and matched a contract offer from the San Francisco 49ers.

There are four types of tenders teams can use on RFAs, each with a different salary for the player and a different level of compensation for the original team. But for our purposes, we’re not going to get bogged down by the different avenues Detroit probably won’t use to keep this group of players.

The only tender Detroit could conceivably use on one of these players is a right-of-first refusal tender, but even that carries an annual salary in the neighborhood of $3.3 million. It’s unlikely that’s applied to Wheat, a recent waiver claim, or Kennedy, who primarily resides on the practice squad. Detroit could decide to tender Nowaske, considering they’ve watched his development and were upset about briefly losing him via the waiver wire a few years ago. But even then, they might be scared off by the salary.

Free agency: We’ll eventually do a position-by-position deep dive into all of the Lions’ free agency needs and available players, but for now, we’re taking a big-picture look at how they could approach the acquisition period. Unlike last offseason, when the Lions returned most starters from a team that went 15-2, there are several major holes on this roster — even if some of that is because of injury.

The biggest weakness is their offensive line, where they’ll have to replace at least one player, and maybe two. Detroit should find an upgrade from Graham Glasgow at center and make a move to protect against the potential retirement of left tackle Taylor Decker.

The latter is easier said than done; it’s going to be hard to find a tackle worth his salt that also would be content with being a backup, should Decker decide to play one more year. That’s potentially an acquisition better-suited for the draft, but we know Lions general manager Brad Holmes doesn’t like to shoehorn his team’s needs when drafting.

The Lions also will need to overhaul their defensive end group, with Aidan Hutchinson and Ahmed Hassanein being the only two players under contract. They’ll also likely be looking for an Anzalone replacement, as well as a safety or two to quell the uncertainty caused by injuries to Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerby Joseph (knee).

It’s also important to remember free agency is essentially a full offseason endeavor. Once the initial wave of signings comes in at the start of the new league year, hundreds of quality players will still be looking for their next team.

Trades: The Lions could certainly improve their team via trade, which they did during the 2024 offseason by trading a third-round pick for cornerback Carlton Davis III.

But they’re already down a pair of third-round picks, used to acquire wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in last year’s draft, and Holmes has been wont to stockpile draft capital rather than use it to acquire veteran pieces. It’s hard to imagine an already shorthanded Holmes punting on more draft picks. Still, it’s an avenue Holmes has used before, and after watching Detroit’s 2025 season fall apart, perhaps he’ll be more motivated to mortgage the future for 2026.

Potential cap casualties

Salary cap casualties are an unfortunate reality of life in the NFL. As I mentioned in last year’s Blueprint, projecting players to lose their jobs is not a fun part of the job. But teams are constantly looking for ways to reduce their salary cap hits, and cutting veteran players on expensive contracts is a critical way of doing so. Here are players whose release could provide cap relief.

Graham Glasgow, center: All told, the Lions don’t have many veterans whose release could provide substantial cap room, but Glasgow does fit the bill. He had a rough season after making his third position change in as many years, and could be nearing retirement — even if he wouldn’t say so directly. When asked whether he still plans to be a Lion in 2026 on locker-room cleanout day, he simply said that he’s still under contract. The Lions would incur $2.9 million in dead money and save $5.6 million by releasing Glasgow. While that’s not bad for a potential starter, it’s very expensive for a backup who’s already reached his ceiling.

David Montgomery, running back: Montgomery’s future with the team is in flux after a season that saw his role drastically reduced. Holmes acknowledged a disconnect between how Montgomery was used and how he deserves to be used, saying the situation could result in an amicable split — even if that’s not the outcome Holmes prefers. Cutting Montgomery would incur $4.9 million in dead money for 2026 and free up $3.5 million.

Brock Wright, tight end: Rounding out our group of potential cap casualties is Wright, who ended the season on injured reserve with a trachea injury. In this scenario, the juice probably isn’t worth the squeeze. Detroit adores Wright, who’s entering the final year of his contract, and what he does as a blocker. They’d only save $2.7 million by cutting him, which is likely less than it would cost to replace him. But with few other options for cap relief, perhaps the Lions will consider moving on.

Looking ahead

The Lions have a number of tough decisions to make about players who’ve helped build a winning culture in Detroit, and with each new offseason bringing fresh contract extensions for Detroit’s drafted stars, the margin for error only continues to shrink.

