The Detroit Red Wings once epitomized excellence in the National Hockey League.

They have won 11 Stanley Cups, more than any other U.S.-based franchise. Between 1991 and 2016, the Wings qualified for the playoffs every year except 2005 , when the NHL locked out its players in a labor dispute and canceled the postseason..

It has now been a decade since Detroit’s last playoff appearance. The Wings won exactly half of its 82 games in 2025-26, finishing sixth in the NHL’s Atlantic Division.

This is the third straight year the team has faltered in the final weeks of the regular season. They were competing for a wild card spot before fading in March 2024 and 2025.

But this collapse might be the worst of all.

Deja vu

The Wings were in good shape on February 4, when the league took a break for the 2026 Winter Olympics. They stood in second place in the NHL’s Atlantic Division. Three players—Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, and Lucas Raymond—went to Italy to play for their home countries. Larkin ended up winning a gold medal with Team USA. 

After they came home, things fell apart. Again. Detroit lost 16 of its last 24 games and finished sixth in their division. They won exactly half of their 82 games, ending up with 41 wins, 31 regulation losses, and 10 overtime losses. Teams get 2 points for a victory, and 1 if they lose in OT.  That adds up to 92 points, seven short of the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Detroit Free Press hockey writer Helene St. James says doubts started creeping in after the Olympics.

“They were really chafing when they started getting a lot of questions about holding up in March,” she says. “They can blame outside noise all they want, the noise was created within the locker room.”

That noise resulted in too many slow starts and mental lapses on the ice. In several games, the opposing teams scored early and often, and the Wings couldn’t find a way to come back. St. James says the team will have to address that before next season.

“It’s on the players to come out with energy at the start of games,” she says. “None of the players have an answer for that.”

Trust the Yzerplan?

Some of the responsibility for this year’s collapse falls on General Manager Steve Yzerman. When he took the job in 2019, he inherited a mess. His predecessor, Ken Holland, built teams that won four Stanley Cups between 1997 and 2008. After the NHL imposed a salary cap in 2005, Holland had trouble signing top free agents. At the same time, he awarded lengthy and expensive contracts to subpar players and developed few if any young players through the draft.

It has taken Yzerman, a former Wings captain, years to overcome Detroit’s salary cap woes and restock its once-barren farm system. 

Statistically, the Wings have improved under Yzerman’s watch. Although 92 points wasn’t good enough to make the playoffs, it is the most they’ve collected in his seven seasons at the helm.

St. James says it’s fair to question some of Yzerman’s moves.

“He has made some free agent signings that haven’t worked out,” she says. “He’s tried to find somebody to be great on that second line center spot, and they haven’t found it.”

Follow the leader

Some fans have questioned Dylan Larkin’s leadership as team captain. Many say he doesn’t hold his teammates accountable for their performance or motivate them to be better.

St. James rejects that narrative.

“They’re adults,” she says. “There needs to be accountability, and if it’s not from the player himself, maybe it’s time to move on from this player.”

Even if Larkin is reluctant to call out his teammates, head coach Todd McLellan is not. At one point, he compared some of his players to empty jerseys. Talk like that can cause players to “tune out” their coaches. St. James doubts that’s the problem.

“He may have the safest job in the NHL,” she says. “If they have tuned him out, which I don’t think is the case, then shame on those players.”

How to fix it

Yzerman tried to acquire defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Minnesota Wild during the season. Hughes, who played college hockey at the University of Michigan, was a member of the U.S. Olympic hockey team that won gold in Italy. He reportedly nixed a trade to Detroit because he wouldn’t sign a long-term contract extension.

The Wings did trade its first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to get veteran defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues. Faulk played in 17 games for Detroit, scoring five goals and assisting on three others.

St. James says she would keep Larkin, Seider, and Alex DeBrincat, the team’s leading scorer this season. But she says Yzerman could package other players in a trade to get someone better.

“You have to move on from some of the bottom six guys,” she says. “Michael Rasmussen has not made an impact for them in three years.”

Rasmussen and Larkin are the only players who were on the roster before Yzerman became GM.

Help is on the way, but when?

