For the second season in a row, a Michigan native has won CBS’s “Survivor” competition series, claiming the title of Sole Survivor and walking away with the show’s $1 million top prize.
Rachel LaMont nabbed the Season 47 title on the Dec. 18 finale.
LaMont’s victory on “Survivor” will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most dominant wins in the show’s history. She solidified her place in “Survivor” lore with multiple immunity challenge victories, savvy strategic moves and a knack for leveraging the tools at her disposal. Her triumph culminated in a nearly unanimous jury vote of 7-1, with only one vote going to her competitor, Sam Phalen. Sue Smey received zero votes.
Rachel LaMont (Robert Voets/CBS)
LaMont’s path to the $1 million prize was built on a combination of physical prowess, social connections and strategic acumen. She clinched the final immunity challenge, ensuring her place in the final three, and managed to sway almost every juror in her favor. Her ability to win four individual immunity challenges tied her with “Survivor” greats like Kim Spradlin, Jenna Morasca and Kelly Wigglesworth, making her one of only a handful of women to achieve such a feat in a single season.
“Learning to stay in the moment was a key strategy,” LaMont said. “I really feel like I learned to be more present. When you’re out there, you have nothing to distract you. … It was incredible to put all my attention into one thing. As we ring in the new year, I hope to apply that ability to my life back at home.”
The Michigan connection
While LaMont was the season’s star, another Michigan native also made waves on “Survivor 47.” Cheboygan’s Kyle Ostwald, 31, was a formidable competitor before becoming the fourth member of the jury. His presence added a layer of hometown pride for Michigan viewers.
In Season 46, Michigan native Kenzie Petty emerged victorious. Petty is a former Gibraltar resident and now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mastering the game
LaMont’s strategic gameplay was a highlight of the season. One standout move was her use of the Shot in the Dark to gauge the intentions of her tribemates, allowing her to plan accordingly. She later boldly played with her immunity idol at the Tribal Council, flipping the game in her favor while cementing her reputation as a strategic mastermind.
“When you’re out there, you have to play the game before you,” LaMont said. “Every move I made was calculated to position me for the win. Luck played a part, sure, but I made the most of every opportunity. I am an incredibly competitive person.”
LaMont’s four individual immunity wins set her apart as a physical threat. Her performance in these challenges kept her safe and earned the respect of her competitors and the jury. Her confidence during these moments was palpable, and her ability to deliver under pressure made her an unstoppable force.
Her path to “Survivor 47” was not without hurdles. Initially an alternate for Season 46, she used the extra time to prepare mentally and emotionally for her second chance.
“Being an alternate gave me perspective,” LaMont said. “By the time I made it to Fiji for Season 47, I was playing with house money. That mindset made all the difference.”
One of the not-seen but essential relationships within the game was her relationship with Caroline Vidmar, the 12th person voted off the game.
“We had connected early on, and she was a big factor in my game, but it was incredible to me that not one scene was aired with the two of us,” she said.
Southfield’s Rachel LaMont is shown in Fiji during an earlier episode of “Survivor.” (Photo courtesy of CBS)
Knowing she was a winner prior to the Season 47 airing was a secret that was tough to keep, LaMont said. As family and friends watched her progression on the show, she had to stay mum.
LaMont now leads a creative and fulfilling life as a user interface designer. “I basically make apps that you interact with look pretty,” she said. “So I design what they look like, the colors, and all of that good stuff.”
LaMont is also deeply rooted in her personal life. She is married to Derek LaMont, and the couple shares their home with two beloved pets — a dog named Eva and a cat named Maeby.
Jury dynamics
Despite her commanding gameplay, LaMont faced moments of doubt during the final Tribal Council. “I was so nervous,” she said. “When Jeff went to read the votes, my stomach was in complete knots. I kept thinking, ‘Did I just lose?’”
Ultimately, her gameplay resonated with the jury. While Ostwald cast his vote for Phalen, most jurors recognized LaMont’s dominance. Her ability to navigate complex relationships and balance social and strategic gameplay proved decisive.
With her glass raised, Southfield’s Rachel LaMont, center, is flanked by other “Survivor” contestants after she won the season as Sole Survivor, walking away with the $1 million top prize. (Chuck Snyder/CBS)
Legacy and future
LaMont’s victory has already drawn high praise from host Jeff Probst, who, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, said: “I think Rachel will go down as one of the best overall players to ever compete on ‘Survivor.’ She made the most of every opportunity and when in trouble, always found a way out.”