We’ll conclude our three-part series Friday with a look at the NFL Draft, fifth-year options, extension-eligible players, the NFL’s annual schedule release and Detroit’s offseason practice programs.

By STEVE PEOPLES, MIKE CATALINI, JESSE BEDAYN and AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly a year into his second term, President Donald Trump’s work on the economy hasn’t lived up to the expectations of many people in his own party, according to a new AP-NORC survey.

The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds a significant gap between the economic leadership Americans remembered from Trump’s first term and what they’ve gotten so far as he creates a stunning level of turmoil at home and abroad.

Just 16% of Republicans say Trump has helped “a lot” in addressing the cost of living, down from 49% in April 2024, when an AP-NORC poll asked Americans the same question about his first term.

At the same time, Republicans are overwhelmingly supportive of the president’s leadership on immigration — even if some don’t like his tactics.

John Candela, 64, who lives in New Rochelle, New York, said the cost of living hasn’t improved for his family — his salary and bills remain the same as before.

“Still paying $5 for Oreos,” he said. But he’s willing to be patient: “I would expect it to be different by the time his four years are up.”

The poll reveals signs of weakness among consumers on the economy, especially Trump’s core campaign promise to reduce costs. Inflation has cooled somewhat, but prices on many goods are higher than they were when the Republican president took office last January.

There is little sign overall, though, that the Republican base is abandoning Trump. The vast majority of Republicans, about 8 in 10, approve of his job performance, compared with 4 in 10 for adults overall.

“I don’t like the man as a human being. I don’t like his brashness. I don’t like his roughness. I don’t like how he types out his texts all capital as if he’s yelling at everybody. But what I approve of is what he is doing to try and get the country on track,” Candela said.

Trump not improving costs, most Republicans say

On various economic factors, Trump has yet to convince many of his supporters that he’s changing things for the better.

Only about 4 in 10 Republicans overall say Trump has helped address the cost of living at least “a little” in his second term, while 79% said he helped address the issue that much in his first term, based on the 2024 poll. Just over half of Republicans in the new poll say Trump has helped create jobs in his second term; 85% said the same about his first term, including 62% who said he helped “a lot.”

Only 26% of Republicans in the January survey say he’s helped “a lot” on job creation in his second term.

And on health care, about one-third of Republicans say Trump has helped address costs at least “a little,” while 53% in the April 2024 poll said he helped reduce health care costs that much during his first term. Federal health care subsidies for more than 20 million Americans expired on Jan. 1, resulting in health care costs doubling or even tripling for many families.

In the town of Waxahachie, Texas, south of Dallas, 28-year-old three-time Trump voter Ryan James Hughes, a children’s pastor, doesn’t see an improvement in his family’s financial situation. He said the medical bills haven’t declined.

But, he said, “I’m not looking to the government to secure my financial future.”

Immigration is a strength among the Trump base despite controversy

The new poll underscores that Republicans are largely getting what they want on immigration, even as some report concerns about the federal immigration agents who have flooded U.S. cities at Trump’s direction.

About 8 in 10 Republicans say Trump has helped at least “a little” on immigration and border security in his second term. That’s similar to the share in the April 2024 poll that saw a positive effect from Trump’s leadership on immigration and border security during his first term.

Most Republicans say Trump has struck the right balance when it comes to deporting immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally, and about one-third think he hasn’t gone far enough.

But Trump’s approval on immigration has also slipped among Republicans over the past year, falling from 88% in March to 76% in the new poll.

Kevin Kellenbarger, 69, a three-time Trump voter who retired from a printing company, said his Christian faith led him to the Republican Party. The Lancaster, Ohio, resident thinks the president’s immigration crackdown is necessary, though he expressed dissatisfaction at the recent killing of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis.

“I don’t like anybody getting killed, but it wasn’t Trump’s fault,” Kellenbarger said, adding that President Joe Biden, a Democrat, “let millions of people in. They have to be taken out.”

Several Republicans said in interviews they thought the aggressive tactics seen recently in Minneapolis went too far, suggesting that Trump should focus more on immigrants with criminal backgrounds as he promised during the campaign.

Overall, just 38% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s leadership on immigration, while 61% disapprove.

“These families that are being separated and they’re just here to try to live the American dream,” said Republican Liz Gonzalez, 40, the daughter of Mexican immigrants and a self-employed rancher and farmer from Palestine, Texas.

