Detroit residents with past convictions can get a fresh start at the Pistons’ Social Impact Summit.
According to The National Inventory of Collateral Consequences, nearly 1,300 Michigan residents with criminal records face lifetime barriers to housing, jobs, employment and education.
That’s why TimeDone, the nation’s largest community of people with old records is working to help as many as 1,000 justice impacted residents get their records expunged.
The summit is happening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday April 11 at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center. The address is 6201 Second Ave.
Registrations for the event are full, but walk-ins are welcome.
Additional headlines for Friday, April 10, 2026
Taxpayer assistance hours
The IRS announces special Saturday hours for select Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country. The upcoming Saturday hours will be April 11 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
During these hours these centers will be available to help taxpayers with: Online Account Assistance, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Renewal, IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance, Payments, Refunds, and more.
Locations:
Detroit: 477 Michigan Ave.
Flint: 917 N. Saginaw St.
Grand Rapids: 3251 N. Evergreen Dr. N.E.
Please go to IRS.gov to see other Michigan locations and the specific days and hours these centers will be open for these special hours.
Sports
NBA The Pistons play their final regular season games this weekend with the Hornets tonight at Spectrum Center tonight at 7 p.m. and against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 6 p.m.
With the Pistons being No.1 in the east, they will face the No. 8 seed. The NBA Playoffs start on April 18.
NHL The Red Wings playoff hopes stay alive with a win over the Flyers yesterday with the score of 6 – 3.
According to sports website Playoffstatus.com, they have a 8-9% of making it.
They hope to keep those chances up as they play the New Jersey Devils tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. at Little Caesars.
MLB The Tigers start their three-game affair against the Miami Marlins this weekend. First pitch for tomorrow’s game is at 1:10 p.m.
The Tigers are currently 4-9 in the American League Central.
Mothering Justice event honors Black mothers
Black Maternal Health Week begins tomorrow April 11 and non profit organization Mothering Justice is kicking it off with a community event called Pouring Into Our Legacy.
Danielle Atkinson is the founder of the organization. She says the event will honor lineage, stories and lived experiences of Black mothers. “We all have a role to play in preventing Black maternal death,” she says. “Tomorrow is an opportunity to learn from the past. How we can do that better. Granny midwives taught us how to birth babies but they taught us how to advocate for ourselves.”
The event is going down tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mothering Justice Office at 17320 Livernois Ave.
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The WNBA and its players association have reached a new collective bargaining agreement, one that many say could reshape the future of women’s sports.
The momentum was already building.
Before the announcement, The league was already set to expand to 18 teams by 2030, with new franchises launching in Toronto and Portland this year, followed by Cleveland in 2028, and Detroit and Philadelphia in 2030.
Of course, player salaries are going up, but this seven-year deal goes far beyond pay.
The WNBA isn’t just adding teams, it’s adding games. The regular season could grow from 44 to as many as 50 games by 2027, and 52 games by 2029.
And just as important, the agreement addresses what players call “cadence” or the pace of the schedule. It’ll add in new safeguards aimed at reducing long road stretches and improving travel demands.
Risa Isard is Director of Research and Insights at Parity. She joined The Metro to discuss why this deal is so crucial, and what means for the future of women’s professional sports.
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Alissa Graff found out, despite the growing interest in women’s leagues, she would still need to fight for screen time if she wanted to watch women’s sports at her local bar. So, over the last year or so, Graf and others have taken things into their own hands—organizing watch party for women’s hockey, basketball and more.
Now she hopes to open her own sports bar called Bar IX. It’s a nod to the landmark Title IX amendment that, among many things, expanded women’s access in education and sports.
Alissa Graff joined the program to talk about starting Bar IX and this moment in women’s sports.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
Detroit City Councilmember At-Large Mary Waters has dispatched a crew to clean up trash at a site on the city’s northwest side. Garbage has been gathering at an empty apartment building near Six Mile and Greenfield. Neighbors have been complaining about the mess, which has gained the attention of the media.
