ANN ARBOR — Michigan senior Max Bredeson, a two-time captain who has made a name for himself as a violent blocker, pregame motivator and leader, went to head coach Sherrone Moore before the start of preseason camp and made a request.

Moore was pairing up teammates to room together during camp and figured Bredeson, a fullback/tight end, would enjoy spending time with tight end Marlin Klein. Bredeson had a different plan. He was aiming to room with highly touted freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who on Monday was named the team’s starter. He is the fourth true freshman quarterback to start for the Wolverines.

For the duration of camp, Underwood, who turned 18 this month, and Bredeson roomed together. They found out, among other things, that they both enjoy Cheez-It Grooves crackers.

“That was fun,” Bredeson said of rooming with Underwood. “A lot of great things (happened), like obviously getting to see him play football. It’s cool to see that stuff, but the way he talks to people, the way he interacts in the building, I think that’s really special.

“I got to be around him every day for a month straight and you get to see what someone’s really like after you go back to a hotel room after a three-hour practice, you can see the real version of them, and the real version is as good as could be.”

Moore initially found himself wondering why Bredeson would make that request but realized it was about messaging and what an experienced senior could share with a freshman. And not just any freshman, but one of the most talked about in college football entering this season.

Bredeson said he doesn’t know exactly what he hoped to get out of the experience but instinctively felt it was a good plan.

“I just knew it could help the team being around each other every day,” Bredeson said. “Everybody wants to have a positive impact on everybody. I got a lot out of it from him, too. So it wasn’t all about me trying to be around him. A lot of good things came for me from being around him, too.”

Bredeson wanted to use the opportunity to impart some of his well-earned football wisdom. He also knows what it’s like to be a freshman and trying to find your voice within a team. Underwood, because of the nature of his position, has to be in control of the offense and has to command respect. That’s not easy to earn or develop.

“He’s definitely been able to grow in that role and kind of settle in,” Bredeson said.

Underwood hasn’t had a lot of media interaction, but when he has, he has made clear he’s confident in his abilities. He told Big Ten Network last week, for instance, that he wants to “shock” the world.

“They’ve seen a lot of freshmen, but nobody’s seen a freshman like me,” Underwood said on BTN.

During an interview with The Detroit News in April, he was asked his best on-field traits.

“What I feel like I do best, I lead and I’m an honest-to-God game-changer,” he said.

In an interview with Rich Eisen earlier this year, he said he plans to win “a couple Heismans and at least one natty.”

Bold talk but no one seems to mind. Perhaps that’s his media persona, because the players and coaches have said they’ve seen nothing but a young quarterback who wants to learn, one who stays late to work on his game and study film.

“Bryce is a very even-keel kid,” Moore said. “Doesn’t get up too high, too low, but he was very excited about the opportunity (to start). He said that’s why he came here, to be that guy.”

Now that he is that guy, Moore made clear that while he considers Underwood “mature beyond his years,” people need to understand he will make mistakes. He called it a journey and said the entire team is along for the ride.

The coaches have always leaned toward Underwood during preseason interviews about the quarterback competition, which is why the announcement Monday was anticlimactic. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey described the starting quarterback as requiring the right mindset to own the key leadership position. The best guys he said he’s coached have not been the loudest but those who can motivate.

“Whoever affects the other 10 guys the best,” Lindsey said during camp about what he looks for in a starting quarterback. “Whoever can manage the whole offense. Communication, getting us in and out of the right plays, making sure we’re in the right protection and so forth. Who has that ability to affect the others?”

Underwood and the receivers will work this season to revive a pass game that struggled last season. Junior receiver Semaj Morgan, who attended West Bloomfield and knew Underwood from the 7-on-7 circuit, said the receivers and Underwood have developed chemistry.

“Since I already knew Bryce, he already knew what I can do and believes in me,” Morgan said.

Senior left guard Gio El-Hadi said it doesn’t matter that Underwood is only 18. He has the attention of his teammates.

”He’s very confident,” El-Hadi said. “He has that natural leadership. He’s loud, he calls something he’s confident in. You gotta be confident to be a quarterback. Not cocky but confident, and I really love that about him. He’s (18) years old playing with 21-, 22-, maybe 25-year-olds, but he just has that ability to lead us and the ability to talk through stuff just like all the other quarterbacks. And for him to do that at a young age is so impressive.”

Now, Underwood must navigate the pressure that comes with being the starting quarterback.

Not a problem. Moore said the freshman embraces it.

“I think he kind of likes it, and I think he also turns it into fuel,” Moore said. “I asked him a question, like, what’s his goal, and it was just me and him. He said, ‘Do everything I can to help my team win.’ That’s it. That’s all you want to hear. And all those other things, I think everybody has individual goals, and they should have them, but ultimately you should be about the team.

“He definitely is about the team and wants to make sure the team is at their best. So there is hype, but that’s what happens when you’re the starting quarterback at Michigan.”

By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN, Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A visit by a pair of U.S. senators to Taiwan has drawn criticism from China, which claims the island as its own and objects to any contact between officials of the two sides.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, and Nebraska Republican Deb Fischer arrived in Taipei on Friday for a series of high-level meetings with senior Taiwan leaders to discuss U.S.-Taiwan relations, regional security, trade and investment, according to the American Institute in Taiwan, which acts as Washington’s de facto embassy in lieu of formal diplomatic relations with the self-governing island democracy.

Upon arrival, Wicker said: “A thriving democracy is never fully assured … and we’re here to talk to our friends and allies in Taiwan about what we’re doing to enhance worldwide peace.”

“At a time of global unrest, it is extremely significant for us to be here,” Fischer added, noting that discussions would include “security, opportunities and progress for this part of the world.”

But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun protested the visit, saying it “undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and sends a gravely wrong signal to the separatist Taiwan independence forces.”

The pair’s two-day visit to Taiwan follows stops in Hawaii, Guam, Tinian, Pala and the Philippines.

The U.S. is Taiwan’s largest supplier of arms. It provides the island with the latest generation tanks, air defense missiles and upgraded F-16 jet fighters as part of its guarantee of security against Beijing’s threat to invade.

China considers the American supply of arms to Taiwan a violation of commitments made to it by previous U.S. administrations.

Labor Day weekend, accompanied by all of the music-heavy festivals around the metro area, brings the summer to an unofficial end. But the music hardly stops.

For starters, the outdoor venues will continue to host shows into October; the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights doesn’t wrap things up until the second weekend in October. Moving indoors won’t reduce the offerings, either, and besides the stage, we have movies, books and TV specials to keep the music coming up to — and beyond — the holiday season.