Now back at home with the million-dollar prize, LaMont said she’ll use the money to enjoy life.
“We’ll pay off those student loans, deal with some home repairs we’ve been working on, and put a lot of savings into retirement,” she said.
As for what’s next on the horizon, she said: “Frankly, I don’t know. This whole experience has been time-consuming and has been amazing. Just being on ‘Survivor’ and then winning it, was a lofty pipe dream. I’m enjoying that for now.”
Southfield's Rachel LaMont, center, is surrounded by other "Survivor" contestants after winning the season as Sole Survivor, walking away with the $1 million top prize. (Chuck Snyder/CBS)
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — They warned about him. Now they’ll have to work with him.
A handful of prominent Democratic governors are quickly adjusting their approach to President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office, hoping to avoid antagonizing him to ensure they’ll have a working relationship with his new administration.
They’re in a precarious position: adopting caution while also weighing their party’s desires to stake out early, and often combative, positions against Trump’s agenda.
“It’s a combination of fighting like hell if your values are attacked or if your innocent communities or innocent people are attacked. And then on the other hand, you’re trying like heck also to find common ground on things that we could agree on,” New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said in an interview with The Associated Press.
Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is walking a similar tightrope, vowing to push back against Trump on potential policies against reproductive rights, while also appearing hopeful that she and the Republican can work together.
Hochul, who slammed Trump during a speech at the Democratic National Convention and was a prominent campaign surrogate for Democrats this year, has said she and Trump spoke at length after his election victory and were able to find common ground.
FILE — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks at a press conference in the Queens borough of New York, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
“There are areas where we can work together, like infrastructure where we rely on federal money, and he seems to share my priorities, but also I’m going to stand up for protecting rights, reproductive rights and other rights,” she said at a news conference.
Asked this week whether as governor she would consider pardoning Trump in his New York hush money criminal conviction, Hochul notably didn’t shut down the question. “There is a pardoning process in the state of New York. It is lengthy. It requires a couple of elements. One is remorse,” she said, letting out a quick laugh.
A New York jury convicted Trump earlier this year on all 34 charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex.
Other Democrats have taken decidedly more combative stances.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a fierce Trump critic, summoned lawmakers back to work this month to allocate more money to the state attorney general’s office so it can launch anticipated legal battles against the Trump administration. Newsom’s goal, as he put it, is to “Trump-proof” California’s progressive state laws.
Shortly after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Colorado Gov. Jared Polisformed a group called Governors Safeguarding Democracy to “fortify democratic institutions in the states and ensure the rule of law serves all people,” according to the group’s website.
Still, Polis has put on a balancing act in his relationship with Trump. He’s expressed excitement for Trump’s pick of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, saying he was hopeful Kennedy would take on “big pharma and corporate ag.”
In Massachusetts, Democratic Gov. Maura Healey has taken a somewhat less confrontational attitude toward Trump than she did four years ago when she was the state’s attorney general. Back then, Healey initiated or joined dozens of lawsuits targeting Trump on everything from immigration policy to health care and environmental issues.
Now as governor of a state that Harris easily won but where Trump got more than 35% of the vote, Healey has sounded more muted in her criticism.
“I think I’ve spoken quite a bit about Donald Trump and my feelings about him,” Healey told reporters after Trump’s win. “We have to see whether he makes good on what he promised and ran on in terms of Project 2025 or other things,” she said, referring a hard-right policy plan.
Healey has indicated that state police won’t help enforce violations of federal immigration law — a key Trump priority — but has been less clear about whether she would bar the state National Guard from helping detain those in the country illegally.
As co-chair of Harris’ presidential campaign, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer frequently warned about the dangers of a second Trump presidency, describing him as “deranged” and declaring that his reelection would signify that “we failed as a country.”
But after Trump’s victory, the second-term governor has largely stayed out of the spotlight and said little about how she will address some of his policy proposals, such as mass deportations.
“I know that some of my colleagues have staked out some pretty aggressive strategies,” Whitmer told reporters days after the election. “As I’m thinking about what a Trump administration will mean for our work, I’m trying to focus on where we can find some shared priorities.”
Those close to Whitmer describe her approach as a wait-and-see strategy, with hopes of working with the president-elect on areas of shared interest, such as economic development.
“We have worked with the Trump administration before and we will figure out how to work with a Trump administration going into this last two years of my term,” said Whitmer.