Waters says Greenfield between Six Mile and Puritan should be permanently cleaned up, adding that Detroit’s neighborhoods should be as clean as “corporate downtown.”
Additional headlines for Tuesday, March 31
Midtown’s Jolly Pumpkin closes
Another brewery has closed in Midtown. Jolly Pumpkin announced on Facebook that it has closed after 11 years of operation. The restaurant was located on Canfield, just west of Cass Avenue.
The Motor City Brewing Works on the same block closed earlier this year.
The Detroit News reports a new Mediterranean-themed restaurant will open in the Jolly Pumpkin space this summer.
Fifth Third Bank moves regional headquarters
Fifth Third Bank is moving its regional headquarters in Detroit.
The Free Press reports the bank will leave its offices at One Woodward Avenue and move a couple of blocks north to One Campus Martius. A number of employees at other locations in Metro Detroit will also move into the new headquarters.
Fifth Third completed its acquisition of Comerica Bank in February.
Strong storms possible this evening
Many Detroiters woke up in the middle of the night to the rumbling of thunder. Rising temperatures overnight created the right conditions for brief thunderstorms. High temperatures near 70 degrees today, coupled with an approaching cold front, will bring another round of storms this afternoon and evening.
Some of those storms could be strong or severe. The National Weather Service says the threat of severe weather is a level two on a scale of five. High temperatures Wednesday are expected to be in the 40s.
Michigan women exit March Madness
Fans of the University of Michigan’s women’s basketball team are feeling a bit down today. The team lost to Texas 77 – 41 last night in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s tournament.
Texas led the game 22 – 9 at the end of the first quarter.
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This year marks 150 years of Major League Baseball. In that time, baseball like every sport, has become intertwined with culture in the United States. The rules of the sport have not changed much over the years, but we have.
In this segment, we discussed the cultural boundaries of not just baseball but all sports. From Jackie Robinson to Billie Jean King, we explored what happens when our society’s most uncomfortable realities up in the arena.
Bryan Ellis is an assistant professor of sociology at Michigan State University’s Center for Integrative Studies. He teaches about the social science of sports. He joined the program to help us unpack this.
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The Detroit Tigers have brought back a franchise legend to help them win the American League Central Division in 2026.
Justin Verlander signed a one-year contract in February, returning to the city where he started his career in 2006.
Verlander has won three AL Cy Young awards, once with Detroit and twice with the Houston Astros. The Tigers traded him to Houston in 2017. He helped them win two World Series championships in 2017 and 2022.
Justin Verlander won the AL Cy Young Award with the Tigers in 2011
The 43-year-old right-hander is not the ace he once was. In 2024, he posted a 5.48 earned run average in his final season with Houston. He regained some of his form in 2025, with a respectable 3.85 ERA in 29 starts for the San Francisco Giants.
Cody Stavenhagen covers the Tigers for The Athletic. He says Verlander has two jobs: stabilize the back end of the starting rotation and excite nostalgic fans.
“I’m sure you can expect a lot of packed crowds, a lot of Verlander jerseys in the stands, and a lot of good vibes,” he says. “People are certainly excited to have him back.”
The Tigers open with a pair of aces
Joining Verlander in the rotation is former Houston teammate Framber Valdez. The 32-year-old left-hander was one of the top pitchers on the free agent market in the offseason. Detroit signed him to a contract in February.
Stavenhagen says Valdez is one of the top lefties in the majors. He posted a 3.66 ERA in 2025, started 31 games, and struck out 187 batters. That was good for 3.6 wins above a replacement player.
“He has the best groundball rate in the game,” Stavenhagen says. “This guy is really good.”
Valdez’s signing surprised baseball insiders because of the price. His contract has an average annual value of $37 million.
That’s twice as much as the Tigers offered to their ace, Tarik Skubal. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner is in the final year of his contract. His agent, Scott Boras, and Tigers executives were unable to work out a new deal in the offseason. The team offered him $19.5 million for 2026. An arbitrator awarded him $34 million.