There’s a lot to look forward to in the coming months, and the “end” of summer seems like a good time to spotlight 20 of those that we’re most looking forward to…

The kahuna of the fall will be Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, a decidedly upbeat and pop-flavored affair inspired by her uber successful Eras Tour — and possibly, some think, the predecessor to a halftime appearance at this season’s Super Bowl. Swift, who co-produced with Max Martin and Shellback and features a guest appearance by Sabrina Carpenter on the title track, promises there won’t be myriad extra songs a la last year’s “The Tortured Poets Department.” It will, however, come in multiple formats, especially on the vinyl front. And it’ll come during the world’s fascination with her engagement on Tuesday, Aug. 26, to Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. It is scheduled for release on Oct. 3. (Republic Records)

Tedeschi Trucks Band and Gov’t Mule, Sept. 10 at Pine Knob Music Theatre, Independence Township: Derek Trucks and Gov’t Mule co-founder Warren Haynes played together in the Allman Brothers Band from 2000-2014 and remain tight as friends and collaborators — including on Haynes’ 2024 solo album “Million Voices Whisper.” That means we can expect plenty of collaborative guitar fireworks when they hit town for this one. (313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com)

“Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” Sept. 12: The Tap troupe is back and Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner) has his cameras rolling for the iconic sequel to 1984’s “This Is Spinal Tap.” They’ve turned things up past 11, too, as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood make guest appearances. Hopefully, Stonehenge will look as it should and they’ll be able to find the way to the stage in Cleveland this time out. (spinaltap.com)

The Lumineers, Sept. 13 at Comerica Park, Detroit: The home of the Tigers’ only concert this summer is from this duo that’s been filling up Little Caesars Arena and Pine Knob for the past few years. They’ll be joined by the Backseat Lovers and Chance Pena on one of The District’s biggest nights of the year, with Bonnie Raitt and Malcolm Todd across the street at the Fox Theatre and Fillmore Detroit, respectively, and Garbage up the road at the Masonic Temple Auditorium.  (313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com)

The B-52’s, Devo and Lene Lovich, Sept. 25 at Pine Knob Music Theatre: Call ’em weird or wacky, these kindred spirits will throw back to a time when we didn`t know what to make of their bouffant hairdos or yellow factory suits and upside-down plant-pot hats — but now accept ’em as part of what we came to recognize as provocative creative genius. (313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com)

Queens, Sept. 28 at Little Caesars Arena: They’ve earned their respective crowns with generations of groundbreaking R&B, so the spectacle of Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Stephanie Mills on one show should be a royal treat indeed.  (313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com)

Alice Cooper, Judas Priest and Corrosion of Conformity, Oct. 2 at Pine Knob Music Theatre: Shock rock hero Cooper’s mostly annual concert visits to his hometown are never to be missed, and if you think you can skip this pairing with Judas Priest — their first time together since the Operation Rock & Roll Tour in 1991 — well, you’ve got another thing coming. (313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com)

Ozzy Osbourne, “Last Rites,” Oct. 10: There was already great anticipation for the sequel to the Prince of Darkness’ award-winning 2010 memoir “I Am Ozzy,” and that’s only been further stoked by his death in July. The new volume tracks the past decade and a half, including the myriad health issues he experienced during that time, as well as his last musical projects, such as Black Sabbath’s farewell tour and his last couple of solo albums. (Grand Central Publishing)

Elvis Costello & the Imposters, Oct. 9, Royal Oak Music Theatre: This one’s for the OG fans; the Radio Soul: The Early Songs of Elvis Costello will focus on his first 11 albums, from 1977-1986, and will include the title song, which is an early version of his hit “Radio Radio.” Guitarist Charlie Sexton will be joining the Imposters band again for the run. (249-399-3065 or royaloakmusictheatre.com)

Judy Collins, Oct. 10, Flagstar Strand Theatre, Pontiac: When the true legends come around, it’s always advisable to see them. We haven’t had Collins, 86, in town since her 2018 show with Stephen Stills at the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, and who knows how many more opportunities there will be to hear her sing “Both Sides, Now” or “Send in the Clowns.” (248-309-6445, ext.2 or flagstarstrand.com)

Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, Oct. 11 at the Majestic Theatre, Detroit: The Grammy, Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning musician and producer’s latest all-star troupe has made a global impact since it premiered last year, and the fall promises more with a trip to the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Japan during September (playing the Grateful Dead’s “Blues For Allah” to commemorate its 50th anniversary) and the subsequent release of its debut album on Mack Avenue Records. The Ensemble will come home to celebrate with a concert at the Majestic, its second performance in the metro area. (313-833-9700 or themajesticdetroit.com)

“The Beatles Anthology,” starting Oct. 14: There are some polarized opinions about the return, and updated expansion, of the 1995 Fab Four documentary project to celebrate its 30th anniversary this fall. But those who can’t get enough will certainly be saying “yeah, yeah, yeah.” A new version of “The Beatles Anthology Book” publishes on Oct. 14, and “The Beatles Anthology Music Collections,” now with an additional fourth volume, releases on Nov. 21. “The Beatles Anthology” series itself, meanwhile, is now a nine-episode opus that begins Nov. 26 on Disney+. (TheBeatles.com)

Detroit Symphony Orchestra plays Marsalis and Shostakovich, Oct. 17-19 at Orchestra Hall: After releasing its recording of Wynton Marsalis’ “Blues Symphony” earlier this year, the DSO takes on another of his pieces, “Violin Concerto,” along with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9. Music Director Jader Bignamini will conduct, with Giuseppe Gibboni as guest violinist. (313-576-5111 or dso.org)

“Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,” Oct. 24: “The Bear’s” Jeremy Allen White stars as The Boss in this adaptation of Warren Zanes’ best-selling book of the same name — primarily about the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 album “Nebraska,” but also telling the story about how he got to that point. Directed by Scott Cooper, it premieres at this year’s New York Film Festival on Sept. 28 before its wide release. (imbd.com)

Jon Batiste, Oct. 24 at the Fox Theatre, Detroit: The award-winning Louisiana musician’s delivered one of 2024’s best concerts at the Fillmore Detroit, and there’s every reason to expect more of the same this time through after the release of his hot new album, “Big Money,” just a couple weeks ago, which features guest appearances by Andra Day, Randy Newman and No ID. (313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com)

David Byrne, Oct. 25 at the Fox Theatre: Two must-sees on the same weekend is a big deal, but anyone who witnessed Byrne’s “American Utopia” show at the Fox in 2018 or watched the Broadway production via HBO, knows that the former Talking Heads frontman can be counted on to deliver the goods any time he steps on stage. This year’s performance will be in support of his new solo album, “Who Is the Sky?,” which comes out Sept. 5. (313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com)

GRiZMas, Nov. 19-20 at the Masonic Temple Theatre, Detroit: Southfield-raised EDM favorite Grant “GRiZ” Kwiecinski brings back his holiday charity tradition for a 10th time, which will culminate with a pair of already sold-out concerts. Another 12 days of activities will be announced in the near future, he promises. The initiative has raised more than $1 million over the years for his Seven Mile charity. (12daysofgrizmas.com)

“The Billy Joel Songbook,” Nov. 21-23, Orchestra Hall, Detroit: After the Piano Man postponed and then canceled his planned Ford Field concert, fans can get their fix during this three-show weekend stand with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Pops, joined by singer-pianist Tony DeSare for a program of all the big hits. (313-576-5111 or dso.org)

“Hell’s Kitchen,” Dec. 2-14, Fisher Theatre, Detroit: Amidst an early season of other jukebox musicals (“Back to the Future: The Musical,” “Tina — The Tina Turner Musical”), Alicia Keys’ semi-biographical work, which was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, stands out thanks to a poignant story and songs that have already proven to be outstanding. (313-872-1000 or broadwayindetroit.com)

“Malcolm X Jazz Suite,” Dec. 5 at Orchestra Hall, Detroit: Trumpeter Terence Blanchard, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s jazz creative director, will lead his E-Collective and the Turtle Island Quartet through this one-night-only reimagination of the score he created for Spike Lee’s film “Malcolm X” in 1982. (313-576-5111 or dso.org)

By Melody Baetens, MediaNews Group

Busy restaurateur Adam Merkel has changed the concept of his rooftop space at the corner of 11 Mile and Main Street in downtown Royal Oak.