If there’s any hope for the future, fans will find it in Grand Rapids. The Wings’ top minor league affiliate, the Griffins, won the American Hockey League‘s Central Division this season and are among the favorites to win the Calder Cup.

The Griffins are loaded with young talent. Three players began the season as Red Wings: center Emmitt Finnie, forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and defensemen Axel Sandin-Pellikka. Finnie was the only rookie to play in all 82 games for the Wings. Sandin-Pellikka appeared in 68 NHL contests. Brandsegg-Nygard played in 14 games. 

A key player going forward is Detroit’s top goaltending prospect, Sebastian Cossa. The Wings called him up for one game in March, but he didn’t play. He’s been in the farm system for four years. 

St. James says Cossa is out of waiver exceptions, which means the Wings must have him on the roster next season, or another team could claim him.

“It usually takes a year, two years, three years before they start becoming impact players, and more so with goalies,” she says. 

Yzerman could package young players together in a trade for a high-scoring second line center. If he stands pat in the offseason, the Wings’ playoff drought might go to 11 in 2027.

The Religious Leaders Forum of Metropolitan Detroit released a statement following the violent attack at Temple Israel yesterday. According to reports, a man rammed his vehicle into the synagogue yesterday afternoon, where security shot at him. He was found dead in his vehicle after the exchange of fire.

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.

According to a Detroit Free Press report, Gov Gretchen Whitmer’s 2027 budget proposes $139.2 million dollars in fee increases. Some of these user fees for government services and licenses haven’t changed in decades.

There will be higher fees for things such as hunting, fishing licenses, boat registrations, and more. During her state of the state address, Whitmer asked Congress to pass her budget in June before the July 1st deadline.

Additional headlines for Friday, March 6, 2026

Sports updates

NBA

The Pistons fell to the Spurs again last night 106-121.

They hope to bounce back against the Brooklyn Nets tomorrow at Little Caesars arena. Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m.

NHL

The Red Wings face the Florida Panthers today at 7:00 p.m. as they try to climb back in the Atlantic division. They are currently sitting at 3rd place with 35 wins and 20 losses.

Club Soccer

Detroit City FC revealed their 2026 season uniforms during their organization event this week. This season’s kits draws inspiration from Detroit’s techno and electronic music scenes as well as the Detroit Red Wings.

The dark kit home uniforms are dark red to maintain the traditional La Rouge Theme, with red tonal wave pattern, gold numbers and white logos of the Spirit of Detroit. The light kit nearly copies a reversed version of last year’s home jersey, with maroon sleeves, salmon colored stripes, and maroon and taupe shorts.

To see their uniforms go to their website: detcityfc.com. You can start seeing these uniforms in action as the team kicks off their first match on Saturday, March 14 at Keyworth Stadium.

Free physical therapy clinic

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is hosting a free in clinic event on March 19, 2026 at 5 p.m. to celebrate their one year anniversary.

The centers offer personalized physical therapy, balance training, vestibular rehabilitation, and auto injury care. They are focused on evidence-based rehab to help patients recover faster and improve their overall mobility.

Attendees will receive 20% off some products at the event. The event will be held at 30770 Southfield Rd. in Southfield.

Daylight saving time

Daylight saving time is this Sunday, March 8. It’s the annual period when we “spring forward” and adjust our clocks one hour forward.

Daylight saving time occurs at 2 a.m., when local time instantly jumps to 3am. As part of the yearly ritual, the sunrise and sunset will be one hour later, we’ll have more light in the evening and a later sunrise in the morning.

The push to stop daylight saving time was approved by the US Senate in the 2022 Sunshine Protection Act but did not pass the House of Representatives. A 2023 version didn’t go anywhere in Congress as well.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

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. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

UAW Stellantis workers are reportedly disappointed because they are not getting profit sharing checks from 2025. This follows the company facing a multibillion dollar deficit last year. It’s also the first time Stellantis hasn’t provided a profit-sharing bonus since the recession.

The Big Three has faced obstacles because of tariff uncertainty, Electric vehicle whiplash, interest rates and more, but Ford and GM still provided a profit-sharing checks to their employees. Stellantis says that it expects 2026 and its expanding product wave to bring profitable growth in North America.