Stavenhagen says this could be Skubal’s last season in Detroit.
“He’s going to have a good shot to set a record contract for a starting pitcher,” Stavenhagen says. “I wouldn’t be shocked if he commands at least $400 million [in a multiyear deal].”
If the Tigers don’t sign Skubal, he can become a free agent after this season. If he signs with another team, Detroit would get nothing in return. They could also trade him in exchange for several younger players and minor league prospects.
Keep an eye on Kevin
One prospect who drew a lot attention in Spring Training is infielder Kevin McGonigle. The 21-year-old earned a spot on the Tigers’ Opening Day roster and can play several positions.
McGonigle is the second highest-rated prospect in Major League Baseball. Stavenhagen says he’s one of the best hitting prosects the Tigers have had in a long time.
“He’s the real deal,” Stavenhagen says. “Really good bat-to-ball skills, really good plate approach. He walked more than he struck out.”
World Series or bust?
If McGonigle plays up to his potential as a rookie, he could help the Tigers avoid last year’s late-season collapse.
Detroit led the division by 10 games on Sept. 3 but lost 15 of their final 21 games. They finished one game behind the Cleveland Guardians. The Tigers beat Cleveland in the AL Wild Card round, then lost a heartbreaking 15-inning contest against the Seattle Mariners in the deciding game of the AL Championship Series.
Stavenhagen says that’s all behind them now.
“You didn’t hear a lot about that during Spring Training,” he says. “The hope is that they can be more like the team they were in the first half of last season.”
Stavenhagen says if the pitching stays healthy, the Tigers can win the division—and maybe the AL pennant.
“It’s certainly the best all-around roster the Tigers have had in at least a decade,” he says.
Support local journalism.
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The Office of Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion has a new director. Mayor Sheffield named Elizabeth Orozco-Vasquez as the leader to integrate the voices and needs of Detroit’s large immigrant population into the policies and strategies of the city.
Orozco Vasquez’s office will also focus on creating greater opportunities, equity and economic mobility initiatives to underserved Detroiters. Serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Freedom House, Detroit Orozco-Vasquez led the only agency in the state that provides shelter and wraparound services to refugees, asylum seekers and others seeking humanitarian support. She said in a statement that it is an honor for her to be a advocate for immigrants and she will work to make Detroit a place where all residents feel at home.
She begins her new position April.
Additional headlines for March 20, 2026
Children’s ibuprofen recall
There is a nationwide recall for children’s ibuprofen. It is being recalled because the liquid contained unidentified black particles according to the FDA. The 4 fluid ounce bottle named Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension is an anti inflammatory drug to relieve moderate pain. Health officials have advised consumers to stop using it immediately.
If you have that medication and want to be sure it is not affected check the number on the back. The affected bottle numbers are 7261973A and 7261974A with an expiration date of January 31, 2027.
Sports
NCAA
We are in the madness of march and both Michigan State and Michigan had dominate performances beating their respective teams by about 20 points a piece. Michigan State (#3) will go on to play Louisville (#6 ) tomorrow, March 21 at 2:45 p.m. Michigan (#1) will go on to play St Louis (#9) tomorrow at 12:10 p.m. They both play at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY.
NBA
The Pistons will be playing the Golden State Warriors tonight without their leader Cade Cunningham who sustained a a collapsed lung during the Tuesday game against the Wizards. Even without the all start the Pistons are the favorite team to win. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.
NHL
The Red Wings beat the Montreal Canadiens 3 to 1 yesterday and stay in the fight for a wild card spot in the playoffs. The next two opponents are also in the Atlantic Division and could determine the chances for the Red Wings to make it to the playoffs. They face the Boston Bruins tomorrow at 8:00pm at Little Caesars Arena.
High school basketball
The boys high school basketball season ended last weekend at Michigan State’s Breslin Center. As DER’s high school sports correspondent Lex Walker reports, the girls teams are in the finals this weekend.