At the same time, Gonzalez said, she doesn’t think people opposed to the crackdown should be interfering at all. “I think if they just let (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), you know, like the patrol people, do their jobs, then they would see it’s not — it doesn’t have to be chaos,” she said.

More Republicans see the country improving than their personal lives

About two-thirds of Republicans say the country as a whole is “much” or “somewhat” better off than before Trump took office, but only about half say this about themselves and their family.

The broad sense that the country is moving in the right direction may be counteracting Republican dissatisfaction with the state of the economy.

Phyllis Gilpin, a 62-year-old Republican from Booneville, Missouri, praised Trump’s ability to “really listen to people.” But she doesn’t love his personality.

“He is very arrogant,” she said, expressing frustration about his name-calling. But she said the divisive politics go both ways: “I really, honestly, just wish that we could all just not be Democrat or Republican — just come together.”

The AP-NORC poll of 1,203 adults was conducted Jan. 8-11 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. The poll included interviews with 404 Republicans, and the margin of sampling error for Republicans overall is plus or minus 6 percentage points.

By Mike Householder

The Associated Press

Researchers, documentary filmmakers and others will soon be able to get their hands on screenwriter and director Lawrence Kasdan’s papers at his alma mater, the University of Michigan.

Archivists are about a quarter of the way through cataloging the 150-plus boxes of material that document the 76-year-old filmmaker’s role in bringing to life iconic characters like Indiana Jones and Yoda, and directing actors ranging from Geena Davis and Glenn Close to Morgan Freeman and Kevin Costner.

“All I wanted to ever do was be a movie director. And so, all the details meant something to me,” Kasdan said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I couldn’t be happier to have this mass of stuff available to anybody who is interested.”

The archive includes scripts, call sheets and still photos — including a few rarities.

Before Costner became an Oscar winner and Hollywood icon, he worked various studio jobs while taking nighttime drama lessons. His break — or so he thought — came when Kasdan cast him in 1983’s “The Big Chill.”

Costner played Alex, whose death brings his fellow Michigan alums together. Unfortunately, his big flashback scene ended up on the cutting-room floor.

What are believed to be among the only existing photographs of the famously deleted scene are part of the Kasdan collection, now housed in Ann Arbor.

“Different people will be interested in different things,” Kasdan said, pointing to his work writing the “Raiders of the Lost Ark” screenplay as one possible destination for researchers. The archive features audio cassette recordings of Kasdan discussing the film with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. It also includes Polaroids taken of cast and crew members on the sets of his movies.

There are props, too, including a cowboy hat from the 1985 Western “Silverado,” worn by none other than Costner. Kasdan and the kid from California would work together again on “Wyatt Earp” in the ’90s. Costner also starred in “The Bodyguard,” which Kasdan wrote.

A number of unproduced scripts also are part of the collection.

“I’ve always considered myself a director and a writer. And if you are really interested in any particular movie, you can follow the evolution of that movie in the archive,” Kasdan said.

Library staff members are working chronologically through Kasdan’s material, meaning the papers for Kasdan’s earliest work — including “Body Heat” and “The Big Chill,” as well as the scripts for two “Star Wars” classics, “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” — can be accessed first.

The remaining material should be completely processed by late 2026, said Phil Hallman, the curator of the collection. Hallman hopes to have Kasdan visit, perhaps next fall, to see the archive and take part in a symposium.

Kasdan’s papers are part of the University of Michigan Library’s Screen Arts Mavericks and Makers Collection, which includes Orson Welles, Robert Altman, Jonathan Demme, Nancy Savoca and John Sayles.

Kasdan, who grew up in West Virginia and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1970 and a master’s two years later, is the lone Michigan alum among the group.

“To be there, held in the same place as those wonderful directors, is really a great honor,” Kasdan said.

It will be a while before you can come and get those Motown memories this weekend.

After Monday, Jan. 19 — the Martin Luther King Jr. birthday observance — the Motown Museum will be closed for tours to allow for intensive construction of its $75 million expansion, which is slated to grow the shrine from two houses on Detroit’s West Grand Boulevard into a 50,000-sqare-foot facility housing interactive exhibits, artifacts, a professional recording studio and more, as well as the Hitsville NEXT educational academy.

