Fire broke out Monday at the Corewell Health Care Center on Rochester Road in Rochester Hills requiring evacuation of the building.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, no injuries were reported and the fire was out before 2 p.m. It’s believed the roof caught on fire while contractors were working on the HVAC unit on the roof.

As of 1:45 p.m. Monday, firefighters were still on scene. No other information was immediately available.

The Oakland Press will update this story as details become available.

By COLLIN BINKLEY, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 20 Democrat-led states are challenging a new Trump administration policy designed to block nonprofit and government workers from a student loan cancellation program if federal officials determine their employer has a “substantial illegal purpose.”

The policy is aimed primarily at organizations that work with immigrants and transgender youth.

In the lawsuit filed Monday in Massachusetts, the states argue the Trump administration overstepped its authority when it added new eligibility rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The overhaul will worsen job shortages and create instability in state workforces, the suit said.

The legal challenge is being led by New York, Massachusetts, California and Colorado. New York Attorney General Letitia James said the rule is “a political loyalty test disguised as a regulation,” adding that it’s “unjust and unlawful to cut off loan forgiveness for hardworking Americans based on ideology.”

A separate coalition of cities, nonprofits and labor organizations also filed a legal challenge in Massachusetts on Monday. That suit was brought by Boston; Chicago; Albuquerque, New Mexico; San Francisco; Santa Clara, California; and the National Council of Nonprofits.

Responding to the lawsuits, Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent said it’s unconscionable that the plaintiffs are standing up for criminal activity.

“This is a commonsense reform that will stop taxpayer dollars from subsidizing organizations involved in terrorism, child trafficking, and transgender procedures that are doing irreversible harm to children,” Kent said in a statement. “The final rule is crystal clear: the Department will enforce it neutrally, without consideration of the employer’s mission, ideology, or the population they serve.”

Another lawsuit challenging the rule is expected to be filed Tuesday on behalf of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights advocacy organization, the American Immigration Council and The Door, a legal group. They’re being represented by the groups Student Defense and Public Citizen.

Congress created the program in 2007 to steer more graduates into lower-paying public sector jobs. It promises to forgive their federal student loans after they make payments for 10 years while working in government jobs or for many nonprofits. More than 1 million Americans have had their loans canceled through the program, including teachers, firefighters, nurses and public defenders.

Under the new policy finalized last week, employers can be removed if they engage in activities including the trafficking or “chemical castration” of children, illegal immigration and supporting terrorist groups. “Chemical castration” is defined as using hormone therapy or drugs that delay puberty — gender-affirming care common for transgender children or teens.

The education secretary gets the final say in determining whether a group’s work has an illegal purpose, weighing whether the “preponderance of the evidence” leans against them.

In their lawsuit, the states argue that entire state governments, hospitals, schools and nonprofits could unilaterally be ruled ineligible by the secretary. They say Congress granted the benefit to all government workers, with no room for the Education Department to add limits.

The states also object to the department’s reliance on the phrase “substantial illegal purpose,” saying it’s an “overbroad and impermissibly vague term” that is aimed “at chilling activities that are disfavored by this Administration.”

The lawsuit asks a federal judge to declare the policy unlawful and forbid the Education Department from enforcing it.

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

Here are a few a things to know as voters head to the polls Tuesday:

ON THE BALLOT
Oakland County voters will see ballots full of local candidates for mayor, council and other public-board seats as well as ballot proposals from charter amendments to millage requests.

TURNOUT
Turnout is hard to predict because there are too many variables, according to a county clerk spokeswoman.

Several candidates are running write-in campaigns; their names won’t appear on the ballot, but they are listed on the county’s website. To learn about write-in candidates in your community. For details, visit the county’s list of candidates: https://elections.oaklandcountymi.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/27699/638960263474470000, or ballot questions ranging from charter amendments to millage requests are online at https://elections.oaklandcountymi.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/27223/638930222581900000.

To learn more, visit the Oakland County clerk’s elections page: https://www.oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds/elections-voting.

WEATHER
The National Weather Service’s White Lake Township office predicts mostly sunny skies with a high near 57 and occasional wind gusts as high as 18 mph.

POLL HOURS
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in every jurisdiction.

WHO CAN VOTE
You can vote at your polling place until 8 p.m. Tuesday – anyone already in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot. You have the right to register to vote and vote up to 8 p.m. Tuesday.I

NEED TO REGISTER?
If you’re not registered to vote or need to change the address for your voter registration, visit your city or township clerk’s office as soon as possible Tuesday to avoid lines. You can vote at your clerk’s office. You cannot register to vote after 8 p.m. Tuesday.

HOW TO VOTE
Check out the front and back of your ballot to review your choices. Be sure to vote for nonpartisan candidates and on any ballot issues. The non-partisan group MichiganVoting.org has a tutorial on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n483tnkddoE.
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If you’re at a polling place and make a mistake, election workers can spoil that ballot and issue a new one.