As the high school basketball season comes to an end, two teams have already journeyed to Breslin. The boys teams at U Prep lost to Hudsonville Unity Prep in the semifinals and Douglass made it to the finals but lost to Concord.
At the time of this taping, the girls from Renaissance face Dewitt in the semifinals for the chance to win the state championship Saturday.
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WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
For over a century, women have been playing baseball. Some of the earliest teams can be traced back to the 1890s. For a brief period during World War II, women played in their own league.
Since then, all other attempts to start one have fallen short. Will the new women’s league expected to start this summer last?
Leslie Heaphy, President of the International Women’s Baseball center and Associate Professor of history at Kent State University, joined the show to discuss the past, present, and future of women’s baseball.
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A security guard was injured but no other staff or students were harmed. There were reports of smoke during the incident, the cause of which is still under investigation.
The religious forum represents clergy and religious leaders from across metro Detroit and convene through the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit. They expressed their shock and sorrow because of the alarming event. They also committed to peace, compassion and solidarity with the Jewish community.
Additional headlines for Friday, March 13, 2026
DIA shows Oscar nominated films
The Oscars are this Sunday and to celebrate the Detroit Institute of Arts is having live screening of nominated short films in animation and live action. This annual program brings the short films to the big screen for a viewing of the top films to be recognized at the Academy Awards. For tickets and showtimes go to dia.org.
Sports updates
The Detroit Pistons are back to their winning ways after beating the 76ers 131-109. This is their second win in a row and 47th win in the season. The now face the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Little Caesers Arena.
Red Wings
The Red Wings suffered a tough loss yesterday to the Tampa Bay Lighting. Their playoff cushion is decreasing as they fall to fourth in the Atlantic Division. They hope to bounce back tomorrow against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center. Game starts at 8 p.m. EST.
Soccer
And Detroit City FC play their first game of the season tomorrow against Brooklyn FC. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. at Keyworth Stadium.
313 Day events
Happy 313 Day to you and me and all the Detroiters from Rouge Park to Gross Pointe, from 8 mile to the Detroit River. There are a few events going on to celebrate Detroit.
Michigan Central Station is curating a four hour celebration of Detroit music featuring live performance and a mix of hip hop, soul, electronic and more. WDET host DJ Wajeed of The Boulevard is the curator of vibes and music for the evening. It starts at 6pm and ends at 10 p.m.
Also, the restaurant Tocororo is hosting a trivia night tonight from 6-9 p.m. You can bring your own team or show up solo. Prizes and bragging rights are on the line.
Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
Support local journalism.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
ANN ARBOR (AP) — Yaxel Lendeborg scored 19 of his 27 points in the first half and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 18 points, leading No. 3 Michigan in a 90-80 win over No. 8 Michigan State on Sunday to give the Big Ten champions a 15th straight conference win.
The Wolverines (29-2, 19-1 Big Ten) head to the conference tournament, hoping to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament before shooting for the school’s second national championship and first since 1989
The Spartans (25-6, 15-5) were swept by their rivals in the regular season, but might get a third shot against them in a week at the Big Ten Tournament final.
Lendeborg, a preseason All-America selection, was the best player on the court for the second time in the series.
The UAB transfer was 8 of 12 from the field, matched a career high with five 3-pointers, had three assists and also made winning plays at the other end of the court.
After Jeremy Fears Jr. made a jumper to pull Michigan State within three points with 3:47 left, Lendeborg made a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession to start a 10-2 run that sealed the victory.
Fears had 22 points and nine assists, Jaxon Kohler matched a career high with 23 points and Carson Cooper added 19 points.
Fears drew attention for another kick toward an opponent’s groin. He was called for a technical after a video review showed he swung his right leg backward and into Elliot Cadeau.
When the Wolverines won the first matchup earlier this season, Fears appeared to intentionally trip Lendeborg and Michigan coach Dusty May said there were several dangerous plays in the game.