Additional headlines for Friday, Feb. 27, 2016

Personnel shortage in behavioral health field

A new report from the Michigan Health Council shows that Michigan doesn’t have enough opportunities for students to become behavioral health care workers. This is contributing to a shortage of certified school-based mental health professionals across the state, according to the council.

This shortage puts a large workload on the personnel in this field. In the 2023-2024 school year Michigan had about 600 students per school counselor, over a thousand students per school psychologists, and almost 500 students per social worker. The report goes on to share that improving vocational programs could introduce thousands of high school students to fulfilling careers in behavioral health.

Sports updates

NBA

The Detroit Pistons face the Cleveland Cavaliers today at Little Ceasars Arena but—like their game against the Thunder—the opposing team is without their best players, with both Donovan Mitchall out with groin injuries and James Harden questionable with a thumb injury.

The Pistons are playing without their full strength with Isaiah Stweart out again because of his involvement in the fight with the Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 9. This is his sixth game of his seven game suspension.

Tonight’s game tip off is at 7 p.m. with a following away game against the Magic on Sunday, March 1.

NHL

The Red Wings face the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow Feb. 28 at the Lenovo Center. The Red Wings are currently second in the Atlantic Divison with 34 wins and 19 losses. Game starts at 7 p.m.

Blueberry recall

More than 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries, some of which were shipped to Michigan, have been recalled because of possible listeria contamination.

The Oregon Potato Company was the distributor of the recalled berries. This shipment was also sent to Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Canada.

The FDA recalled it initially on Feb. 12 and classified the recall as a Class 1 recall on Feb. 24, which means there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Go to your local grocery store to see if your purchase of frozen blueberries was in the mix.

Handmaid’s Tale in Detroit

And the dystopian world of the Handmaid’s Tale comes to the Detroit Opera House. The play, once a hit television series and novel, is a chilling look into a future where America’s democracy morphs into a religious tyranny.

There are showings on Sunday March 1, Thursday March 5 and Saturday March 7.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Detroit Red Wings are celebrating their 100th anniversary this season. Over the last century the team’s winged wheel logo has become iconic.

But Detroit’s hockey team isn’t the only group using the Red Wing identity. Red Wing Shoes, known for making boots, sports a logo that features similar styling cues.

Scott Deaner, from Petersburg, Michigan, asked CuriosiD if there’s any connection between the two.

“I’ve looked at the Red Wing shoe company logo several times,” says Deaner, “and I’m like, that is very similar to the Red Wings logo. Just add the wheel and it looks very similar.”

The answer to that question is no.

Red Wing Shoes was founded in 1905 in Red Wing, Minnesota. The famous boot maker takes its name from its hometown.

The Detroit Red Wings were founded in 1926, but they weren’t originally from Detroit.

Detroit hockey before the Red Wings name

They were known as the Victoria Cougars. Helene St. James covers the Wings for the Detroit Free Press.  She says the franchise moved to Detroit from British Colombia when the old Western Hockey League fell apart.

The thinking was ‘keep the name the same,” says St. James. “Let them be known as the Detroit Cougars.”

The team played under the Cougars moniker for four seasons with little success.

“They decided in 1930, they were renamed the Falcons,” she says. “But that wasn’t any better.”

The Red Wings didn’t become the “Red Wings” until 1932, after being purchased by Canadian-American businessman James Norris.

Origins of the “winged wheel”

Jeremy Dimick is director of collections and curatorial for the Detroit Historical Society. He put together an exhibit celebrating the Red Wings’ 100th anniversary that’s on display at the Detroit Historical Museum through November.

Dimick says it was Norris who came up with the now famous Winged Wheel. He says the amateur athletic club Norris played hockey for growing up in Montreal had at one point been known for bicycle racing.

“And so their club emblem became this bicycle wheel with wings on it,” says Dimick, “as like a shorthand for speed.”

That imagery stuck with Norris but the Red Wings logo isn’t exactly the same what he wore growing up.

The Montreal Amateur Athletic Associations logo featured two wings oriented vertical against the wheel. The orientation of the wing changed and the bicycle wheel was replaced with one that was a little more representative of the Motor City.