After shuttering the feminine and rosy Pinky’s Rooftop earlier this year, Bella Limone made its debut last week. Inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the new concept opens just in time to soak up the milder days of late summer and early fall on the rooftop patio and breezy dining room.

“Bella Limone was created to capture the warmth and vibrancy of Italian hospitality,” Merkel said in statement shared with the media. Merkel owns several area restaurants, including Cello Italian and Silver Pig in Howell and he’s also involved in the new Big Rock Italian Chophouse in Birmingham with Cameron Mitchell. “On a recent trip to Capri and Positano, I was inspired by the beauty, flavors, and spirit of the Amalfi Coast. From our handcrafted pasta to our signature limoncello, every detail reflects that inspiration and a passion for bringing people together.”

To help welcome guests to the new restaurant, the menu at Belle Limone will be 50% off for the first hour of business each day through the end of September. There will also be select wine specials during the first hour.

The menu highlights the house-made pasta, available in two sizes, as well as a gluten-free option. There’s also house specialties such as sausage and peppers, tomato bruschetta, chicken limoncello, beef tenderloin medallions and scallops with Parmesan risotto. Merkle’s well-known carrot cake with cream cheese frosting stays on the menu.

“Adam brings authenticity, creativity and heart to everything he does,” said Cameron Mitchell, Merkel’s partner and mentor, in a statement. “Bella Limone captures that spirit beautifully and I’m excited to see it thrive.”

Next, Little Bella’s Pizza and Wine Bar will open on the ground floor area at the same address, where Pearl’s Deep Dive restaurant was. Merkle says that should be ready in October. The other space in this floorplan, where Mediterranean restaurant Bohemia used to be will be used as a banquet area and private event room.

Bella Limone, 100 S. Main in Royal Oak, is open 4-9:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 4-10:30 p.m. Fri., 3-10:30 p.m. Sat. and 3-8:30 p.m. Sun. Walk-ins are welcome, or reservations can be made through the OpenTable app or by visiting bellalimone.com.

By MediaNews Group

Recent health inspections in some Madison Heights restaurants revealed pests, mislabeled food and more between May and August of this year, according to Oakland County Health Department inspection reports.

Many of the violations have been corrected. The presence of violations in a past inspection does not necessarily mean the establishment has the same violations today.

Inspection reports can be found at swordsolutions.com/inspections/.

Below is a list of violations found at a few restaurants in Madison Heights.

Boodles, 935 W 11 Mile Road

During a routine inspection on July 29, an inspector noted several problems at Boodles:

• 1) Quat tabs [sanitizing tablets] observed on top shelf above food and food equipment. 2) Spray bottle of windex observed beside clean dishes on shelf.
• Heavy flies, large and small throughout, especially in dish area. Facility is working with pest control but did not provide documentation at the time of inspection.
• Container of cream, milk, and half and half with manufacturer’s use-by dates of 7/21, 7/17, and 7/8. Note: today is 7/29/25.
• 0ppm chorine sanitizer observed at dish machine after wash cycle. Slicer observed soiled with food debris for unknown amount of time.
• No paper towel observed at hand sink by dry storage.
• Menu missing consumer advisory (reminder and disclosure statements) from items which are cooked to order.
• Broken tiles observed in dry storage and in front of dish machine.
• Torn screen observed at window by dish machine.
• Floor at dish machine observed heavily soiled under floor mats.

Grand Azteca, 321 W 14 Mile Road

During a routine inspection on July 9, an inspector noted several problems at Grand Azteca:

• Several gallons of milk observed with manufactures use by date of 7/8 and 7/3. Note: today is 7/9/25.
• First aid kits stored on shelf above boxes of food.
• Hot water turned off at cookline hand sink.
• Ice machine door observed broken.
• Black buildup observed on wall around walk in cooler drain line.
• 1) Several loose or missing tiles on cookline floor. 2) Various cove-based tiles were observed missing throughout.

Wing Snob, 140 W 12 Mile Road

During a routine inspection on July 14, an inspector noted several problems at Wing Snob:

• Two large deep buckets with partially cooked wings prepared 7/13 observed in walk-in cooler, 49-53F. Note today is 7/14.
• Par-cooked wings not labeled as par-cooked.
• Two large deep buckets with partially cooked wings prepared 7/13 observed in walk-in cooler, — 49-53F. Note today is 7/14.
• Bottle of spray chemicals observed without a common name.
• Green wire rack holding sauces and oil observed with a buildup.
• Small cooler at front counter holding dressings observed without a unit thermometer.
• Caulk peeled away at three-compartment sink wall junction.

John R Grill, 26623 John R Road

During a routine inspection on August 14, an inspector noted several problems at John R Grill:

• Raw shell eggs observed stored on cooked food in cooler.
• The noted foods were observed 50-60F for less than four hours per person in charge: 1) feta, cut tomatoes, sliced and shredded cheese and 2) sliced ham, cooked sausage and raw shell eggs. Note: the coolers 1)-2) were observed with ambient temperatures 50-60F.
• Container of water stored in employee hand sink near cookline.
• Employee beverages stored on cook line cutting surface.
• 1) Salad cooler in waitstaff area observed in disrepair, food is being held on ice in top rail. Per owner they are waiting on a part to repair. 2) Top-loading cooler on make line holding potentially hazardous foods with an ambient of 60F. 3) Tall reach in cooler on cookline holding potentially hazardous foods with ambient of 50F.
• Rat droppings observed in rear of facility near Leonard’s tank. Facility is working with Guardian for routine pest control.
• Employees observed preparing food without an approved hair restraint.
• 1) Exterior of cooler doors, frames and gaskets on cookline soiled with buildup. 2) Shelf under flat top on cookline soiled with build-up and food debris. 3) Exterior of range and side of fryer.
• Wet wiping cloths stored in bucket with chlorine and degreaser.
• Cutting surface on wait staff cooler observed heavily grooved and stained.
• The floor under cook line and makeline equipment observed soiled with black buildup and food debris.