Up next
Michigan State: Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday.
Michigan: Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday.
Michigan St guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) puts up a shot between Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr, left, and Michigan center Aday Mara in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sunday, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)
Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan fired their basketball coaches on the same day, parting ways with former assistants under Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.
Eastern Michigan announced the school and coach Stan Heath agreed to part ways on Sunday. Western Michigan athletic director Dan Bartholomae said Dwayne Stephens, a Ferndale native, would not return to coach the Broncos next season.
The Eagles and Broncos were both 10-21 overall and 4-14 in the Mid-American Conference this season, tying Northern Illinois for last place.
Heath and Stephens were previously assistants for the Spartans. Stephens also played for the program.
Heath, a former Eastern Michigan player, had a 57-99 record over four seasons with the Eagles. Stephens was 42-84 over four seasons.
Heath was previously the coach at Kent State, leading that MAC program to the Elite Eight in 2002. He also guided Arkansas to the NCAA Tournament in 2006 and 2007 and did the same at South Florida in 2012.
Stephens was on Izzo’s staff for 19 seasons, including the last decade as an associate head coach. He has coached in six Final Fours, including 2003 when he was an assistant for Tom Crean at Marquette. Stephens also was an assistant at Oakland University.
Western Michigan coach Dwayne Stephens reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Michigan State, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
The Detroit Red Wings made a pitch for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers, but it appears he’s not willing to waive his no-trade clause.
Now they must turn their attention elsewhere.
Acquiring a second-pair defenseman, preferably a right-shooter, by Friday’s trade deadline is a priority.
The Red Wings need someone to pair with Ben Chiarot, enabling them to move rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka down to the third pairing, where he’ll face fewer difficult matchups.
Here are nine possibilities, with age and contract status after this season:
Justin Faulk, St. Louis (age 33, one year at $6.5 million): A solid two-way player who might be at the top of the Red Wings’ wish list. Problem is, several teams are in on him, elevating the cost. He has a partial no-trade list.
Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey (age 32, two years at a $9 million AAV): He’s one of the more offensively dynamic defensemen who might be moved. He has a no- movement clause.
Nick Jensen, Ottawa (age 35, unrestricted free agent): The former Red Wing is a serviceable stay-at-home defender.
Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia (age 31, one year at $5.1 million): Speaking of having played for a lot of bad clubs, this longtime Sabres and Flyers stay-at-home defender has appeared in 798 regular season games and no playoff games.
Luke Schenn, Winnipeg (age 36, unrestricted free agent): Physical defenseman has played for nine teams in 18 NHL seasons and could be on the move again.
Braden Schneider, N.Y. Rangers (age 24, restricted free agent): This young, physical, shutdown defender, drafted 19th overall in 2020 won’t come cheap as an impending RFA. The Rangers have no urgency to move him now.
Logan Stanley, Winnipeg (age 27, unrestricted free agent): Even though he shoots left, this 6-7 defender experiencing his best season might be the Red Wings’ most realistic trade target. He’ll be moved if the Jets can’t re-sign him this week.
MacKenzie Weegar, Calgary (age 32, five years at a $6.25 million AAV): He scored 20 goals in 2023-24, but that was an outlier, as he’s mostly valued for his defense. That’s a huge contract to assume for a player that age, however. He has a full no-trade clause.
Zach Whitecloud, Calgary (age 29, two years at a $2.75 million AAV): Traded from Vegas to Calgary on Jan. 18 in the Rasmus Andersson deal, Whitecloud could be on the move again.
Detroit Red Wings’ Lucas Raymond (23) shoots past St. Louis Blues’ Justin Faulk (72) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in St. Louis. (JEFF ROBERSON — AP Photo, file)
The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers had two thrilling matchups over the past week, splitting the results and offering a sneak peak of what could be a matchup in this year’s playoffs.