Associated Press writers Mike Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey; Jesse Bedayn in Denver; Steve LeBlanc in Boston and Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan contributed to this report.
FILE – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks, accompanied by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, from left, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul at a campaign event for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Riverside Park, in Grand Rapids, Mich., Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
Democratic control of the state Capitol for the first time in four decades fizzled to a close Thursday, as House leaders were unable to muster a quorum to conduct business and adjourned until next year — when Republicans will take over the House.
Fifty-four Republicans plus one rogue Democrat, Karen Whitsett of Detroit, brought the House to a standstill.
House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) made a last-ditch attempt to force Republicans and Whitsett to return by issuing a “call of the House,” requiring lawmakers to be in attendance.
“Sergeants, please bring members back to the chamber and bar the doors,” said House Speaker Pro Tempore Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), who was presiding over the chamber. The order was approved on a voice vote and with no Republicans on hand to object.
But the effort to bring in the recalcitrant Republicans was for naught and Democrats called it quits, ending the Democrats’ two-year reign over the lower chamber.
“The bottom line is this: they refused to do their jobs and stifled the voices of their constituents who elected them to represent them.”
–House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit)
“Everything that was on the agenda today in the House is dead and the 55 members that did not attend should feel free to own that,” said Pohutsky.
Tate, in a statement, said Whitsett and GOP lawmakers let down voters by not showing up.
“The bottom line is this: they refused to do their jobs and stifled the voices of their constituents who elected them to represent them,” he wrote in a message that also named House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp).
The unfinished business includes expanding Michigan’s open records law to include the governor’s office and the Legislature, as well as gun control measures including a ban on bump stocks.
Hall, the Republican leader who will take the speaker’s gavel next year, was unapologetic. He said Republicans walked out over issues that Democrats refused to take up and says those will be at the top of his to-do list in 2025.
“We’re going to try to help our restaurant workers save the restaurant industry,” he said. “We’re going to fight for good sick leave policies that work for people, and we’re going to try to fix the roads.”
Republicans and restaurant industry lobbyists have been fighting to stop a planned minimum wage hike for tipped workers. They claim — without evidence — that 40,000 restaurants would go out of business if workers make $15 an hour.
The Republicans and Whitsett boycotted sessions, saying the Democratic leadership ignored their demands. Republicans have been particularly adamant about preserving the state’s tipped wage to keep it lower than the minimum wage and gutting the new law that guarantees workers banked sick leave.
Whitsett said Democratic leaders had broken promises on taking up legislation.
But Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) said no one had been offered guarantees and, instead, it was Whitsett and Republicans who bargained in bad faith and then refused to show up for work.
“Goal posts kept moving and the conversations fell apart, but we are disappointed and, quite frankly, shocked,” he said.
In an interview with WDET, Aiyash said one of the priorities for Democrats — water affordability legislation — was scuttled not by Whitsett, but another Democratic colleague.
“Representative [Peter] Herzberg from Westland killed our water affordability package, which was a very critical piece of the puzzle to keep Rep. Whitsett engaged in the conversation in order for us to pass legislation,” Aiyash said. “Unfortunately, he (Herzberg) opposed the legislation. Couldn’t really explain why, and we are now here where our agenda was thwarted as a result of inaction by my colleagues.”
Listen: Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash speaks on boycott in Michigan House
Where’s Whitmer?
In past lame duck sessions, governors will work directly with legislative leaders to sort out priorities. This was how Republicans — and then-Gov. Rick Snyder — were able to gut paid sick leave and pass right-to-work legislation.
However, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has largely been absent from the end of the democratic trifecta.
“I have not had any engagement with her since this entire lame duck period,” Aiyash said. When asked by WDET if that was the case for other Democrats, Aiyash wasn’t sure if other legislators had a similar experience.
Curtis Hertel, a Whitmer ally who is running to be the Michigan Democratic Party Chair, sees it differently.
“I think sometimes you have to not do the easy political thing, but you actually have to do the thing that’s hard, which is work in a room, and after trying to solve problems and not air your negotiations in public,” Hertel said. “To me, that actually is how you actually get things done.”
Still, with dozens of bills needing a vote in the House, nothing got done.
The House has one more official day scheduled on Dec. 31, but “sine die” is simply a formality to close the session. The House will reconvene in January with Republicans at the helm, along with the opportunities and headaches that come with it.
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On Thursday, WeatherGard Cares presented seven local charities with checks totaling $50,000.