“The wheel that’s chosen is pretty darn close to a Model T wheel,” Dimick says. “And what better car to kind of represent Detroit’s auto industry.”

The color red

As for why red was selected for the Wings, that is believed to have been influenced by Norris’ business interests. Dimick says the color was associated with the Upper Lakes Shipping Company — a fleet of Great Lakes freighters that Norris owned.

“Their kind of club flag that they flew on all their ships and had on the smokestacks of all their ships,” Dimick explains, “was this bright red kind of crimson pennant with a black diamond in the middle. And that red is eerily similar to the red that ends up being the Red Wings’ red.”

Thus, the Detroit Red Wings name and emblem were born. The imagery remains pretty much the same as it is today.

While the Red Wings hockey team and the Red Wing shoe company brands share some styling cues, they arrived independently from one another.

WDET’s CuriosiD series answers your questions about everything Detroit. Subscribe to CuriosiD on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

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More CuriosiD

The Detroit Red Wings haven’t qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2016. It’s the longest postseason drought in franchise history. 

But they’re on the verge of snapping that streak. 

The Wings stand in third place in the NHL’s Atlantic Division as they enter the final 24 games of the regular season. 

The golden boy returns

The last time they reached the playoffs, Dylan Larkin was a rookie. Today, he’s the team captain. He’s also an Olympic champion.

The U.S. men’s national hockey team beat Canada 2-1 in overtime in the gold medal game of the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. Larkin was on the ice when teammate Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal.

Detroit Free Press hockey writer Helene St. James spoke with Larkin after the emotional contest.

“It was probably a good 45 minutes after the game ended,” she says. “He was still in his skates, still had is medal around his neck, and he’s like, ‘I’m not taking either off.'”

Larkin scored two goals in six Olympic games and won the most face-offs of any player. St. James says the emotional lift of winning gold could carry him and the Wings through the final third of the season.

“I know how excited he is, ” she says. “He just wants to lead the Wings into a playoff spot and end that nearly 10-year playoff drought.”

Raymond shines for Sweden

Larkin wasn’t the only Red Wing at the Olympics. Lucas Raymond played for Sweden. Moritz Seider competed for Germany. Neither team made it past the quarterfinals. Lucas was the third-leading scorer at the games with one goal and eight assists.

Because their Olympics ended early, St. James says Raymond and Seider should have some extra rest before the season resumes.

How far they go depends on their health. 

“This is when the games get really tough,” she says. “There’s no leeway to take anything easy.”

The Red Wings might not be the only ones who get a golden bounce. Many of the players on the U.S. team came up through the national development program in Plymouth. That includes Jack Hughes and goalie Connor Hellebuyck. St. James says Hellebuyck deserves as much credit for beating Canada as anyone.

“He singlehandedly kept his teammates in it in the second and third periods when the shot disparity was so much in the Canadians’ favor,” she says.

Hellebuyck stopped 41 shots against Canada. President Donald Trump hailed the Commerce Township native as a hero during his State of the Union speech. Trump also said he planned to award Hellebuyck the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Generation inspiration

St. James says winning gold is good press for the national development team and youth hockey in general, both boys and girls. The U.S. also beat Canada 2-1 in overtime in the women’s gold medal game. Farmington Hills native Megan Keller scored the game winning goal. 

The American women dominated the Olympics, outscoring their opponents 33-2. 

“I don’t know how both games cannot inspire young children to want to take up the game,” St. James says.

It’s been 10 years since the Detroit Red Wings qualified for the National Hockey League playoffs. But 2025-26 could be the season they end that drought.

The Wings have won 33 of 58 games this season, putting them among the top five teams in the NHL’s Eastern Conference. Eight teams from each conference will qualify for the postseason.

As a player, Steve Yzerman captained the Wings to three Stanley Cups. Since becoming general manager in 2019, he has struggled to build a consistent winner.

Before the season, Yzerman signed free agent goaltender John Gibson. The 12-year veteran had played his entire career with the Anaheim Ducks before coming to Detroit.