Both matchups have featured intense play, but off the court the Cavaliers drew some attention as cleveland.com reported an anonymous Cleveland player said after Friday’s game that the Pistons “aren’t in our class.”
The words caught some attention on social media after the game and before Tuesday’s matchup, coach J.B. Bickerstaff was asked for his response.
The second-year Pistons coach didn’t need many words to react.
“I have no response,” Bickerstaff said. “If you mean it, don’t say it anonymously.”
It’s no surprise that a playoff caliber team like Cleveland — or Detroit for that matter — would have plenty of confidence in their ability to compete.
The Pistons (45-15) firmly believe the Eastern Conference runs through them right now as they’ve held tight to the top spot since early November. But the Cavaliers (39-24) have now backed up some of their words by winning the rematch with a returning James Harden.
To suggest the two teams are separated by a considerable margin is hard to give much credence, given they split the regular-season series 2-2 and the past two games have come down to the very end.
There are no more regular-season meeting for the Central Division foes, so if there’s going to be more to this saga, it’s going to come in the playoffs.
With the Pistons holding the No. 1 seed and Cleveland currently the No. 4, a second-round playoff matchup would be in the cards if the first round went chalk.
It’s hard to think of a better way to decide which team is a class above than a playoff series.
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, left, talks with referee Ed Malloy during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Detroit. (DUANE BURLESON — AP Photo, file)
The Detroit Lions have had a busy week, making multiple roster moves that have shaken up their plans for free agency.
On Monday, the team traded veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks, then released center Graham Glasgow. As a result, the team has added some cap space and could be more active in free agency.
While there are conflicting reports about how exactly general manager Brad Holmes plans to attack free agency, the Lions could certainly benefit from adding experienced talent in areas of need prior to the NFL draft.
While the team may not be in position to make a massive move, there are certainly marginal mid-tier players who could have big roles on the team’s 2026 roster.
Here are six potential free agent targets for the Lions when free agency begins next week, ranked by potential impact in 2026 and beyond.
6. S Jalen Thompson
The Lions have some uncertainty at the safety position due to injuries, as Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are both nursing significant injuries. While both could wind up returning to form, at this stage of the offseason there’s no guarantee that they’ll be ready to go by the start of the regular season.
As a result, the Lions should be proactive and go get a veteran capable of starting in the back-half of their defense. Thompson is a seven-year veteran who has spent the duration of his career in Arizona, and has notched nine interceptions in that span. A willing run defender, Thompson would be an effective veteran addition who could provide insurance on a short-term deal.
5. OT Braxton Jones
Having already made an external addition to their interior offensive line by acquiring Scruggs, but could also be looking to add veteran help at tackle. Swing tackle Dan Skipper retired and joined the team’s coaching staff, and this could be a role the Lions look to a veteran to fill.
Enter Jones, who has starter upside but at the very least will be a serviceable depth piece behind Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. With Decker being hampered by injuries last year, it would be a good investment by Detroit to add a veteran who has 44 starts under their belt like Jones.
4. CB Kader Kohou
Kohou may be a forgotten name amongst fan circles, as he missed all of last season with a knee injury. However, the Lions have pursued players with similar profiles over Holmes’ tenure as head coach, and the Lions have a need for secondary depth.
Amik Robertson, who has been the team’s slot corner for the better part of the last two years, is set to be a free agent. As a result, any addition the team could make would likely need to have some versatility. Kohou’s background is in the slot, as he had predominately played nickel for the Dolphins.
In an ideal world, the Lions are able to get the best out of Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw along with a strong year from D.J. Reed. However, Kohou has some upside at age 27 and could be a nice addition to the mostly young secondary.
3. RB Brian Robinson Jr.
The trade of Montgomery shakes up the Lions’ backfield, and breaks up what had been one of the league’s most prolific duos. As a result, the Lions could be in the market for another back to pair with the dynamic Jahmyr Gibbs.
Robinson is a big-bodied back who has fit nicely in a tandem throughout his career. He was a feature back at times for the Commanders, but was most recently a complimentary piece behind Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco.