The charities benefiting included Blue Star Service Dogs, Cherry Health, Detroit Crime Commission, Habitat for Humanity, Michigan Humane, and Tamarack Camps.
We are proud to support these charities because the hard work they do makes our communities stronger, said WeatherGard Vice President Shlome BenEzra in a statement.
Since its creation in 2022, WeatherGard Cares has been able to donate $150,000 to area charities that are working to make a difference across communities.
The initiative aims to help local neighbors in need with an annual giving of $50,000 along with volunteering to help lift up local charities.
One of the benefiting charities, Blue Star Service Dogs, helps rescue shelter dogs, trains them and then pairs them with veterans. Their mission statement is rescuing one to heal another.
Another charity, Detroit Crime Commission, helps support projects to improve public safety in Southeast Michigan.
For more information on WeatherGard cares, click here.
Disneyland Resort will be celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025, hosting a multi-month celebration that includes limited-time entertainment, including an all-new nighttime spectacular, “World of Color Happiness!” held at Disney California Adventure. There will also be specialty food and beverages, collectible merchandise and new outfits for the meet-and-greet characters. The festivities kick off on May 16, 2025.
But that’s not the only big celebration happening. Here are some other highlights coming to Disneyland in 2025, sorted by date:
Jan. 17 through Feb. 16: Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park.
Jan. 21 through Feb. 13 (select nights): Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite.
Jan. 24: Anaheim Duck Days.
Feb. 8 and 15: Celebrate Gospel.
Feb. 28 through April 21: Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival.
March 4 and 6: Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite.
March 28 through May 11: Seasons of the Force (a Star Wars-themed festival).
April 8 through May 6 (select nights): Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite.
May 16: The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration kicks off.
June 16 and 18: Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite.
Aug. 22 through Oct. 31: Halloween Time.
Aug. 22 through Nov. 2: Plaza de la Familia (a celebration of Día de los Muertos).
Nov. 14 through early 2026: The holidays begin here.
Then there are some other expansion projects with dates that aren’t firm. Much of that is concentrated at Downtown Disney, the outdoor shopping district neighboring the theme parks that doesn’t require a ticket to enter. For example, The Disney Wonderful World of Sweets shop and Parkside Market dining hall are scheduled to open sometime in early 2025.
The top Disneyland events in 2025
Here are some key upcoming Disneyland events in 2025, sorted by date:
Jan. 17 through Feb. 16: Lunar New Year
(Photo courtesy of Disney)
As it’s done in years past, Disney California Adventure Park will host Lunar New Year celebrations. You’ll find Asian-inspired food and beverages for sale, as well as a procession (basically a mini-parade) with a “Mulan” theme.
Jan. 21 through Feb. 14 (select nights): Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite
(Photo courtesy of Disney)
Disneyland After Dark is part of the theme park’s lineup of separately ticketed, themed evening events. The first in the series for 2025 is called Sweethearts’ Nite. In addition to giving attendees access to the rides with wait times that are typically shorter than usual wait times, the after-hours parties also include one-of-a-kind festivities that you’ll only experience at the party.
Sweethearts’ Nite features unique projections on the castle and other focal points, a ball where you can dance alongside Disney prince and princesses, and a royal cavalcade, which is essentially a parade.
Feb. 8 and 15: Celebrate Gospel
Over at Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theatre, two gospel concerts feature performances by popular musicians and local choirs.
Feb. 28 through April 21: Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
(Photo courtesy of Disney)
This annual event puts the spotlight on food with cooking demonstrations and pop-up food stalls that serve small bites. These tend to be a bit more creative and tasty than your standard theme park meal.
April 8 through May 6: Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
(Photo courtesy of Disney)
The next Disneyland After Dark event — this one themed to Star Wars — runs on a smattering of dates in April and May. It’s set to overlap with the aforementioned Season of the Force. Consider it a version of the daytime festival, but on Star Wars steroids.
Expect tons of Star Wars merchandise and food, plus unique entertainment such as a lightsaber instructional and the Fans of the Force Costume Cavalcade.
June 16 and 18: Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite
(Photo courtesy of Disney)
Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite debuted for the first time in 2023. After a successful second run in 2024, it’s coming back in 2025.
The separately ticketed, themed evening event will run during two nights of Pride month. In addition to giving attendees access to the rides with wait times that are typically shorter than usual wait times, the after-hours parties also include one-of-a-kind festivities that you’ll only experience at the party.