The results were disastrous at first. Gibson gave up five goals in his first game against the Montreal Canadiens. Head coach Todd McLellan pulled him out of the net in the second period. Gibson allowed four or more goals in eight of his first 14 games.

Detroit Free Press sportswriter Helene St. James says Gibson has settled down since then.

“The goaltending has been tremendous,” she says. “Ever since he found his groove, they’ve had a chance to win every single night.”

Gibson has not allowed more than four goals in any game since Dec. 2, 2025 and has collected four shutouts.

Credit the coach, too

St. James also credits McLellan for the Wings’ success so far. Yzerman hired McLellan during the 2024-25 season after firing Derek Lalonde. She says McLellan has made the team tougher.

“Not just physical toughness, but mental toughness,” St. James says. “That has made all the difference.”

While the Wings look like a playoff team, they have shown some cracks heading into the Winter Olympics in Italy. They have lost five of their last seven games, including a 5-0 drubbing by the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 31 at Little Caesars Arena. Two days later, the Wings beat the Avs 2-0 in Denver.

St. James says Yzerman could trade younger prospects or draft picks to get a top forward or defenseman. But she cautions they won’t become a Stanley Cup contender just by adding one player.

“They do not want a rental,” she says. “They don’t want to give up a lot of future [talent] just to improve immediately, unless it’s a player who’s going to stick around.”

The Wings were interested in getting former University of Michigan star Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks, but Hughes’s agent indicated he wasn’t willing to sign a long-term contract with Detroit. Yzerman passed and the Canucks ended up trading Hughes to the Minnesota Wild in December.

Avoid deja vu

Most of Detroit’s players will have a chance to rest during the Olympics. Three of their stars will compete for their countries in Italy, including Dylan Larkin (USA), Lucas Raymond (Sweden), and Moritz Seider (Germany).

Larkin and Raymond played in the Four Nations tournament in 2025. St. James says both players struggled when they returned to the Wings, who lost 15 of their final 24 games and missed the playoffs.

She says the Wings don’t want that to happen again.

“Every one of those [Olympic] games is basically a [playoff] game seven,” she says. “You’re asking them to fly across the Atlantic and play a lot of games in a short amount of time.”

Canada is favored to win the gold medal in Italy. St. James says losing could also take an emotional toll on the players.

Fans will find out when the Wings return to NHL action against the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 26.

This week on Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music a couple cuts from a fascinating new album from Kronos Quartet and Mahalia Jackson, featuring her amazing singing and in conversation with Studs Terkel in 1963.

Also, new Detroit tunes from Dames Brown, The Legal Matters, another Nick Piunti preview, the duo Rosetta Pebble and more!

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for January 31, 2026

HOUR ONE:

• “Against The Dying Of The Light” – Jose Gonzalez
• “(It Takes All Kinds) To Make A World” – Gail Ann Dorsey
• “The Stars Are Out Tonight” – David Bowie
• “Opening Night” – Arctic Monkeys
• “Hold On” – Mahalia Jackson & The Kronos Quartet
  
• “What Would You Do” – Dames Brown
• “Rendevouz” – Will Sessions + Dames Brown, Amp Fiddler
  
• “I Got You” – Tedeschi Trucks Band
  
• “I Wish You Love” – Frank Sinatra
• “Stay Away” – Charles Bradley
• “Can’t Hold Us” – Sampa The Great
  
• “Handshake Deal” – Nick Piunti
  
• “Get On The Right Thing” – Wings
  

• “Music Always” – AV & The Inner City
• “Perfect Day” – Al Green w/Raye
• “2Sided” – Arlo Parks
• “Sweet Love” – Stephen Sanchez
• “The Message” – The Legal Matters
• “Chicago” – Mavis Staples
  
• “In The Saddle” – Whitney
• “Practice” – Jamila Woods w/Saba
• “Your Old Stand By” – Mary Wells
• “Disco Life” – Say She She
• “Bend In The River” – Rosetta Pebble
• “Hair Down” – Samm Henshaw
• “Shapes & Sizes” – Joan Armatrading & The Kronos Quartet
• “This World Will Make You Think” – Mahalia Jackson & The Kronos Quartet

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org

Vitti says immigration concerns are keeping kids home

During his State of the Schools address, Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said immigration concerns are contributing to lower student attendance. While there have been no reports of immigration agents entering Detroit school buildings, some families remain afraid to send their children to school.