WHAT DO I NEED TO VOTE
Voters must be at least 18 years old and U.S. citizens. People currently in jail or prison cannot cast a ballot. Voters must show proof of being a Michigan resident and living in their city or township for at least 30 days before Tuesday. Proof must be either: a Michigan driver’s license or state ID; or a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check that shows your name and address or another document issued by a federal, state or local government agency. Michigan residents attending college can register to vote based on their school or home address. Out-of-state residents who are U.S. citizens attending Michigan schools can register to vote based on their school address. Michigan residents attending out-of-state schools can register to vote at their Michigan address. It is illegal to cast ballots in two different states for the same election.

WHERE DO I VOTE
Voters can find their polling places and confirm their voter registration status online at: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index/#yourclerk.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS:
These must be returned by 8 p.m. Tuesday to your municipal clerk’s office. If you filled out an absentee ballot but haven’t returned it and want to make changes, visit your municipal clerk’s office to spoil the ballot and get a new one.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TUESDAY
Unofficial results will start to be posted shortly after 8 p.m. on the county clerk’s website: https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/MI/Oakland/124349/web.345435/#/summary.
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At 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, the County Election Certification Board, which includes two Democrats and two Republicans, meets to validate results in the county canvassers training room in the west wing extension of the first floor of the county courthouse at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. This meeting is open to the public.

By MIKE HOUSEHOLDER

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The Red Hot Chili Peppers may be strongly associated with southern California, but drummer Chad Smith’s heart never left the Midwest.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, who grew up in suburban Detroit, is gifting a need-based music scholarship to the University of Michigan.

“A lot of people (say), ‘The Chili Peppers, West Coast band, California this and California that.’ I get it. I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota,” Smith told The Associated Press in an interview Sunday, just hours before he made the official announcement during a surprise appearance at the Ann Arbor school’s annual Band-O-Rama event. “The Minnesota connection is strong. The Michigan connection is strong.

“And that’s why we’re here. It’s a natural, authentic fit for us.”

Smith, 64, performed the RHCP hit “Can’t Stop,” alongside the Michigan Marching Band at Hill Auditorium.

The Curtis & Joan Smith Scholarship, which is named in honor of Smith’s parents, will be awarded to an incoming University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance student, beginning in 2026.

The scholarship is a partnership between the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and the Chad Smith Foundation and comes on the heels of one with the same name launched two months ago at the University of Minnesota. Smith’s parents are Minnesota alums.

Michigan’s version of the Curtis & Joan Smith Scholarship will support incoming freshmen to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance undergraduate program who demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to pursuing a music career. The scholarship reinforces CSF’s mission to expand access to high-quality music education and career pathways for aspiring musicians across the country.

Smith attended Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and began his career playing in clubs and bars across the Detroit area. He credits his parents with nurturing his love of music and supporting his dream to pursue it professionally.

“My mother is 98 years young. Still going. She’s here today — amazing,” Smith said. “So, to be able to honor her (and) my father unfortunately passed away, but they were so integral in helping me with my musical path.”

Smith has been with the Red Hot Chili Peppers since the late 1980s. During that time, the quartet, which also includes singer Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea, have been one of the biggest-selling music acts, mixing layers of funk, punk, rap and traditional pop over a foundation of rock.

The backward-baseball-cap-wearing Smith has held down the beat on such hits as “Give It Away,” “Under the Bridge” and “Dani California.” The Chili Peppers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

“I’m fortunate to be in a band people like and I play the drums and maybe some drummers or musicians will get inspired just from my story,” Smith said. “So, yeah, it’s just an opportunity to give back to what I’ve been so lucky to have and for next generations of musicians to be able to pursue what they love.”

By Robert Snell

MediaNews Group

Two Dearborn men and a group of alleged co-conspirators hatched a plan to commit a terrorist attack in support of the Islamic State, according to a federal criminal case filed Monday that described reconnaissance, firearms and fears the group was targeting an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Ferndale.

The case against Dearborn residents Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud was filed three days after high-profile raids by members of an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Dearborn and Inkster and comments from FBI Director Kash Patel that investigators had thwarted a violent plot tied to international terrorism that was planned over the Halloween weekend.

The criminal complaint describes a group of five co-conspirators, including a juvenile, training with and stockpiling weapons and scouting potential attack locations in downtown Ferndale. The popular downtown is filled with restaurants, bars, clubs and shops and is known as a haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Based on my investigation in this case, this information is consistent with (the juvenile), Ali and Mahmoud scouting possible LGBTQ+-friendly attack locations in Ferndale,” FBI Special Agent Nicholas Czech wrote in the complaint.

The men, whose ages were not immediately available, were charged with receiving and transferring, and attempting and conspiring to transfer firearms and ammunition while knowing or having reasonable cause to believe the weapons would be used to commit an act of terrorism. The felony carries a maximum 15-year federal prison sentence.

The charge was filed three days after FBI agents raided two homes in Dearborn and an Inkster storage facility and arrested five people ages 16-20.

Mahmoud’s lawyer Bill Swor declined to comment until he had a chance to read the criminal complaint.

Attorney Amir Makled, who represents a 20-year-old Dearborn man, has denied the men were involved in terrorism.