The expanded museum is slated to open in the spring of 2027.

This week and weekend also feature days themed to specific artists from Motown’s history. The Marvelettes, Teena Marie, Stevie Wonder and the Temptations were covered earlier in the week, while the weekend will focus on the Four Tops (Friday, Jan. 16), Diana Ross & the Supremes (Sat., Jan. 17) and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles (Sunday, Jan. 18, with discounted admission). All will feature immersive tours, curated playlists, video footage and special giveaways.

MLK Day will also feature special immersive tours.

The museum will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Call 313-875-2264 or visit motownmuseum.org.

Today is Friday, Jan. 16, the 16th day of 2026. There are 349 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Jan. 16, 1996, Wayne Newton performed his 25,000th Las Vegas show. Newton had performed more shows as a headliner in Las Vegas than any other entertainer.

Also on this date:

In 1865, Union Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman decreed that 400,000 acres of confiscated land in the South would be divided into 40-acre lots and given to former enslaved people. (The order, later revoked by President Andrew Johnson, inspired the expression, “40 acres and a mule.”)

In 1942, actor Carole Lombard, 33, her mother, Elizabeth Peters, and 20 other people were killed when their plane crashed near Las Vegas, Nevada, while returning to California from a war-bond promotion tour.

In 1989, three days of rioting began in Miami when a police officer fatally shot a Black motorcyclist, causing a crash that also claimed the life of his passenger. (The officer was convicted of manslaughter, but later acquitted in a retrial.)

In 1991, in a televised address to the nation, U.S. President George H.W. Bush announced the start of Operation Desert Storm, a combat operation that drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

In 2001, Congolese President Laurent-Désiré Kabila was fatally shot by one of his own bodyguards.

In 2006, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first elected female head of state in Africa when she was sworn in as president of Liberia.

In 2018, authorities in Denmark charged inventor Peter Madsen with killing Swedish journalist Kim Wall onboard his private submarine. (Madsen would be convicted and sentenced to life in prison.)

Today’s birthdays:

• Opera singer Marilyn Horne is 92.
• Hall of Fame auto racer A.J. Foyt is 91.
• Country musician Ronnie Milsap is 83.
• Filmmaker John Carpenter is 78.
• Actor-dancer-choreographer Debbie Allen is 76.
• Singer Sade (shah-DAY’) is 67.
• Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. is 57.
• Model Kate Moss is 52.
• Actor-producer-songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is 46.
• Baseball great Albert Pujols is 46.
• Singer-Songwriter Yebba is 31.

Junior Harlem Simpson finished with a team-high 28 points, leading four double-digit scorers in Birmingham Groves’ 80-48 win at Royal Oak Thursday night.

She was joined in double figures by teammates Mallory Killian and Jacey Roy, who each scored 15 points, as well as Sophie Schwanik, who ended with 13.

Lydia Dickens scored 10 points, Dimyah Jackson had nine, and Alyssa Rozycki and Kolbie Roelofs each had seven in the loss for the Ravens (4-6, 0-2 OAA White).

After starting 0-2, the Falcons have won six straight. That includes an 83-39 win on Jan. 13 in which Simpson poured in 42 points (and pulled down 14 rebounds), Killian had 17 points and six assists and Roy had nine points and steals each.

More girls basketball

WEST BLOOMFIELD 54, OXFORD 41 >> The Lakers won their second in a row at home on Thursday night and improved to 5-3 on the season. West Bloomfield head coach Darrin McAllister collected his 102nd win after hitting the century milestone on Dec. 28 against Cass Tech in a 59-48 victory.

FARMINGTON HILLS MERCY 54, DETROIT KING 17 >> Caroline Paluk tallied 11 points and Abby Bores ended with 10 to help the Marlins improve to 7-1 on the year Wednesday evening.

TROY ATHENS 56, WARREN WOODS TOWER 43 >> Madi Stencel had 15 points, Laityn Dennis had nine and the tandem of Kaitlyn Piggott and Gabby Bieniek each finished with seven in the fourth win in a row by the Red Hawks (8-2) on Tuesday.

ROMEO 52, TROY 35 >> Maci Zeiter scored a team-high 20 points and Rachel Zapatka added a handful for the Colts (5-2) in Tuesday’s loss to the Bulldogs.