In four seasons, Robinson has totaled 662 carries and 2,729 yards. With a career average of 4.1 yards per carry, he’s a big back who can be a nice second option behind Gibbs.
2. EDGE Boye Mafe
Aidan Hutchinson is one of the unquestioned top pass-rushers in the game, but the Lions will need to be sure to add or retain players around him at the position. Both Al-Quadin Muhammad and Marcus Davenport are free agents, and the Lions would be well-suited to look externally.
Mafe doesn’t have eye-popping statistics, but a closer look at his impact for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks indicates that he could fit Detroit’s defense well. He plays with a high motor, and could thrive working opposite of Hutchinson.
1. IOL Cade Mays
Even after acquiring Scruggs, the Lions still have some uncertainty on the interior offensive line. For starters, the release of Glasgow leaves them without a true center. Dan Campbell and company may be inclined to give Tate Ratledge another shot at the position, but Mays seems to be an ideal fit.
Mays started 27 of his 52 appearances over four seasons in Carolina, and impressed in 2025 when given the opportunity to start at the pivot position. The Tennessee product has the chance to blossom in a more consistent role, and the Lions’ current vacancy is the perfect fit for him.
Detroit may be out of the price range on top centers Tyler Linderbaum and Connor McGovern, but a player like Mays is a mid-tier, affordable option with plenty of upside to help stabilize the offensive line.
This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions/onsi
Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou (4) grabs Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (LYNNE SLADKY — AP Photo, file)
The Detroit Public Schools Community District is considering paying parents, giving away bikes, and providing gas cards for carpools in an effort to end chronic absenteeism.
Last year the district launched a program that allowed high school students to earn up to $1,000 for perfect attendance. The new financial incentives would be offered to families of kindergarten to second grade students in neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of poverty.
The idea is still being workshopped among DPSCD board members.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Sea wall repair program
Detroit is launching a $1 million sea wall repair program in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood. The project will repair or replace sea walls along canals fed by the Detroit River.
The program is prioritizing 15-20 properties and could help remove the neighborhood from FEMA’s flood hazard map. A survey in 2025 found 70% of the neighborhood’s waterfront properties have sea walls in fair or poor conditions.
Once properties are selected, construction is expected to continue through 2027. Applications are underway online or through the phone by calling 313-628-2232.
New parks over I-75
The Downtown Detroit Partnership is moving forward with plans to build three large park caps over I-75 between Third Avenue and Brush Street. The caps will reconnect neighborhoods to the downtown area that were separated by the highway.
Officials say the project will also improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, reduce highway noise, and create new public gathering spaces. Plans are currently undergoing a feasibility study that will run through 2026, with construction possibly starting between 2026 and 2028. Officials are gathering public input before final recommendations are made.
Detroit Tigers and Red Wings launch sports network
The owners of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings have created a regional sports network to broadcast their games. Detroit SportsNet will carry the Tigers on cable, satellite, and streaming platforms this season. Red Wings games will continue to be available on FanDuel Sports for the rest of this season and will switch to the new network next season.
Both teams and many others across the country are terminating their deals with FanDuel’s parent company because it failed to make scheduled payments for the rights to carry their games.
Gas prices
Gasoline prices rose by almost 14 cents per gallon overnight. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of almost $3.13 cents for the cheapest grade of gas this morning. It was about $2.99 yesterday. The average price in metro Detroit rose from $3.03 a gallon yesterday to $3.13 today.
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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 29 points and 11 assists, Tobias Harris scored 23 points and the NBA-leading Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 106-92 on Sunday night for their sixth straight road victory.
The Pistons improved to 45-14, winning for the eighth time in nine games. They have won 10 of 11 on the road and are 21-7 overall away from home.