“One thing is for sure, they didn’t have a plan to attack and are not part of a terror cell,” Makled told The News.

Ali, Mahmoud and others are accused of using online encrypted communications and social media apps to share extremist and ISIS-related material that encouraged terror attacks.

Based on the chats, an attack appeared scheduled for Halloween, according to the government, and Ali and the juvenile “sought guidance from the father of a local Islamic extremist ideologue…on this question,” the FBI agent wrote.

The ideologue is not identified by name but “has publicly proclaimed his support for the Islamic extremist ideology espoused by ISIS,” the agent wrote.

Since the raids, provocative statements from FBI Director Kash Patel and other Trump administration officials, a lack of criminal charges or details about alleged wrongdoing, or names of the accused, led criminal defense lawyers in Metro Detroit to question the legitimacy of the investigation and deny there was a terrorist plot.

The court filing describes talk of a terror attack, firearms and training.

The investigation dates to July, when investigators discovered encrypted chats in which Ali and a juvenile were said to be planning a terrorist attack in the U.S. on behalf of the Islamic State, according to the 73-page criminal complaint.

FBI agents alleged Mahmoud and others conspired to commit the attack.

Amid those chats, Ali purchased an AR-15-style rifle and accessories in August and September, according to the government.

“Then in October 2025, Mahmoud purchased over 1,600 rounds of ammunition that could be used in the AR-15 style rifles he and Ali had purchased,” the complaint reads.

Investigators allege Ali, Mahmoud, the juvenile and two others practiced shooting firearms at gun ranges, a stop investigators believe was to develop the skills to aid in the attack.

The investigation is the latest in Metro Detroit, a region where several residents in recent years have been accused of providing or trying to provide support to the Islamic State or launching failed attempts to kill people.

“Through swift action and close coordination with our local partners, a potential act of terror was stopped before it could unfold,” Patel said in a social media post. “The vigilance of this FBI prevented what could have been a tragic attack — and thanks to their dedication, Michigan will have a safe and happy Halloween.”

In the wake of the raid, Makled faulted Patel for making “premature” comments about the investigation. The five people arrested by the FBI ― all U.S. citizens ― were not planning an attack, he said.

“There was never any planned mass-casualty event or terrorism plot of any kind that I’m aware of,” Makled said. “They might have been on some websites or online chat groups that they shouldn’t have been, but nothing that is illegal.”

By Henry Payne and Grant Schwab, MediaNews Group

Robot cars are coming to Detroit streets.

Waymo LLC, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet, said Monday that its self-driving fleet is headed to the Motor City. The electric autonomous ride-hailing service has become a fixture in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco, where hundreds of vehicles — instantly recognized by their rooftop Lidar arrays — service hundreds of thousands of customers with no driver behind the robotaxis’ spinning steering wheel.

Recently, the service expanded to Los Angeles, Atlanta and Austin — and now it is expanding again with service in Detroit, plus San Diego and Las Vegas. Detroit is significant because it’s Waymo’s first northern market. Waymo said the service is targeted to operate 365 days a year through rain, sleet and snow.

The service is also notable because it uses Zeekr minivans, the first Chinese electric auto brand on U.S. streets. At its inception in Phoenix, Waymo used Chrysler Pacifica minivans, which have been phased out over time.

“Starting next week, you’ll see us manually driving around the city as we familiarize ourselves with Detroit’s historic streets before moving to autonomous operations,” Waymo said in a press release. “We’ll arrive with a mixed fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles with the 5th-gen Waymo Driver and Zeekr RT vehicles equipped with our 6th-gen Waymo Driver, which will be key to driving in winter weather.”

Waymos are hailed by an app similar to Uber and Lyft. Waymo is the most-used robot service in the United States and is in fierce competition with Amazon’s Zoox and Tesla Inc. robotaxis to bring driver-free ride-hailing services to U.S. customers. The latter service, which recently started testing in Austin, Texas, with human monitors on board, aims to be more affordable than Waymo by eschewing expensive Lidar arrays and navigating solely by cameras.

Waymo said that it is coordinating closely with local officials, including the Michigan Department of Transportation and the city of Detroit, as it begins its step-by-step testing approach in the Motor City. Neither MDOT nor the city offered comments ahead of the Monday announcement.

“We’re proud of our roots in Metro Detroit, including in Novi, where we’ve had an engineering team for many years,” the company statement said. Waymo’s Novi office employs several dozen engineers, technicians and test drivers.

The company has prepared for its Detroit rollout through launches in other cities, closed-track testing and forays into areas like the Upper Peninsula with snowy winter conditions. A recent Waymo blog post discussed efforts to create an “all-weather Driver.”

The first phase of the Detroit rollout will feature human drivers manually operating the vehicles to collect a highly detailed, high-definition map of the city, Waymo technical program manager Jake Tretter said in an interview.

Once that phase is complete, the vehicles will roam the streets — supervised — using their autonomous technology while a human operator sits in the driver’s seat to make sure performance is safe and smooth.

The company did not provide a timetable for when testing phases would end and the public would be able to hail self-driving rides from the Waymo app.