Texas Roadhouse, 29485 John R Road

During a routine inspection on June 30, an inspector noted several problems at Texas Roadhouse:

• Hose with sprayer observed affixed to faucet downstream of atmospheric vacuum breaker at mop sink.
• High temp dish machine observed not reaching 160F on plate surface after rinse cycle. Note: booster was turned off.
• 1) Slow draining floor drain in kitchen near to-go area. 2) Clogged floor drain under dish machine.
• Floor under dish machine observed with heavy food debris and standing water.
• Single live cockroach observed in dish area. Facility is working with a licensed pest control operator.
• Caulk at dish observed peeling with black buildup.

Tim Hortons, 493 W 12 Mile Road

During a routine inspection on June 4, an inspector noted several problems at Tim Hortons:

• Cut tomatoes, cut lettuce and cream cheese 47-50F for less than four hours in make line cooler. Note: cooler was observed with ice buildup on fan and with an ambient temperature of 46F.
• Grout under three-compartment observed heavily worn down with deep cracks between tiles, creating a surface that is no longer smooth and easily cleanable.
• Floor under front counter, central hot holding unit and makeline cooler observed soiled with buildup.
• Cooler holding potentially hazardous foods was observed with ice build up on fan and with an ambient temperature of 46F.
• Blender rinser drain, under-counter near hand sink, observed heavily soiled with buildup.

Today is Friday, Aug. 29, the 241st day of 2025. There are 124 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Aug. 29, 2004, marathoner Vanderlei de Lima was attacked by a spectator during the running of the Olympic marathon in Athens; de Lima, who was leading the race at the time, eventually finished third and received the Pierre de Coubertin medal for sportsmanship in addition to his bronze medal.

Also on this date:

In 1814, during the War of 1812, Alexandria, Virginia, formally surrendered to British military forces, which occupied the city until September 3.

In 1825, the Treaty of Rio de Janeiro was signed by Portugal and Brazil, officially ending the Brazilian War of Independence.

In 1862, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing began operations at the United States Treasury.

In 1944, 15,000 American troops of the 28th Infantry Division marched down the Champs-Élysées in Paris as the French capital continued to celebrate its liberation from the Nazis.

In 1958, the U.S. Air Force Academy opened in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In 1966, the Beatles concluded their fourth American tour with their last public concert, held at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the U.S. Gulf Coast in southeast Louisiana, breaching levees and spurring floods that devastated New Orleans. Katrina caused nearly 1,400 deaths and an estimated $200 billion in damage.

In 2008, Republican presidential nominee John McCain picked Sarah Palin, a maverick conservative who had been governor of Alaska for less than two years, to be his running mate.

In 2013, in a sweeping new policy statement, the Justice Department said it would not stand in the way of states that wanted to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana as long as there were effective controls to keep marijuana away from children, the black market and federal property.

In 2021, Hurricane Ida blasted ashore in Louisiana as one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the U.S., knocking out power to all of New Orleans, blowing roofs off buildings and briefly reversing the flow of the Mississippi River.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Actor Elliott Gould is 87.
• Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin is 87.
• Olympic gold medal sprinter Wyomia Tyus is 80.
• Olympic gold medal long jumper Bob Beamon is 79.
• Animal behaviorist and autism educator Temple Grandin is 78.
• Dancer-choreographer Mark Morris is 69.
• Actor Rebecca De Mornay is 66.
• Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch is 58.
• Singer Me’Shell NdegeOcello (n-DAY’-gay-OH’-chehl-oh) is 57.
• Actor Carla Gugino is 54.
• Actor-singer Lea Michele is 39.
• MLB pitcher Noah Syndergaard (SIHN’-dur-gahrd) is 33.

ROCHESTER HILLS – This time around there was no drama for Rochester Adams.

After defeating Romeo in overtime in the season opener last season, 22-21 — the winning points were scored courtesy of a 2-point conversion toss — Rochester Adams picked up little resistance Thursday with a resounding 39-7 victory over visiting Romeo in the season opener for both teams.

Three players did a lot of the damage, with senior quarterback Ryland Watters finishing a perfect 5-for-5 passing for 112 yards with two touchdown passes while rushing for 67 yards on 11 carries with two more touchdowns. Senior Matt Toeppner had six carries for 35 yards and hauled in three catches for 87 yards and two scores, and junior Lorenzo Sartor rushed for 118 yards on 11 carries to go along with a catch for 15 yards.

The Highlanders, state semifinalists last season, racked up 127 passing yards and 276 rushing yards using a wide variety of ball carriers (seven) and receivers (three) on the night.

The early lead set the tone and the Highlanders picked up steam.

“A thousand percent,” said veteran Adams coach Tony Patritto of his team’s start. “Toeppner has always been a great player for us. He emerged during the second half of last season for us. He had a great camp. He a tough kid — he has a great burst running. He never takes a down off. He’s a throwback.

“But we have a lot of kids who can makes players. That’s who we are. It could be someone different each game,” added Patritto.

Romeo graduated all of its defensive starters and brought back just four players that started games last year on the offensive side of the ball. The inexperience showed against a state powerhouse program in Rochester Adams.

“We don’t return much in terms of starters,” admitted Romeo coach Curt Rienas. “We don’t have any defensive starters back and just four players that started some games for us last season on offense. We have a lot of new players in there tonight. It showed. We fell behind early.

“And no, we did not recover,” added Rienas. “We replaced a lot of guys and we played very hesitant tonight. And Adams is a very good football team with a lot of experience and it showed. We can’t play hesitant against a team with that type of caliber like Adams. We have lots of room for improvement.”

Senior quarterback Sammy Nepa finished 10-for-15 passing for 115 yards for Romeo before exiting the game late in the second quarter. Junior running back Troy Smith had two catches for 59 yards and also rushed for 20 yards on seven carries and scored the lone touchdown on the ground for the Bulldogs (0-1).

Junior Brady Lindstrom and senior Liam Bullock had fumble recoveries for Adams, with Bullock’s strip and recovery helping set up the Highlanders’ second touchdown that gave them a 17-0 advantage three plays later. Defensively, the Highlanders dominated while offensively Adams controlled the line of scrimmage despite having just three starters check in at over 200 pounds and having just one returning offensive lineman back in uniform from the Division 1 Final Four team.

“We’re not very big, but we make up for it,” said Patritto. “I remember in 2005 a long time ago our biggest player was our quarterback but we were still able to win a lot of games that season. He weighed 205 pounds.”

After forcing Romeo to punt on its first series, Toeppner hauled in a short pass from Watters and raced 60 yards on Adams’ first play from scrimmage for the 7-0 lead with 8:39 still to go in the first quarter. Junior Nolan Grahn nailed the extra point and also booted a 24-yard field goal with 1:47 remaining in the first quarter for a 10-0 advantage.

Watters, a Ferris State University commit, scored on a 16-yard sweep with 3:20 left in the half to move the lead up to 17-0.

Romeo finally got untracked late in the second quarter when Smith scored on a 3-yard run with 45 seconds remaining in the half to trim the deficit down to 17-7.

Adams responded in a flash, putting together a swift three-play drive that was capped by a Watters 25-yard TD strike to Toeppner with 19 ticks left in the half to push the advantage up to 24-7 by the break.