Aug. 22 through Oct. 31: Halloween Time
(Photo courtesy of Disney)
Halloween Time is a massive event for the Disneyland resort, as almost every corner gets decked out in autumn decor. That includes a charming pumpkin festival on Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. Some attractions get Halloween-themed overlays, too. Most notably, the Haunted Mansion temporarily becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday, themed to “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Disneyland also offers an after-hours, separately ticketed evening Halloween party called Oogie Boogie Bash. Held at Disney California Adventure Park, it’ll run on select nights in fall 2025 and offers trick-or-treating around the park.
Aug. 22 through Nov. 2: Plaza de la Familia (a celebration of Día de los Muertos)
(Photo courtesy of Disney)
Running concurrently with the Halloween festivities is a celebration of Día de los Muertos. The festival recognizes Day of the Dead, which is a holiday to remember loved ones that have died. At Disneyland, there will be decorations in and round El Zócalo Park.
Over at Disney California Adventure Park, the festivities lean on the film “Coco.” That includes storytelling and singing based on the film, plus meet-and-greets with the film’s main character, Miguel.
Nov. 14 through early 2026: Holidays
The Sleeping Beauty Castle lit up with Christmas lights. (Photo by Meghan Coyle)
Not long after Halloween ends, the winter holidays at Disney begins. Details for 2025 are limited, but for Disneyland Christmas 2024, the winter holiday festivities included a lights display on It’s a Small World and Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle.
Seasonal entertainment includes “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” “Believe … In Holiday Magic” fireworks, and a water fountain and light show called “World of Color – Season of Light.”
Disney also uses the holidays to lean into limited-time food offerings, including Mickey-shaped gingerbread. You can buy churros in a variety of seasonal flavors, including gingerbread churros, chestnut churros, chocolate sugar churros with peppermint dipping sauce, mint chip churros and sugar plum churros with marshmallow dipping sauce.
Why getting the entire Disneyland 2025 calendar upfront is such a big deal
Knowing Disneyland’s 2025 calendar makes it easier to plan and pay for your next Disneyland vacation. You’ll have time to look for deals on airfare and lodging or snag tickets for popular events before they sell out.
According to flight alerts website Going, the best airfare deals are usually found one to three months in advance for domestic flights and two to eight months in advance for international tickets. By knowing what events are happening throughout the year, Disneyland fans now have more time to subscribe to flight alerts so they can take advantage of deals within those critical booking windows.
The increased notice might also give travelers who tightly budget more time to save for a vacation — and perhaps even to apply for a travel credit card. For people who time credit card applications around vacations to take advantage of increased spending rewards or introductory offers, the previous announcement window may have been insufficient time to maximize credit card rewards.
Having a calendar for all of 2025 should make it easier to plan (and budget for) a Disneyland vacation.
Other ways to save on a Disneyland vacation
The Mickey’s Toontown area of Disneyland Park. (Photo by Sally French)
Disney is running a few ticket discount promotions, including:
Cheap tickets for kids: Disneyland Resort in California is running a limited-time offer for kids. For visits between Jan. 7 and March 20, 2025, kids between ages 3 through 9 can nab one-day, one-park tickets for as low as $50 per child.
Discounts for Disney+ subscribers: If you subscribe to Disney’s streaming service, Disney+, you can buy a three-day, one-park-per-day Disneyland tickets for $330, which is the standard price for just two days. That alone could make signing up for Disney+ worth it. The Disney+ ticket deal is valid for visits to Disney’s Anaheim theme parks between Nov. 18 and Dec. 27, 2024.
In the last year, the population of the United States grew at the fastest rate in more than 20 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
New data shows that the U.S. population increased by almost 1% this year, or by 3.3 million people, surpassing 340 million. The South experienced the most population growth of all the regions by far, increasing by 1.8 million people.
Also helping to increase the population was the fact that births outnumbered deaths by nearly 519,000 between 2023 and 2024.
The voting-age resident population (ages 18 and over) grew to nearly 267 million in the last year, while the population of people ages 17 and under actually declined by 0.2 million to 73.1 million in 2024.
An annual growth rate of 1.0% is higher than what weve seen over recent years but well within historical norms, said Kristie Wilder, a demographer in the Census Bureaus Population Division. What stands out is the diminishing role of natural increase over the last five years, as net international migration has become the primary driver of the nations growth.
Only three statesVermont, Mississippi, and West Virginialost population in the last year. West Virginia had the largest population loss, as the state lost 516 residents.