“Our goal is to do it as soon as possible,” Tretter said. But he also stressed the importance of building “trust and understanding” so Detroiters are ready for an eventual full launch in the city.

“It’s harder to lose the trust and try to regain that than it is to slowly build that trust and make sure that we’re working in unison with the community and policy and legislators,” he added.

The Detroit expansion will “first and foremost” focus on the city’s urban core near Comerica Park, Ford Field and Little Caesars Arena before expanding out slowly from there.

Waymo began operating as a service open to the public in Phoenix in October 2020. Since its introduction in San Francisco in 2023, it has become a tourist sensation as well as ferrying locals on their daily rounds. Waymo has been validated over 100 million fully autonomous miles and 10 million-plus trips.

In May of this year, Waymo released a study saying that over 56.7 million miles, its vehicles had 92% fewer crashes with injuries to pedestrians and 82% fewer crashes with injuries to cyclists compared to human drivers. The company’s latest data show similar rates across 96 million miles.

Still, its robotaxis have faced scrutiny from safety regulators, including a 14-month probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into more than a dozen minor crashes in which Waymo vehicles ran into parked cars and other stationary objects. Waymo recalled 1,200 vehicles, leading NHTSA to close the inquiry, Reuters reported.

In addition to eventually opening its service to the public in Detroit, Waymo is partnering with organizations like the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.

“For many people living with epilepsy, transportation is a significant barrier. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan celebrates organizations like Waymo, which are leading the way in providing accessible and safe transportation solutions,” said Andrea Schotthoefer, the foundation’s president. “Their efforts show what’s possible and inspire collective action toward a future where transportation barriers no longer stand in the way of opportunity and inclusion.”

As domestic travel booms, many Americans still flock to the familiar — national parks packed before sunrise, selfie-saturated landmarks, cities so overrun with tourists their official mottos may as well be “Been There, Done That.”

Just beyond the beaten path, however, lies a less choreographed America where predictability gives way to surprise and encounters feel more personal, perhaps even profound. These destinations may draw steady crowds like their bucket-list cousins, but they glow with a gentler light: less mainstream, more meaningful.

If zigging where others zag sounds like your kind of trip, this great nation has a wealth of places that might just redefine what “must-see” really means. From California to Florida, these seven detours favor the road less traveled — destinations that may not rack up as many hashtags, but hold their own with standout sights, strong local flavor, and often with fewer crowds and fresher stories.

For wallet-friendly California winetasting: Think Lodi, not Napa — While some snooty oenophiles may scoff at uncorking a grape getaway in California’s understated Central Valley instead of world-renowned Napa, open-minded and budget-conscious wine lovers should give Lodi a taste (visitlodi.com).

Craving a laid-back, grassroots vibe over one cultivated with polish and sophistication? That’s penny wise, not pour foolish. Tastings in Lodi typically run $10 to $20, and often the fees are waived with purchase. By contrast, just 70 miles west, expect to shell out $50 to $125 for samples, and good luck getting in without a reservation. Yep, Lodi welcomes walk-ins.

Among the region’s standouts is Harney Lane Vineyards, one of the few 100% estate-grown wineries in California. This family-owned gem (harneylane.com) offers a personally hosted flight of five small-lot selections — featuring zinfandel, the region’s signature grape — for as low as $20. The Wine and Visitor Center (lodiwine.com), also in town, proudly carries hundreds of wines made from Lodi-grown grapes, four of which can be tasted for just $12.

While Napa Valley has nearly 20 Michelin-rated restaurants to Lodi’s zero, that soon could change with the recent opening of Americana House (americanahouselodi.com). Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer has brought his signature progressive American cuisine to a destination known more for value and authenticity than refinement and luxury. Naturally, the months-old restaurant boasts the best wine list in town — yet another reason to zig (or zin?) where others zag.

For a Vegas nightcap: Think speakeasy, not lobby bar — You’ve painted the town and aren’t quite ready to cash in your chips after doing Lord knows what in Sin City. The easiest place to enjoy a nightcap is the lobby bar of your hotel. But if you’re of drinking age and prefer to swig with a zig, skip the obvious and go underground — not to a basement dive, but one of Vegas’ cool, covert speakeasies where the vibe is as smooth as the top-shelf spirits.

Bellagio (bellagio.com) has one that makes its lobby bar seem as old-fashioned as, well, an old-fashioned. It’s called The Vault, and the lounge’s whereabouts are on a need-to-know basis. But since it’s just friends here, this secret bar is nestled discreetly behind the live gaming tables on Bellagio’s casino floor, near the cashier. The joint is a masterclass in moody opulence with equal parts speakeasy, sanctuary and cinematic seduction. Stocked with some of the most expensive and rare bottles in town, and boasting a bar menu that makes no apologies for $60 cocktails, it’s as clear as VING vodka that The Vault is for Bellagio’s highest-end guests.

For those more comfortable with a $13 starter shot of Kentucky straight bourbon, there’s a speakeasy inside the Cosmopolitan that’s a cut above both literally and metaphorically. A working barbershop by day and live music lounge by night, The Barbershop (barbershoplv.com) is a sharp 180 from Cosmo’s neo-retro lobby lounge. Actually, when it takes slipping through a janitor’s closet to get inside, we’re talking something unlike any lounge anywhere.