Attendance declines began in January 2025, around the start of the Trump administration, and have continued into this year. Last year, 61 percent of Detroit students were considered chronically absent, meaning they missed more than 10 percent of the school year. Vitti said immigration concerns played a role in those numbers.

The district recently released an informational pamphlet for families who may have concerns about immigration status, offering guidance and connections to resources.

No charges in deaths of two children in Detroit parking garage

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced that no charges will be filed against a Detroit mother whose two children died last year in a parking garage.

An autopsy determined the children died from carbon monoxide poisoning rather than hypothermia. The mother, who was experiencing homelessness at the time, had sought shelter in December 2023, but records indicate a city shelter was unable to reach her.

In response to recent dangerously cold temperatures, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is urging residents to seek shelter if needed. The city reports approximately 1,700 shelter beds are available for families. Sheffield emphasized that no Detroiter should be without access to warmth during extreme cold.

Pro sports update

NBA: The Detroit Pistons lost to the Phoenix Suns 114–96. The team remains on the West Coast and will face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern.

NHL: The Detroit Red Wings fell to the Washington Capitals 4–3. The Red Wings are second in the Atlantic Division and will take on the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow, Saturday, January 31, at 1 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.

Local sports: Detroit athlete makes NIL history

Chandler Park Academy basketball player Jeremiah Jackson has become the first high school athlete in Michigan to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association recently expanded its rules to allow high school athletes to earn money through endorsements, social media promotions, and related opportunities. Jackson’s NIL deal is with Flamz Pizzeria, a restaurant located on East Warren Avenue in Detroit.

Events and weekend picks

Virtual event on the American Revolution
The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a free virtual discussion on Monday examining the American story 250 years after the American Revolution.

The event will be led by Bob Brutell, Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies and History at the University of Detroit Mercy, and Dr. Kyle Roberts, Executive Director of the Congregational Library and Archives.
“Remembering the Unfinished American Revolution” takes place Monday, February 2, at 1 p.m. Registration details are available online.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Epic Film Scores
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents a concert featuring iconic film music, conducted by Steve Reineke. The program highlights legendary composers and scores from films including Psycho, The Godfather, Gladiator, Star Trek, and Star Wars.
Performances:

• Friday, January 30 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, January 31 at 8 p.m.

• Sunday, February 1 at 3 p.m.
  More info: dso.org

The Saunderson Brothers at Big Pink
Big Pink hosts a House and Techno night featuring The Saunderson Brothers. Organizers promise a high-energy set packed with crowd favorites.
The event runs tonight from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
More info: bigpinklovesyou.com

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield took office on New Year’s Day. But she’s celebrating her achievement with a public swearing-in ceremony this week.

Detroit City Council members, police commissioners and the City Clerk will also take part. The ceremony at the Detroit Opera House features poetry and music performances as well.

Sheffield is the first woman ever elected mayor of Detroit. She says her team is developing an action plan for her first 100 days with input from the community. But she’s also retaining several key officials from the past mayoral administration including the corporation counsel—the city’s top lawyer—and Detroit’s fire commissioner.

Sheffield also announced today that the city will join a program that gives financial support to pregnant women and infants. The city has already raised 9 million dollars to participate in RX Kids. It’s looking for $2 million to fund the program for 3 years.

Sheffield says she hopes to secure the funding to launch the program within her first 100 days.

Additional headlines for Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

State utility regulators demand more transparency

DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and other regulated utilities in Michigan must do more to inform customers about potential rate hikes. This is because of a new order by state utility regulators.

The Michigan Public Service Commission wants to increase customer participation in utility issues, including cases that set new rates. After March, regulated electric utilities must inform customers when they asked for higher rates, and how much their bills would go up if that amount is approved.

There’s concern that this could confuse people, since rarely do utilities get their full requested amount. But supporters of the change say advance notice will let more people find out about and comment on potential rate hikes before the cases are resolved.