Jalen Duren added 16 points and 10 rebounds for Detroit.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 24 points and 11 rebounds, but also had nine turnovers. Tristan da Silva added 19 points and Desmond Bane had 17, but the Magic shot 30.7% in the second half and experienced a third-quarter collapse for the second time in three nights. They squandered a 19-point lead in less than four minutes in a loss to Houston on Friday night.
After missing their first 15 3-point attempts, the Pistons were down 57-50 at halftime. They moved ahead for the first time on a 3-pointer by Harris midway through the third quarter, and took command with an 11-0 run.
Detroit forward Isaiah Stewart served the final game of a seven-game suspension for an altercation at Charlotte on Feb. 9. Magic guard Anthony Black missed a game for the first time this season, sitting out with a strained right quad.
Up next
Pistons: At Cleveland on Tuesday night.
Magic: Host Washington on Tuesday night.
— By DICK SCANLON, Associated Press
Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) and Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) go after a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Jaxon Kohler scored a season-high 21 points and Jeremy Fears Jr. added 21 points and nine assists to lead No. 13 Michigan State past Indiana 77-64 on Sunday.
Kur Tang finished with a career-high 18 points, making 6 of 8 from 3-point range — nearly half of the Spartans’ 13 3s. Kohler also grabbed 13 rebounds, his 12th double-double of the season as the Michigan State (24-5, 14-4 Big Ten) won its fourth straight.
The Spartans never trailed in winning at Assembly Hall for just the second time in six trips to complete a road sweep this week. They also won at No. 8 Purdue 76-74 on Thursday. It was coach Tom Izzo’s first trip to Bloomington since he broke the league record for conference wins in February 2025, breaking the mark held by former Hoosiers coach Bob Knight.
Lamar Wilkerson scored 19 of his game-high 29 points in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Indiana (17-12, 8-10) from a fourth consecutive loss. Tucker DeVries finished with 20 points and six rebounds, while Sam Alexis added eight points in a game Indiana’s bench players were shut out.
Michigan State used a hot start to take a 14-5 lead, then relied on its long-range flurry to thwart the Hoosiers from mounting serious challenge. The Spartans extended the margin to 39-26 on Teng’s fourth 3 of the game late in the first half.
Indiana managed to cut the halftime deficit to 45-37, then quickly fell into a 52-41 hole early in the second half. The Hoosiers got as close as 54-48 with 13:41 to play, but Teng answered with another 3 and the Spartans went on a 10-3 spurt to rebuild a 67-55 lead.
The Hoosiers never fully recovered.
Up next
Michigan State: Hosts Rutgers in its home finale Thursday.
Indiana: Closes out its home schedule Wednesday against Minnesota.
— By MICHAEL MAROT, Associated Press
Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler attempts to get past Indiana forward Reed Bailey (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Bloomington, In., Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
EAST LANSING (AP) — Jaloni Cambridge scored 33 points, Chance Gray added 21 and No. 13 Ohio State hit a program record 18 3-pointers in a 87-68 win over No. 15 Michigan State on Sunday afternoon in the regular season finale for both teams.
Cambridge shot 12 of 24 from the field and 7 of 12 from beyond the arc, the most she has made from deep all season. Gray shot 7 of 11 from 3-point range.
Elsa Lemilla recorded a double-double for the Buckeyes (24-6, 13-5 Big Ten) with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Kennedy Cambridge put up 10 points.
The Buckeyes had a 15-0 run in the second quarter, putting them up 38-11, and they went into halftime leading 49-26.
The Spartans (22-7, 11-7) were led in scoring by Grace VanSlooten, with 17. Rashunda Jones scored 16 and Ines Sotelo added 11.
Up next
Michigan State: Will be the No. 7 seed in the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis. The Spartans play on Thursday.
Ohio State: Can be the No. 4 seed in the Big Ten tournament with a Minnesota loss against Illinois, or the No. 5 seed if Minnesota wins.
Michigan State forward Grace VanSlooten drives to the basket against Washington center Yulia Grabovskaia during an NCAA basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Seattle. (STEPHEN BRASHEAR — AP Photo, file)
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