For a blend of Arizona art and landscape: Think Bisbee, not Sedona — Both of these destinations are Arizona gems, but they shimmer in wildly contrasting hues. Sedona is beautiful and well-known for a reason. Its red rock scenery is dramatic, the hiking is excellent, and the town is full of spas, galleries and restaurants that cater to tourists. But it’s also busy — especially on weekends — and much of the experience feels inauthentic, designed for visitors.

Zag-worthy Bisbee (discoverbisbee.com) offers a very different kind of escape. It’s smaller, raw and far less crowded. The town has a strong local identity, shaped by its mining history and current community of artists, musicians and longtime residents. You won’t find chain stores or luxury resorts here — just quirky shops, historic buildings and a slower pace that feels real.

If Sedona is the place everyone’s heard of, Bisbee is the one they haven’t, but should. It’s not trying to impress anyone, and that’s part of the charm. For travelers who prefer character over convenience and want to explore a town that still feels lived-in, Bisbee is worth the detour.

For a Texas-sized vacation: Think Dallas, not San Antonio — Being home to the legendary Alamo, a vibrant River Walk and two major amusement parks has folks stampeding like longhorns to San Antonio for a vacation in the Lone Star State.

But let’s pour some of that famous San Antone picante sauce on those travel plans. Instead of remembering the Alamo for a Texas-sized trip, consider breaking off from the herd by heading north to “Big D.” Dallas offers up a more robust downtown scene, a larger and more thrilling theme park — Six Flags over Texas (sixflags.com) — and nearby Fort Worth with its cattle-crazy Stockyards (fortworthstockyards.com) and the colorful Cultural District where El Chingon Mexican restaurant (elchingon.com) tops an exciting food scene with its Pancho Villa-inspired flair.

As far as legendary downtown hotels are concerned, while San Antonio’s Menger is respected as the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi River, Dallas’ Adolphus Hotel (adolphus.com) is the hands-down winner for Beaux-Arts grandeur meets modern luxury. Built in 1912 by beer magnate Adolphus Busch, the 407-room jewel is located within walking distance of museums, theaters and upscale shopping. You’ll want a healthy walk after enjoying afternoon tea in the hotel’s opulent French Room, a cherished Dallas tradition.

For a family-friendly menagerie: Think Kentucky’s Ark Encounter, not a traditional zoo — If you’re weary of zoos that feel more like concrete enclosures than conservation sanctuaries, consider a detour to northern Kentucky, where a colossal wooden ark rises from the hills like a myth made real.

The Ark Encounter (arkencounter.com) isn’t just a replica — it’s a reimagining of stewardship, scale and storytelling. Built to biblical dimensions, this seven-story timber-frame vessel invites visitors to step into a world where animals weren’t displayed — they were protected. With immersive exhibits, lifelike dioramas and a petting zoo that prioritizes interaction over spectacle, this attraction south of Cincinnati offers a gentler, more thoughtful lens on our relationship with the animal kingdom.

For urban Southern hospitality: Think Knoxville, not Nashville — Nashville isn’t called Music City for nothing. It’s got the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, recording studios and honky-tonks that all welcome toe-tapping tourists. But Nashville also is getting more crowded and chaotic — and more expensive — with every new flight added at Nashville International Airport. In fact, BNA had its busiest month ever in June when 2.4 million passengers passed through its gates.

Zigging to Knoxville 180 miles east will get you Tennessee-kissed Southern hospitality without Nashville’s drawbacks. Its music scene is turned down lower, but still holds its own from the storied, century-old Bijou Theatre to the outdoor stage at World’s Fair Park, where the iconic, 266-foot-tall Sunsphere proudly stands.

Knoxville knows how to treat its guests. Whether you’re savoring the prime hanger steak or rainbow trout at stylish Oliver Royale (oliverroyale.com) or sinking into the plush linens of The Tennessean Hotel, this city pairs refinement with warmth. Speaking of The Tennessean (thetennesseanhotel.com), each of its recently renovated 82 rooms is exquisite, an adjective that applies throughout the renowned downtown luxury property. The tea service, alone, is worth a visit — sweet, savory and seeping in Southern charm right down to the last drop of the hotel’s signature sweet peach noir blend.

For a Miami vibe: Think Coconut Grove, not South Beach — The crown jewel of Miami tourism is undeniably South Beach with its miles of white sand and turquoise water seaside and pastel-colored art deco hotels, restaurants and bars giving the neighborhood its signature retro-glam vibe. And if glamor, grit and tropical swagger are your Miami vices, by all means keep zagging.

Away from the sensory playground that is South Beach lies a zig-worthy community often described as Miami’s bohemian soul wrapped in lush greenery and waterfront serenity. Coconut Grove offers boutique hotels, trendy eateries, high-end shops, and a village-like vibe steeped in easygoing charm. Accommodations don’t get more chill than Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove (mrccoconutgrove.com), a 100-room boutique hotel with bay views and a rooftop pool, just steps from the shops and restaurants of Cocowalk. Even its exterior is cool – designed to evoke the sleek, curved lines of a luxury cruise ship, porthole windows and all. South Beach flaunts flash, but it doesn’t have this.