In the second half, Adams controlled the clock and picked up two more scoring drives. Watters scored on a 1-yard plunge and Watters hit Jesse Geottes with a 2-point conversion pass for a 32-7 lead with 6:18 still left in the third stanza. Lindstrom, the backup quarterback, capped the scoring with a 32-yard touchdown run up the middle with 4:40 to play. Grahn added four extra points.

DETROIT – A missed extra point and a last-second interception prevented Lake Orion from opening football season with a victory over Northville for the second year in a row.

The Mustangs fended off a wild comeback by the Dragons in the final minute of Thursday night’s Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic contest at Wayne State University to win 14-13.

Trailing 14-7, the Dragons’ defense provided hope by forcing several incompletions to stop the clock before a fourth-down sack by senior Nicholas Frantz for a huge loss gave the offense the ball at midfield with just under four minutes to go.

The comeback only ramped up from there. Ryan Rocheleau’s 11-yard catch over the middle on fourth-and-5 followed by a 26-yard draw several plays later from running back James Bambard got the Dragons to the 3-yard line with under two minutes to go, and Bambard would take it right of center from a yard out for the touchdown with 47 seconds left.

But despite punching it in, the extra point that would have tied the game was driven low of the goalposts.

However, hope was not lost for Lake Orion. Kicker Sam Powers redeemed himself with a well-executed onside kick that took a bounce under a Northville player’s hands at the 50-yard line, then jumped over another before being gathered by Lake Orion senior Max Neering, leaving the Dragons just 38 yards to go with 42 ticks remaining.

Bambard did pick up two first downs that got Lake Orion inside the red zone, but the Dragons were called for a hold on a rollout by junior quarterback Anderson Adams, backing them up to the 26-yard line with seven seconds to go.

Following an incompletion on third down, Lake Orion was left with one play left and four seconds, but Anderson’s end-zone attempt to the 6-foot-5 Rocheleau, who was double-covered, resulted in a pick by Austin McGarrow, who ran it the opposite way some way before being brought down with time expired.

And with that, the comeback fell short.

Lake Orion head coach Chris Bell discussed his thought process on electing not to kick a potential game-winning field goal on the final play.

“Our kicker is a first-year guy, and even then, at the end of the game, that missed extra point is completely on me,” Bell said. “I should have went for two instead of putting a first-year guy in that situation. By then, I felt like after we had just missed one, so I’m just thinking, ‘You know what, let’s just throw it up to Ryan and see if we can come down with one.’ That was the plan.”

As to whether the missed extra point factored into the decision, Bell replied, “A little bit, (but) we would have been pushing his limits (as to whether) he could have hit it that far. It would have been about a 42-yarder.”

Northville, who had lost 21-13 at home to Lake Orion in last season’s debut, took the lead for the second time on the evening earlier in the fourth quarter. A drive that started at its own 32-yard line was capped off by a one-yard keeper from senior quarterback Cooper Derkach with 7:55 remaining – roughly the length of the possession itself.

Derkach was part of a two-horse tandem with running back Max DeFore that Lake Orion had issues slowing at times. The senior QB had a 22-yard keeper for the biggest gain on Northville’s first drive, which resulted in DeFore’s five-yard run to the outside that put the Mustangs up 7-0 with 5:27 left in the first.

Lake Orion senior Malek Pulford ensured it remained a one-score game when he blocked what would have been a 40-yard field goal with 6:30 left in the first half, and the Dragons took advantage on the ensuing drive. A pass interference call, then a 19-yard run by Brody Thompson set up paved the way for Adams’ seven-yard play-action keeper that knotted the game at 7-7 with 3:29 to go in the opening half.

Photo gallery of Lake Orion vs. Northville football in the 20th Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic

Each team had good chances at tacking on a second score both before the intermission and in the third quarter. A deflection near the goal line nearly led to a TD catch deep in the end zone with a second left in the first half for Northville, and after the break, Bambard and fellow running back Jayden Borrero were responsible for big gains on Lake Orion's first drive post-half that sputtered at the Mustangs' 32-yard line.

"I think we were able to mix up our front enough and our blitzes were able to get home a handful of times," Northville head coach Brent Luplow said. "I thought our safeties filled the alley really well in the run game, especially McGarrow. We were worried coming in because they were all over the place running the ball (from different formations), but I think our kids settled in, and I think our experience of 14 starters coming back paid off in this one."

Bell, meanwhile, said, "We're a young football team, they were playing a lot of guys in the box and we didn't take advantage of it, so that's just areas we've got to get better in. It was tough sledding there with nine guys (in the box), and we did a good job running the ball, but we just had missed opportunities. Little plays here and there -- it might have been a receiver screen where we missed one block, and we missed some easy throws earlier -- and against a good team, you can't miss opportunities."

Lake Orion aims to get its first win at home in Week 2 against Stoney Creek, while Northville begins KLAA West play on its own soil versus Plymouth.

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Photo gallery of Clarkston vs. Belleville football in the 20th Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic

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Lake Orion scored a touchdown in the final minute, but came short of tying Northville, who beat the Dragons 14-13 at Wayne State University on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.

DETROIT – Clarkston’s defense made a Belleville offense that had been a five-star handful in recent seasons look ordinary on Thursday afternoon as the teams ran back last year’s season opener.

The Wolves took down Belleville, sans the nation’s top QB in now-graduated Bryce Underwood, in a 38-7 victory at Wayne State University.

Junior Geonte Morris caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Kendall Franklin, Underwood’s successor, with 29 seconds left that kept the Tigers from suffering their first shutout since a 15-0 loss to Dearborn on Sept. 1, 2016.

“We had pressure on him all day and our guys just made plays,” Clarkston head coach Justin Pintar said.

The biggest of those plays came with just under five minutes left and the Wolves already up by three scores. Lukas Boman hit Franklin from his blind side and forced a fumble, allowing senior defensive end Gabe Mansour to scoop it and run 56 yards to the house, making it 24-0.

“I was right there in that moment and just picked it up and went to the end zone,” Mansour said. “The Boman boys (Lukas and Griffin), they were trailing, so I definitely knew I was safe with the Bash Brothers behind me.”

Adding to that, Pintar said, “It was a heckuva play, and our defense was flying around and making plays. And offensively, I thought we did a really good job of controlling the game, hitting some passes and some shots when we had the opportunity to. And we got the ground game going, so yeah, I was really proud.”

Lukas and the Wolves weren’t deterred by his fumble in the red zone that derailed the Wolves’ first drive. Junior Alex Waszczenko, whose first start came in last year’s 35-28 loss to the Tigers, connected down the left side with a wide-open Hank Hornung for a 55-yard TD on the first play of Clarkston’s second drive to get on the board with 5:20 left in the opening quarter.

A 27-yard screen pass by Waszczenko to Griffin Boman got Clarkston in the red zone for a third time and Waszczenko finished off the drive with a six-yard keeper that made it 14-0 early in the second quarter.