SOUTH LYON EAST 52, MILFORD 47 >> Kaitlyn Therrian scored a team-high 15 points on Tuesday for East, who improved to 9-0 overall and 2-0 in the LVC. Ashlyn Lutz finished with a game-high 17 points and Madison Cornett added nine for the Lady Mavs (6-2, 2-1).

LINDEN 54, ORTONVILLE BRANDON 35 >> A hot start and a solid rebounding effort wasn’t enough for the Blackhawks (2-6) on Tuesday evening. Ellza Rizzo had 14 points, nine rebounds and five steals, freshman Avery Odinga had 14 points and seven rebounds and sophomore Maddie Heverly pulled in 10 boards in the loss.

Boys basketball

MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 57, CLINTONDALE 29 >> Evan Landstrom led all scorers with 20 points, while teammates Mychael Foster and Gavin Abbott chipped in 16 and 10, respectively, and Jack Robinson dropped 10 assists in Wednesday’s road win by the Rams (8-2).

MADISON HEIGHTS MADISON 63, HAZEL PARK 51 >> Madison pulled away in the second half to claim the MAC Bronze Division win Wednesday. Myani Franks scored 17 points to lead the Eagles (4-6, 1-1). Christian Payne added 12 points, Christian Barnett followed with eight points and Nehemiah Patman also scored eight points for Madison.

BIRMINGHAM SEAHOLM 46, TROY ATHENS 29 >> Evert Wertz scored 16 points, Bryan Pohl had nine and Brody Feldmaier added seven in the victory by the Maples (4-7, 2-0 OAA Blue) on Tuesday.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 66, TROY 47 >> Daron Mason scored a team-high 18 points, while Meyer Saperstein (15), Carter Hartfield (11) and Brennan Bies (10) also finished in double-digits for the Black Hawks (9-2, 2-0 OAA Blue) Tuesday night.

WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 62, SOUTH LYON 52 >> Evan Brown carried the scoring load for the Vikings (7-5, 3-0 LVC) in Tuesday’s win. Johnathan Matthew had 13 points, plus Asa Clay and Anthony Camacho both chipped in a dozen for Central in its league conquest.

ROCHESTER ADAMS 58, LAKE ORION 44 >> The Highlanders (8-4) won their third game in a row on Tuesday and their sixth in the last seven contests. Lake Orion dropped to 5-5 overall despite 20 points from Nathan Giacolone and 10 from fellow senior Jackson Shoskey.

Hockey

ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S 10, TRENTON >> Already cruising to victory, the Eaglets scored half of their goals in the third period Thursday evening. Matthew Mourad scored twice, Daniel Ramos scored and assisted three times and Charlie Roberts scored his team-best 17th goal of the year for St. Mary’s (12-4).

CRANBROOK-KINGSWOOD 8, PORT HURON NORTHERN 0 >> The Cranes outshot the Huskies 22-7 in the second period Thursday evening and cashed in during that span with goals by Matthew Mooradian, Kyle Braunscheidel, Efe Oztorun and Jack Shenkan. On top of that, Oztorun added another goal in the third and Cam Rocchini finished with a goal and three assists for Cranbrook (11-4).

UTICA EISENHOWER 8, M-1 UNIFIED 0 >> The Griffins (3-15) produced 22 shots, but couldn’t put one past Eagles netminder Connor Holmes in Thursday’s defeat.

BIRMINGHAM UNIFIED 3, ROCHESTER UNITED 3 >> Neither team could net a game-winner in overtime Wednesday’s matchup. Goals by Dylan Turnbull, TJ Maguet and Connor Cichocki had Rochester (16-2-1) leading 3-1 and gunning for a victory until Ryan Sloan and Connor Bozek hit in rapid succession to tie it up for Birmingham. Ryan Sloan also scored for BU (10-6-1) in the deadlock.

SOUTH LYON UNIFIED 4, SALEM ROCKS 0 >> SOUTH LYON UNIFIED 4, SALEM 0 >>Connor Day and Jackson Curtiss each put two goals in during Wednesday night’s win by Unified (15-2). Nathan Ligi, Braden Hillebrand, Aidan Herrera and Ryan Laird all had a pair of assists and Keegan Korpi recorded the shutout.

ROYAL OAK – The Detroit Catholic Central Shamrocks got eight goals from as many different players and routed Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 8-0 Thursday night.