NEW YORK — The great playwright August Wilson used to say he’d just let his characters talk and then try and get out of their way. Bess Wohl’s fascinating and superbly acted Broadway play “Liberation,” by contrast, is entirely frank that this is the playwright talking — or, more specifically, asking question after question of her mom’s generation of 1970s feminists.

On the one hand, this ambitious and personal play, first seen off-Broadway at the Roundabout Theatre, is a moving tribute to the big thinkers who got naked in their meetings (which is why the show judiciously locks up the audience’s phones) and to the pioneers when it came to demanding respect in the workplace, building reproductive rights, advancing sexual freedom and demanding equal pay. Not to mention myriad other victories, even while these women often were raising kids and caring for their less-than-evolved husbands.

On the other hand, its continual interrogations are a reminder of successive generations’ endless fascination with baby boomers, not to mention yet another example of Gen Xers and millennials’ weird complexity of feelings about them.

“Why did you make these sacrifices?” the play wants to know. “Did they bring you happiness? Did you abandon your principles when you had kids?” And, perhaps most interestingly of all, “Did you actually liberate anyone beyond yourselves?”

You can also see this play as highly reflective — for obvious reasons — of the current progressive age of anxiety.

Wohl’s authorial mouthpiece, the character Lizzie (Susannah Flood), begins the show by introducing both herself and her mother’s “friends” who form the feminist group that meets inside a high school gymnasium somewhere in Ohio. (David Zinn’s set looks like a functioning school gym.)  She tells us she will be playing her mother (she shares her name), and so she does, taking us inside those 1970s conscious-raising meetings on folding chairs, but also inside her own nagging sense that the country has failed to follow through on the sacrifices of these women — and even has gone in the opposite direction.

“Why?” the daughter Lizzie often interrupts the play to ask. And does that mean her mom’s generation of feminists somehow failed to make lasting, transferable change, even if they achieved some level of emancipation and power for themselves? Was her mom’s problem actually that she fell in love with a handsome guy and left Ms. Magazine to take care of her kids?

That’s a gutsy question for a writer of Wohl’s generation to interrogate, of course, especially since most feminist plays consider some of the matters questioned here to be inviolate truths and the handsome guy in question is Lizzie’s dad (played, with amusing deference to the rest of the show, by Charlie Thurston) who helped conceive her.

Make no mistake, this is a sophisticated piece of writing that goes far beyond the usual 90 minutes on Broadway, and it is cleverly self-protected too: In the opening scene, Lizzie even takes the audience to task for spending Broadway money and still wanting to get out of there as fast as possible. A paradox, she asserts, and she is right.

At times, you feel like Wohl made a list of what other progressives might criticize about both the play and the movement (too rich, white and straight) and then set consciously about fending them all off by writing beyond her own experience. She pulls it off, thanks in no small measure to this formidable ensemble, especially Kristolyn Lloyd, whose performance is the most dynamic of the night.  But there is no question that Wohl, who went to both Harvard and Yale, writes from the perspective of the liberal elite. For example, we never know in which Ohio city the play is set, even though there is much discussion of the excitement of life in New York, San Francisco and Chicago. A Buckeye would have made a different choice, but then Wohl lives in Brooklyn, where Ohio functions mostly as a metaphor for the other America.

So “Liberation” feels aimed more at the women of Park Slope than Cleveland. Then again, that is who likely will be sitting in those expensive Broadway seats (perhaps with their Upper West Side moms), but it does answer one of Lizzie’s questions about the political direction of the world in a way that the play can’t quite admit.

That said, just asking these kinds of questions is rare, especially with this level of humility.  The other great strength of “Liberation” is the potency and humanity of its characters, even if Lizzie struggles to shut up long enough to let them talk. All are adroitly performed under Whitney White’s direction; if there were a Tony Award for best ensemble, it would be wrapped up now by Betsy Aidem, Audrey Corsa, Kayla Davion, Irene Sofia Lucio and Adina Verson, as well as the aforementioned Lloyd and Flood.

If you are of a certain age, you likely will view “Liberation” as an exploration of the questions that have always come to mind as one’s era of political activism recedes and it dawns on a person that successful relationships and kids and partners take even more work, at least until the nest empties out. It’s a version of the “can-you-have-it-all question” to which, alas, the answer is always no. Whoever you are. The advertisers sold you lies. But the theater always has been the right place to wonder, and hope.

“Liberation” pokes fun at long, “male” plays written by the childless, which is a bit of a cheap shot, albeit one that lands with this audience. In reality, it has much in common with those epic lifts, and that’s a compliment. There are certain thematic interests and structural devices in common with Paula Vogel’s “Mother Play,” which is not surprising, but Wohl has such a powerful and enjoyable voice.

She makes everyone care about the questions she has herself and that’s exactly what a playwright should be doing.