The Wolves showed their ability in the third phase, too. Senior Aidan O’Neil booted a 49-yard field goal with 5:44 left in the first half that probably could have gone at least another 10 yards prior to Mansour’s scoop and score.

After stopping Belleville on its drive that opened the second half, a 23-yard reverse to junior receiver Wendall Childs set up Griffin Boman’s five-yard rushing TD, extending Clarkston’s lead to 31-0 just 2:12 into the third quarter.

Less than three minutes later, Lukas Boman added to the Wolves’ highlight reel of scores, scampering 58 yards for his team’s fifth and final TD of the afternoon.

Photo gallery of Clarkston vs. Belleville football in the 20th Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic

Voted the game's Most Outstanding Player for Clarkston, Lukas finished with 11 carries for 146 yards.

"The blocking was great," Lukas said. "Our O-line did awesome today. We've been working in practice on our reads, and our scout team does a great job giving us a good look, just making sure we're ready for any game we play."

Belleville's biggest threat, junior receiver Charles Britton, who holds a number of D1 offers, looked to grab a 10-yard TD pass in the left corner of the end zone on the final play of the first half. Rightly or not, it was ruled incomplete by officials, though he still nearly hit the century mark in receiving yards.

Asked whether Clarkston was more motivated by last year's narrow defeat to the Tigers or a 41-0 district loss to Rochester Adams, Lukas Boman, "Obviously, we've still got that taste in our mouth from last year. Those playoff games hit hard because you've got to think about them all year, and I mean, it could have been any team we played (today), we were coming out with the same intensity. We've been working on it all offseason, every single day. We took all that grit and now we're gonna ride with it and take it one game at a time."

The Wolves have one more week after this before getting their OAA Red portion of the schedule underway. Next Friday they'll host White Division favorite Harper Woods. The Pioneers open up at Redford Union.

By GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA

Four days after starting his second administration, President Donald Trump floated the idea of “ getting rid of ” the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which manages federal disaster response. But at a Thursday meeting, the 12-person review council he appointed to propose changes to FEMA seemed more focused on reforms than total dismantlement.

FEMA must be “reformed into an agency that is supporting our local and state officials that are there on the ground and responsive to the individuals that are necessary to help people be healed and whole through these situations,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, who co-chairs the council. But, she added, FEMA “as it exists today needs to be eliminated.”

However, the meeting in Oklahoma City offered hints of what types of reforms the council might present to Trump in its final report. Members mainly focused on conventional and oft-cited opportunities for change, such as getting money faster to states and survivors and enhancing the capacity of local emergency managers.

But some moves by the administration in the last several months have already undermined those goals, as mitigation programs are cut and the FEMA workforce is reduced. Experts also caution that no matter what the council proposes, changes to FEMA’s authority and operations require Congressional action.

A Republican-dominated council

President Donald Trump created the FEMA Review Council through a January executive order instructing the group to solicit feedback from a “broad range of stakeholders” and to deliver a report to Trump on recommended changes within 180 days of its first meeting, though that deadline has lapsed.

The 12-person council is co-chaired Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and vice-chaired by former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. It is made up of elected officials, emergency managers and other leaders mostly from Republican states.

Trump “believes we should be in a disaster-response portfolio and footprint,” Noem said at Thursday’s meeting, “but the long-term mitigation should not be something that the federal government is continuing to be involved in to the extent that it has been in the past.”

Noem attended virtually, citing efforts toward “bringing some peace to the streets of Washington, D.C.”

Members on Thursday presented some findings collected in listening sessions conducted in multiple states and with Native tribes. Much of the discussion touched on the need to get money to states more quickly and with more flexibility. Trump and Noem have both supported the idea of giving states federal block grants quickly after a disaster instead of the current reimbursement model.

Members have spent “hours, maybe even days, exploring ways to accelerate local recovery through direct funding for public and individual assistance,” Guthrie said.

Making plans beforehand

Several members emphasized improving preparedness and mitigation before disasters hit.

“Mitigation saves lives, it protects property, it reduces cost of future disasters,” said Guthrie, but added that more responsibility should fall on individuals and state and local governments to invest in mitigation.

States like Texas and Florida have robust, well-funded emergency management agencies prepared for major disasters. Members acknowledged that if other state and local governments were to take on more responsibility in disasters, they still needed training support.

Methods for governments to unlock recovery dollars without relying on federal funds also came up, such as parametric insurance, which provides a rapid payout of a previously agreed-upon amount when a triggering event occurs.

The meeting focused less on individual survivor support, but Bryant brought up the need to reform — and protect — the National Flood Insurance Program, calling it “vital.” That program was created by Congress more than 50 years ago because many private insurers stopped offering policies in high-risk areas.

The rhetoric around FEMA is evolving

The conversation signaled a departure from some of the more aggressive rhetoric Trump and Noem have used in the past to describe their plans for FEMA. As recently as June, Trump suggested “ phasing out ” the agency after the 2025 hurricane season.

Michael Coen, who held FEMA posts under three presidential administrations, said after three council meetings, recommendations remain vague.

“Council members provided their perspective but have not identified the challenge they are trying to solve or offered a new way forward,” Coen said.

Coen also cautioned that any significant changes must go through Congress. Lawmakers in July introduced a bipartisan reform bill in the House. The so-called FEMA Act echoes some of the council’s priorities, but also proposes returning FEMA to a Cabinet-level agency.

“Most current proposed FEMA legislation strengthens FEMA,” said Coen.

Actions sometimes contradict words

Some of the administration’s actions so far contradict council members’ emphasis on expediency, mitigation and preparedness.

Noem now requires that she personally approve any DHS expenditure over $100,000. That policy led to delays in the Texas response, according to several reports, though Noem and acting administrator David Richardson have refuted those claims.

The administration halted a multibillion-dollar program for climate resilience projects, and Trump stopped approving hazard mitigation funding requests for major disasters. FEMA abruptly canceled or moved online some local preparedness trainings this spring, though many later resumed.

On Monday, more than 180 current and former FEMA staff sent an opposition letter to the FEMA Review Council and Congress, warning that the agency is so diminished that a major climate event could lead to catastrophe.

At least some of the staff were put on paid administrative leave until further notice on Tuesday.

By JOSH FUNK

President Donald Trump has fired one of two Democratic members of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to break a 2-2 tie before the body considers the largest railroad merger ever proposed.

Board member Robert E. Primus said on LinkedIn that he received an email from the White House Wednesday night terminating the position he has held since he was appointed by Trump in his first term. The vacancy would allow Trump to appoint two additional Republicans to the board before its decision on the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger though the Senate would have to confirm them.

Primus was the only board member to oppose Canadian Pacific’s acquisition of Kansas City Southern railroad when it was approved two years ago because he was concerned it would hurt competition. He was named Board chairman last year by former President Joe Biden and led the board until Trump, after his election, elevated Board member Patrick Fuchs to Chairman.

This follows Trump’s previous firings of board members at the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Reserve, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which are all supposed to be independent agencies.