The score stayed close for most of the first two periods. The Shamrocks led just 3-0 with three minutes to play in the second period. But then a couple of deflections 20 seconds apart made it a 5-0 game and things started to unravel on the Warriors.

Catholic Central dominated the game from start to finish. Its forecheck and depth were relentless; and while Brother Rice had flashes of offense, the game was largely played in the Warriors’ defensive end.

“I was very pleased. I like the way we played. I like the plays we made,” Shamrocks head coach Brandon Kaleniecki said. “I thought we were very hungry on the puck. The forecheck was really crucial in terms of taking away time and space and giving us opportunity to play in the offensive zone, which is where we want to be. Every team wants to be in the offensive. The game is a lot of fun when you can do that,” he added.

Still, goalie Drake England kept Brother Rice hanging around on the scoreboard most of the night. England turned in an outstanding performance, stopping 54 shots, including 40 of the first 43 shots he saw. But eventually, the Shamrocks just had too many shots from point-blank range and pucks started finding the net late in the second period, a trend that continued after the last intermission.

“He (England) played really, really well. I thought we were hanging in there pretty good in the second period and then they got a couple bounces, one deflection out in front and then one from behind the net, and that sort of broke us there I think, because it started going downhill at that point,” Warriors head coach Kenny Chaput said.

Photo gallery of No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central vs. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice in MIHL North hockey action

Sean Goff, Nicholas McQuaid, Luke Perdue, Myles Schlack, Elian Szerlip, Lucas Szmagaj, Dominic Testani, and Gabe Thompson all scored for Catholic Central, while Ryan Dye and Jackson Leiter each had two assists.

“That’s the story of our team,” Kaleniecki said. “It’s good to see you have goals coming from all different angles, all different guys, all four lines. With our team this year, we kind of have to be that way; and I think that makes us the type of team that we can be successful with,” he added.

As displayed by Thursday's performance, the goalscoring has been well-distributed this season for Kaleniecki's side. No one has hit double-digits yet, though Szmagaj and Thompson are now one away. Dye leads the team in both assists (18) and points (25), while Goff and Sam Masek have 11 and 12 assists, respectively.

Maxxon Sulla, who has split time between the posts this season with Nicholas Kogut, earned the shutout against the Warriors.

Detroit Catholic Central improves to 15-1-1 as it chases yet another state title. The Shamrocks have been a bit less dominant in the regular season than in the last two years, but Catholic Central are still ranked second in the state and should be among the favorites to add another trophy to the case when the state playoffs finish in Plymouth this March.

“Obviously, the record is what it is. We try not to dwell on it when it’s going well or when it’s not. Whether we’ve got a couple more losses or not in our pocket before the end of this year, it’s really about just getting to the point where we really like the team that we are and what we’re capable of when it comes time to play in the playoffs,” Kaleniecki said.

Meanwhile, the Shamrocks still have work to do to claim another league title, leading the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League North Division by just one game over Cranbrook. Detroit Catholic Central is 6-0 in league play and hosts Clarkston in a non-league match up this Saturday before traveling to Trenton next Wednesday for their next MIHL game.

Brother Rice is 4-15. The Warriors will face Orchard Lake St. Mary’s next Wednesday.

Detroit Catholic Central defeated Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 8-0 in the game played on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 at the Lindell Ice Arena in Royal Oak.

MILWUAKEE (AP) — Michael Houge had 19 points in Oakland’s 73-60 victory over Milwaukee on Thursday.

Houge also contributed seven rebounds for the Golden Grizzlies (10-9, 6-2 Horizon League). Brody Robinson added 17 points while shooting 2 for 7 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 12 of 14 from the free-throw line while they also had three steals.

Isaac Garrett finished with 13 points, while adding 12 rebounds. Tuburu Naivalurua had 10 rebounds and four points.

“Tim McCormick (ESPNU color analyst) asked me during shootaround if I was going to find out a lot about my team tonight. I told him, especially after Sunday: let’s find out,” Oakland head coach Greg Kampe said. “We came out, Mike Houge was on fire. We had a good lead, sure we turned the ball over too many times. Gave up a few too many offensive rebounds, but we won with our defense tonight.”

Sekou Konneh finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Panthers (8-11, 4-4). Aaron Franklin added 13 points, 13 rebounds and three steals for Milwaukee. Josh Dixon finished with 11 points.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.