At the James Earl Jones Theatre, 138 W. 48th St., New York; liberationbway.com

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

cjones5@chicagotribune.com

These pumpkin and black bean quesadillas are a cozy, fall twist on a classic, perfect for cooler days when you’re craving something hearty yet simple.

The creamy pumpkin purée adds a subtle sweetness and velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the earthy black beans and warming spices like cumin and chili powder. Everything comes together quickly with pantry staples, making this an ideal weeknight meal or satisfying lunch—and a great way to use up pumpkin puree beyond pie.

Crisped in a skillet until golden and melty, these quesadillas are endlessly adaptable. Swap in corn tortillas or use pinto beans instead of black. Optional toppings like avocado, salsa, or sour cream let you customize each plate to your taste. For a more complete meal, serve with a crisp side salad or a tangy cabbage-lime slaw.

Pumpkin and Black Bean Quesadillas

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, minced

1 bell pepper, seeded and minced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 ½ cups canned pumpkin purée

Salt and pepper, to taste

1½ cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mixture)4 large flour tortillas

Oil for the skillet

Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce

DIRECTIONS

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until soft and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano, cooking for 1 minute more. Add the black beans and pumpkin purée. Stir to combine, mashing some of the beans slightly for texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through, then remove from heat.

Spread the pumpkin-black bean mixture over half of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese, then fold the tortillas in half.

Heat a bit oil in a clean skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted. Slice into wedges and serve warm with desired toppings.

Registered dietitian and food writer Laura McLively is the author of “The Berkeley Bowl Cookbook.” Follow her at @myberkeleybowl and www.lauramclively.com.

By Paula Span, KFF Health News

Kitty Grutzmacher had contended with poor hearing for a decade, but the problem had worsened over the past year. Even with her hearing aids, “there was little or no sound,” she said.

“I was avoiding going out in groups. I stopped playing cards, stopped going to Bible study, even going to church.”

Her audiologist was unable to offer Grutzmacher, a retired nurse in Elgin, Illinois, a solution. But she found her way to the cochlear implant program at Northwestern University.

There, Krystine Mullins, an audiologist who assesses patients’ hearing and counsels them about their options, explained that surgically implanting this electronic device usually substantially improved a patient’s ability to understand speech.

“I had never even thought about it,” Grutzmacher said.

That she was 84 was, in itself, immaterial. “As long as you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery, age is not a concern,” Mullins said. One recent Northwestern implant patient had been 99.

Some patients need to ponder this decision, given that after the operation, clearer hearing still requires months of practice and adaptation, and the degree of improvement is hard to predict. “You can’t try it out in advance,” Mullins said.

But Grutzmacher didn’t hesitate. “I couldn’t go on the way I was,” she said in a postimplant phone interview — one that involved frustrating repetition, but would have been impossible a few weeks earlier. “I was completely isolated.”

Hearing loss among older adults remains vastly undertreated. Federal epidemiologists have estimated that it affects about 1 in 5 people ages 65 to 74 and more than half of those over 75.

“The inner ear mechanisms weren’t built for longevity,” said Cameron Wick, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at University Hospitals in Cleveland.

Although hearing loss can contribute to depression, social disconnection, and cognitive decline, fewer than a third of people over 70 who could benefit from hearing aids have worn them.

For those who do, “if your hearing aids no longer give you clarity, you should ask for a cochlear implant assessment,” Wick said.

Twenty-five years ago, “it was a novelty to implant people over 80,” said Charles Della Santina, director of the Johns Hopkins Cochlear Implant Center. “Now, it’s pretty routine practice.”

In fact, a study published in 2023 in the journal Otology & Neurotology reported that cochlear implantation was increasing at a higher rate in patients over 80 than in any other age group.

Until recently, Medicare covered the procedure for only those with extremely limited hearing who could correctly repeat less than 40% of the words on a word recognition test. Without insurance — cochlear implantation can cost $100,000 or more for the device, surgery, counseling, and follow-up — many older people don’t have the option.

“It was incredibly frustrating, because patients on Medicare were being excluded,” Della Santina said. (Similarly, traditional Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, and Medicare Advantage plans with hearing benefits still leave patients paying most of the tab.)

Then, in 2022, Medicare expanded cochlear implant coverage to include older adults who could identify up to 60% of words on a speech recognition test, increasing the pool of eligible patients.

Still, while the American Cochlear Implant Alliance estimates that implants are increasing by about 10% annually, public awareness and referrals from audiologists remain low. Less than 10% of eligible adults with “moderate to profound” hearing loss receive them, the alliance says.

Cochlear implantation requires commitment. After the patient receives testing and counseling, the surgery, which is an outpatient procedure, typically takes two to three hours. Many adults undergo surgery on one ear and continue using a hearing aid in the other; some later go on to get a second implant.

The surgeon implants an internal receiver beneath the patient’s scalp and inserts electrodes, which stimulate the auditory nerve, into the inner ear; patients also wear an external processor behind the ear. (Clinical trials of an entirely internal device are underway.)

Two or three weeks later, after the swelling recedes and the patient’s stitches have been removed, an audiologist activates the device.