“Robert Primus did not align with the President’s America First agenda, and was terminated from his position by the White House,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said. “The administration intends to nominate new, more qualified members to the Surface Transportation Board in short order.”

Primus said he doesn’t think the firing is valid because the White House didn’t offer any cause for it, and he plans to fight. He also rejected their explanation for the move because he has long tried to encourage railroads to serve every industry better and help them grow, but he has already been removed from the STB website.

“I’ve been pro growth across the board in terms of encouraging growth in the freight rail network, which in turn will grow our national economy. So if that’s not being in line with America first, then I don’t know what America he’s saying is first,” Primus said to The Associated Press.

He said the firings at all these agencies threaten their independence and credibility. Primus said in his tenure the STB always strove to be impartial and apolitical.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who serves on the Commerce Committee, said it’s clear that “Donald Trump is trying to stack the deck so the federal government rubberstamps the merger as a huge favor for Wall Street and wealthy railroad owners.” She said Primus has been a fair regulator who worked hard to make sure railroads delivered for their customers and focused on safety.

Every rail worker union and the nonprofit Rail Passengers Association also quickly condemned the firing.

“The explanation provided for this decision — that his position has been “eliminated” — is nothing short of outrageous. Appointed bodies established through federal code are not designed to be erased at the whim of powerful corporate interests,” said the SMART-TD union that represents concductors. “This action is unprecedented, unlawful in spirit, and reeks of direct interference from hedge funds and the nation’s largest rail carriers.”

The board is set to consider Union Pacific’s $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern in the next two years before deciding whether to approve the nation’s first transcontinental railroad and reduce the number of major freight railroads in the U.S. to five.

Primus said the biggest problems in the industry are the lack of growth and poor service after all the deep cuts railroads have made over the last decade in the interest of efficiency and improving profitability. He hasn’t taken a position on the UP-NS deal, but he doesn’t think mergers will necessarily improve competition.

“We don’t need to merge to increase competition. We need to understand that we have to grow,” he said.

Belleville didn’t score until the final minute and Clarkston started off the football season with a 38-7 victory over the Tigers on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Wayne State University.

It was not the news many motorists wanted to hear.

The intersection of Brown Road at Joslyn Road near the border of Auburn Hills and Orion Township, which has been closed for repairs to the railroad tracks, will remain closed throughout at least the holiday weekend.

“Canadian National’s paving contractor has returned to correct paving errors,” the Road Commission for Oakland County posted on Facebook. “The paving work will continue on Friday, Aug. 29.

“The intersection will likely remaine closed through the Labor Day weekend.”

The intersection had been due to re-open on Sunday, Aug. 24.

It had closed on Aug. 11 for work on the railroad tracks, impacting more than 40,000 motorists who use the intersection per day.

The closure means that people who travel westbound on Brown Road to access a primary shopping area that includes Costco, Target and Meijer have to access northbound I-75 to Baldwin Road, where the extra traffic is causing lengthy backups and a slow commute. And leaving Brown Road in the afternoon of Saturday, a normal few minute drive on westbound Brown to Baldwin and then I-75 took at least an additional 20 minutes.

Also, northbound commuters using Joslyn Road have to either use the Baldwin corridor or travel via either Lapeer Road or Squirrel Road.

Follow the road commission for updates on the situation.

Update: Clarkston man’s leg broken; Pontiac woman charged for alleged assault at Meijer

Reopening of Joslyn-Brown intersection delayed

Police: I-75 road rage leads to injury in Meijer parking lot

Busy Auburn Hills-Orion Twp. intersection to close soon

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man captured on camera hurling a sandwich at a federal agent in D.C. has been charged with a misdemeanor offense after prosecutors failed to convince a grand jury to return a more serious felony indictment, according to court papers filed Thursday.

The move is a blow to the Trump administration, which had highlighted the felony assault case against Sean Charles Dunn to show it would aggressively prosecute violence against law enforcement — even after Trump pardoned Jan. 6 rioters who brutally attacked officers with poles and other makeshift weapons.

The White House had spotlighted Dunn’s case with a dramatic social media video of his arrest by federal agents. And Washington’s top federal prosecutor, Jeanine Pirro, also touted the felony charge in another social media video, saying into the camera: “So there, stick your subway sandwich somewhere else.”

Dunn is now charged with simple assault, which carries up to one year behind bars. Misdemeanor charges don’t require prosecutors to go to a grand jury. The felony assault charge calls for up to eight years behind bars. Dunn’s attorney didn’t immediately return an email seeking comment.

It’s so rare for a grand jury not to return an indictment that there’s an old saying that prosecutors could convince a grand jury to “indict a ham sandwich.” But grand juries have declined to return indictments a handful of times in recent weeks in Washington — a potential sign of residents’ frustration with the ongoing law enforcement operation that has led to federal charges in many cases that would typically be handled in local court.

A video of Dunn throwing the sandwich at the chest of the agent who was patrolling the nation’s capital went viral in the first days after Trump’s Aug. 11 order for federal agents and troops to flood Washington. Authorities say he also pointed a finger in an agent’s face and swore at him, calling him a “fascist.”

“Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” Dunn shouted, according to police.

Dunn tried to run away but was apprehended, police said. He was initially released and later arrested by federal agents on the felony assault charge. It was later revealed that he had been working as an international affairs specialist in the Justice Department’s criminal division, though he was swiftly fired by Attorney General Pam Bondi.

In another recent case, prosecutors in Washington acknowledged that three grand juries had voted separately against indicting a woman accused of assaulting an FBI agent outside the city’s jail in July, where she was recording video of the transfer of inmates into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Rebuffed by the grand juries, Pirro’s office is pursuing a misdemeanor assault charge against Sydney Lori Reid instead.

More than 200 bands and musical acts will perform over Labor Day weekend at the 28th Arts, Beats & Eats in downtown Royal Oak.

A juried fine art show will feature more than 120 artists in a variety of mediums.

Visitors can choose cuisine from at least 50 restaurants and food trucks.

It starts Friday, Aug. 29, and runs through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday. The art fair closes earlier each day.

Headliners this year include rapper Vanilla Ice; rock bands Sugar Ray, Hoobastank and Highly Suspect; country singers Randy Houser and Joe Nichols; hard rock group Rival Sons and alternative rock band Neon Trees.

The event will also include ‘60s and ‘70s nostalgia, with Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumours, and Tommy DeCarlo, former lead singer of Boston. Tribute acts will also play the music of David Bowie and the Eagles.

New this year is Hitsville NEXT Revue, produced by the Motown Museum in Detroit. It will feature emerging artists from the museum’s Hitsville NEXT programs, performing Motown hits reimagined by a new generation.

Also new, a singing competition, the Star Maker Showdown, will award a $5,000 first place prize, with a total $10,000 given away in cash and prizes.

The event gives local bands an audience this year; nearly 40% of the performers are new to the festival.

As always, the festival will feature international singers and dancers and a family fun area. The family fare this year includes an expanded lineup of award-winning artists and interactive entertainment from the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The Michigan Lottery and Flagstar Bank replaced Soaring Eagle Casino as title sponsors in mid-July.