Gas prices

Michigan gas prices have dropped 11 cents since last week. According to the auto group AAA, you can get regular unleaded for $2.70. This new price is 18 cents less than a month ago and 44 cents less than this time last year, making this new price the lowest since February of 2021.

The US strikes in Venezuela this weekend don’t seem to have impacted oil prices just yet, according to AAA. The organization also says Venezuela crude oil exports have been limited due to the sanctions in the last couple of years.

Sports updates

NFL

The Lions beat the Chicago Bears 19-16 yesterday with a walk off field goal kick from Jake Bates, ending the season with a winning record. Now all eyes are on the off season, the NFL draft and seeing how they will bounce back for the 2026 season.

NBA

The Pistons beat the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday 114-110 and remain on top of the Eastern Conference. Their next game is today at Little Caesars against the New York Knicks and again at Little Caesars on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls.

Tip off for both is at 7:00 p.m.

NHL

The Red Wings play against the Ottawa Senators tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Red Wings are currently third in the Atlantic Division.

Carl Thomas performs

And R&B singer Carl Thomas known for his smash 2000 hit “I Wish” will be performing at Sound Board on Sunday Jan. 11, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The artist from Illinois hit the Billboard Top Hot 100 and peaked at 20. And this year marks the 26th anniversary of his debut studio album “Emotional.”

To hear Thomas live, go to soundboarddetroit.com for tickets and more information.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Trump administration issued an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance. This change doesn’t legalize the drug on the federal level but could mean significant tax savings for Michigan cannabis businesses.

Cannabis businesses are currently taxed on gross income and cannot deduct operating expenses like other companies ordinarily do. Changing the classification could help smaller businesses that operate without a lot of resources.

There are concerns from leaders in the cannabis industry about federal regulations that might follow this move — including taxes. The Trump administration announced that this move was to recognize legitimate medical use and expand medical marijuana and cannabis research for the medical community.

Additional headlines for Dec. 19, 2025

Food vouchers expire Dec. 31

Shoppers have until Wednesday, Dec. 31 to use their Double Up Food Bonus Bucks vouchers. The statewide program expanded during the government shutdown when SNAP benefit recipients were under threat and families didn’t know if they would lose their ability to purchase food.

Run through the Fair Food Network, the program matches SNAP benefits used to buy up to $40 in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables at partnering farmer markets and grocery stores. It has been operating for more than a decade and is continuing into 2026. Frozen foods will be added to the list of eligible foods as well as unlimited earning and spending options.

If you have questions about the program, call the hotline at 866-586-2796 or visit doubleupfoodbucks.org.

Detroit sports updates

NFL: The Detroit Lions face the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Sunday night match up. Lions fans probably have a Detroit win on their Christmas list because they currently have a 25% chance of making it to the playoffs, according to ESPN reports. If they win the last three games of the season including the game against the Steelers, their chances rise to 95%. Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m. at Ford Field.

NBA: The Pistons fell to the Dallas Mavericks yesterday in a tight overtime matchup. The loss doesn’t change up too much because they are still number one in the eastern conference with a 21-6 record. The next game is tomorrow, Dec. 20 against the Charlotte Hornets at Little Caesars Arena. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m.

NHL: The Red Wings, currently on top of the Atlantic Division, go against the Washington Capitals tomorrow at the Captial One Arena. The game starts at 12:30 p.m.

Detroit Sandwich Week

Detroit Sandwich Week is going down right after Christmas. Sandwiched in between Christmas and the New Year, this annual event celebrates different local sandwich shops each day to support community and small businesses.

This year’s featured shops are Mudgie’s, Vesper and Ayiti Spaghetti, Ladder 4 Wine Bar, Roccos, Tall Trees Cade and Batch Brewing Company. For more information, visit detroitsandwichparty.square.site.

Perfume popup

Artisan perfumer and “scent docent” Terees Western will host a popup at Source Booksellers on Saturday for her business FragranTed. Visitors will have a chance to create their own holiday scents and learn about using scent to celebrate and make memories. The event runs from 2–4 p.m. at 4240 Cass Avenue.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.