“When we first turn it on, you won’t like what you hear,” Wick cautioned. Voices initially sound robotic, mechanical. It takes several weeks for the brain to adjust and for patients to reliably decipher words and sentences.

“A cochlear implant is not something you just turn on and it works,” Mullins said. “It takes time and some training to get used to the new sound quality.” She assigns homework, like reading aloud for 20 minutes a day and watching television while reading the captions.

Within one to three months, “boom, the brain starts getting it, and speech clarity takes off,” Wick said. By six months, older adults will have reached most of their enhanced clarity, though some improvement continues for a year or longer.

How much improvement? That’s measured by two hearing tests: The CNC (consonant-nucleus-consonant) test, in which patients are asked to repeat individual words, and the AzBio Sentence Test, in which the words to be repeated are part of full sentences.

At Northwestern, Mullins tells older prospective patients that one year after activation, a 60% to 70% AzBio score — correctly repeating 60 to 70 words out of 100 — is typical.

A Johns Hopkins study of about 1,100 adults, published in 2023, found that after implantation, patients 65 and older could correctly identify about 50 additional words (out of 100) on the AzBio test, an increase comparable to the younger cohort’s results.

Participants over 80 showed roughly as much improvement as those in their late 60s and 70s.

“They transition from having a hard time following a conversation to being able to participate,” said Della Santina, an author of the study. “Decade by decade, cochlear implant results have gotten better and better.”

Moreover, an analysis of 70 older patients’ experiences at 13 implantation centers, for which Wick was the lead author, found not only “clinically important” hearing improvements but also higher quality-of-life ratings.

Scores on a standard cognitive test climbed, too: After six months of using a cochlear implant, 54% of participants had a passing score, compared with 36% presurgery. Studies that focus on people in their 80s and 90s have shown that those with mild cognitive impairment also benefit from implants.

Nevertheless, “we’re cautious not to overpromise,” Wick said. Usually, the longer that older patients have had significant hearing loss, the harder they must work to regain their hearing and the less improvement they may see.

A minority of patients feel dizzy or nauseated after surgery, though most recover quickly. Some struggle with the technology, including phone apps that adjust the sound. Implants are less effective in noisy settings like crowded restaurants, and since they are designed to clarify speech, music may not sound great.

For those at the upper end of Medicare eligibility who already understand roughly half of the speech they hear, implantation may not seem worth the effort. “Just because someone is eligible doesn’t mean it’s in their best interests,” Wick said.

For Grutzmacher, though, the choice seemed clear. Her initial testing found that even with hearing aids, she understood only 4% of words on the AzBio. Two weeks after Mullins turned on the cochlear implant, Grutzmacher could understand 46% using a hearing aid in her other ear.

She reported that after a few rough days, her ability to talk by phone had improved, and instead of turning the television volume up to 80, “I can hear it at 20,” she said.

So she was making plans. “This week, I’m going out to lunch with a friend,” she said. “I’m going to play cards with a small group of women. I have a luncheon at church on Saturday.”

The New Old Age is produced through a partnership with The New York Times.

©2025 Kaiser Health News. Visit khn.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. ©2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Richard Silva, The Detroit News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Halloween

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

People can help in three ways, according to Sokul:

•  Use your voice to advocate for SNAP funding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By KIKI SIDERIS

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

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

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

Cooking with pumpkin waste

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Composting at home or donating to a farm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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

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

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

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

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

A trusted staple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sugarcone Cabbage Wedge with Dill Yogurt

PG tested

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

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

1 head Sugarcone cabbage

3 tablespoons butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 sprig thyme

1 sprig rosemary

2 tablespoons mirin

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1/2 cup thick Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill, plus sprigs for garnish

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serves 4.

— Row 7 Seed Co.

Vietnamese Chicken Salad with Sweet Lime-Garlic Dressing

PG tested

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

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

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

3 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar

2 medium cloves garlic, minced

1 small red onion, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced

3 cups cooked shredded chicken

4 cups shredded cabbage

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

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

1 cup lightly packed fresh basil

1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves

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

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

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

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

Pour on red onion-dressing mixture and toss.

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

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

Serves 6.

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

Vegetable Minestrone with Pasta

PG tested

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

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

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

For soup

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

1 medium onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

Kosher salt

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

3 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced

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

2 fresh bay leaves or 3 dried

2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

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

4 cups shredded green cabbage

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

1 up tubettini or small elbow pasta

For pesto

1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup freshly grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Makes about 4 quarts.

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

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

DENVER — Everything in moderation. Including moderation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Katie Kelton, Bankrate.com

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

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

Bankrate’s key findings on holiday spending

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holiday travelers prefer credit cards

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

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

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

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

Nearly 1 in 3 holiday travelers plan to take on debt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Concern about high prices may be warranted

Money woes are top of mind for some holiday shoppers

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

More holiday shoppers will make their purchases online

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

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

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

There could be a couple of factors at play.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearly half of shoppers will start before Halloween

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

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

Rossman thinks the early bird might get the worm.

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

5 ways to save money this holiday season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The bottom line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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