Admission is free before 5 p.m. on Friday and $12 after 5 p.m. Every other day, admission is $10 before 3 p.m. and $12 after 3 p.m. Cash and credit card transactions are accepted at gate entrances.

You can also order tickets online at www.artsbeatseats.com for $11.81 per day, which includes a service fee of $1.81. Organizers say ordering online is the most convenient way to get tickets.

A number of parking options are available in area structures and lots. They range in price from $15-25. For $10, you can park at Royal Oak High School, 1500 Lexington Blvd., and take a shuttle to Second and Washington Street. The shuttle will run from 10:30 a.m.-midnight daily.

Bike and bus options are also available. For more information, visit https://artsbeatseats.com/parking-transportation.

Parking is not permitted in surrounding neighborhoods. Within a one-half to one-mile radius from the festival, parking is by permit only. Police will issue $50 fines and also have the option to tow.

All city parking meters will be inoperable due to traffic concerns and to prevent visitors from circling the downtown area looking for parking spaces.

In 2024, the festival attracted more than 310,000 people and generated over $335,000 for local charities. Since the event began in 1998, more than $7.7 million has been raised for charities.

Tribute planned for the late Brady McAtamney at Arts, Beats & Eats

Oakland County area orchards and cider mills open for the season

Brady McAtamney “dreamed” of starting a band called the Beef Machine.

McAtamney, sports coordinator at the Macomb Daily, died June 23 at age 28. Organizers of the annual Arts, Beats & Eats festival in Royal Oak are making sure his dream doesn’t go unrealized.

The first band on the lineup for Friday, Aug. 29, “playing” at 4 p.m. on the Jim Beam National Stage, will be the Beef Machine.

“He’s going to have the best laugh from above that he’s had,” said Jon Witz, producer of  Arts, Beats & Eats.

Organizers plan to hold a moment of silence and put McAtamney’s photo up on a large screen. Witz said he will engage the crowd in a “Beef Machine” chant. McAtamney’s family will be in attendance.

McAtamney didn’t play any instruments or have a background in music.

“It was just a joke over many years,” Witz said. “Knowing Brady, he could very well have made it happen though.”

McAtamney worked as a bartender at the festival for five years, even making the trip to Royal Oak every year when he worked at a newspaper in Tennessee.

McAtamney and Witz’ son were good friends growing up.

“He was at our house all the time for many years,” Witz said. “This is a tribute to a family friend and employee who left us too soon.”

McAtamney, a Troy native, worked at the Macomb Daily for just 18 months, but in that short time, earned respect from coaches and a following among readers, said Matthew Mowery, regional sports editor for MediaNews Group, which owns the Macomb newspaper, The Oakland Press and others in Michigan.

Brady McAtamney, sports coordinator for Macomb Daily, dies at age 28

Four Detroiters who fled Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies while in a stolen car were chased down and arrested Thursday morning, suspected of trying to break into several vehicles in Rochester Hills, officials said.

According to the sheriff’s office, the pursuit started at around 6 a.m. when deputies were dispatched to the 1500 block of Pembroke Street on a report of multiple individuals trying to enter parked vehicles and reportedly saw one of them in the midst of the crime. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the driver and three passengers drove off at a high speed. After the driver lost control of the car and crashed near the Livernois and Avon roads intersection, the four bailed out and ran, the sheriff’s office said — but they were subsequently located and taken into custody.

The sheriff’s office said deputies established a perimeter and were assisted by the K9 and drone units to catch the suspects. The four are lodged in the Oakland County Jail pending issuance of charges from the prosecutor’s office.

“This case is an excellent example of teamwork and the use of our specialized resources to protect the community,” Sheriff Mike Bouchard stated in a news release. “Deputies, K9 and drone units worked seamlessly to quickly apprehend all four suspects. We remain committed to holding those who victimize our residents accountable.”

The suspects are in their early- to mid-twenties, the sheriff’s office said.

An investigation by detectives with the sheriff’s auto theft unit and Rochester Hills substation continues, the sheriff’s office said.

Fire engulfs large Independence Township home

If there was any doubt about Benson Boone’s fast-rising star power, his American Heart Tour stop before a roaring, nearly sold-out crowd on Wednesday night, Aug. 27, at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena put it to rest.

The crowd was mostly young, glittering with sequins, cowboy hats, American flag t-shirts, an ocean of red heart-bearing accessories and more than a few mullets. The energy was bright and youthful, perfectly matching the ambitious spectacle Boone presented onstage.

The nearly two-hour show opened with “I Wanna Be The One You Call” and continued over the course of five “acts” and 20 songs, mostly drawn from his studio albums “Fireworks & Rollerblades” and the two-month-old “American Heart. The 23-year-old Boone commanded the vaguely guitar-shaped stage, its long runway stretching into the arena floor like a fretboard, leading to a heart-shaped B-stage where he spent much of the night. Sometimes his piano was lifted by hydraulics, while during “Mystical Magical” Boone soared above the crowd on a chandelier and red and white hearts burst from confetti cannon during “Young American Heart”

Boone’s 70s-inspired wardrobe gave the night a playful, nostalgic edge. One tight white ensemble was anchored by a sleeveless tee with a bedazzled Firebird and a red heart belt buckle. And the powder-blue suit and open white shirt he wore during the encore of “Cry” was so retro that Tony Orlando himself might have claimed it. The look matched Boone’s mix of sincerity and showmanship, half heart-on-sleeve balladeer and half daring stuntman.

Indeed, he was as much an athlete as a vocalist. He nailed six flips — front, back and a very cool side combo number — and multiple leaps off the piano. He even hopped into the crowd on two different occasions, the last one including a lap around the entire stage, running a gauntlet of fans almost like a victory lap following the final song of the main set, the 2024 Tik Tok sensation “Beautiful Things.” The four-piece backing band — bass, drums, keyboards and guitar — sometimes overpowered the mix, but Boone’s voice was piercing, powerful and capable of some serious high notes.

There were quieter moments, too. “Momma Song,” paired with a home video montage, drew collective sniffles, while Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone to Love” — a cover chosen by using a cannon to send a T-shirt into the crowd for a random fan to decide — displayed Boone’s versatility. He promised each city a different cover, and Detroit got its own keepsake.

Between songs, Boone was chatty, playful and self-aware, joking that he worried about how many fans were watching his backside as he spun across the 360-degree stage. He called “Wanted Man,” “In the Stars” and “Reminds Me of You” his “favorites” but left fans free to choose their own. The giant video screen backdrop cycled through Partridge Family-style cartoon graphics, swirls of stars and close-ups of an earnest Boone performing.

The American Heart Tour is ambitious big, and occasionally teetering on excess, but Boone’s commitment and charisma held it together. Detroit got a show that was equal parts spectacle and soul, flips and fireworks, sequins and swagger. If Boone is still worried about who’s looking at his backside, he needn’t be; the crowd was too busy looking at the front of the stage, and the star rising on it.

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