A Missouri man who pleaded guilty to entering the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, will be allowed to travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the presidential inauguration next month.
Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan made the decision Thursday. Eric Peterson is slated to be sentenced on January 27, a week after President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office on the Capitol grounds. According to his plea agreement, in addition to whatever sentence he receives, Peterson must also pay $500 in restitution to the Architect of the Capitol.
The Department of Justice accused Peterson of knowingly entering and remaining in a restricted area with intent to impede and disrupt the orderly conduct of government business and official functions. The DOJ also accused him of engaging in disorderly and disruptive conduct within the United States Capitol Grounds.
The U.S. Capitol was also the site of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection when hundreds of his supporters entered, disrupting the counting of the Electoral College.
The Department of Justice also recently objected to allowing fellow Jan. 6 defendant Cindy Young to attend the inauguration during her supervised release after a misdemeanor conviction relating to the insurrection. A judge has not yet decided whether Young should be allowed to attend.
Editor’s note: This version has been updated with corrections to a name and comments made by Jennifer Nicholas of Eastpointe.
By Myesha Johnson and Hannah Mackay
Tribune News Service
A steady stream of excited customers welcomed Michigan’s first Sheetz when the convenience chain opened its first site in Romulus this summer.
While many craved the Pennsylvania-based company’s stores, known for 24-hour service and made-to-order food, a growing number of Metro Detroiters now are speaking out and standing up against its 60-store expansion in the state. Their concerns include oversaturation of gas stations, added traffic, potential for more crime and environmental pollution.
Jennifer Nicholas, 59, of Eastpointe is among opponents of the chain’s push into Metro Detroit. After seeing a news report that Sheetz wanted to move into an Office Depot site in her city, she passed out flyers to rally a dozen neighbors to attend a public hearing on the proposed development.
The first Sheetz store in Michigan opened on Aug. 27 in Romulus. (Photo courtesy of Sheetz)
“It seems like they are just forcing their way into whatever city, whatever community they think is going to be beneficial to them, and residents do not have any recourse,” Nicholas said. “They can come out and speak to city council or their planning commission, but they have no voice. It doesn’t matter who was crying or talking.”
Eastpointe city officials did not respond to a request for comment.
Sheetz has announced plans to open stores at numerous Metro Detroit sites, including in Warren at 31925 Van Dyke, Ypsilanti at 2103 W. Michigan Ave., Eastpointe at 19001 E. Nine Mile, Taylor at 8200 Telegraph Road and 20623 Eureka Road; an additional station in Warren and others in Macomb Township at 45011 Garfield Road and in Chesterfield on 23 Mile east of I-94.
Most recently, the company received a site approval in Fraser for a store that is in the engineering process, with construction expected in 2025 at the southwest corner of 14 Mile and Utica Road.
Edie Pearson, 62, a 25-year Fraser resident, says Sheetz is moving into her backyard, with a brick wall being the only thing separating her from the planned convenience mart.
“There’s no positives to putting them in the neighborhood,” she said. “They’re putting a dumpster right on the other side of my fence.”
Pearson says the planned Sheetz contrasts with improvements being made in other Macomb County communities.
“New Baltimore is rehabbing an old building they have, Mt. Clemens is rehabbing their downtown, and we get a gas station,” she said. “We’ve got two gas stations on the corner.
“The city council seemed to have wanted the money more than helping us out,” Pearson said. “I feel city council has no integrity whatsoever. … They all make money, the developer, the multimillion-dollar corporation has money, and us that have the least to lose, we lose.”
Lauren Sayre, the city’s planning and zoning administrator, declined to comment. Other Fraser officials did not respond to a request for comment.
Sheetz defends its expansion plans as positive for the communities where it locates.
“Sheetz strives to be the best neighbor we can be in every community we serve,” Nick Ruffner, the company’s public affairs manager, said in an email. “As a family-owned-and-operated company, we listen closely to local feedback and work with officials to ensure our project aligns with community values. Sheetz will continue to meet with local officials throughout the duration of this project to ensure it represents the Fraser community well.
“Sheetz is a brand new offering in southeast Michigan. When new businesses come to a market, the competition benefits the community at large by driving innovation, enhancing consumer choice, lowering prices and fostering economic growth to deliver better value as well as attract and retain customers.”
Each Sheetz store will employ 30 to 35 workers, the majority of them full-time, the company said. It touted competitive pay, benefits packages to all employees, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 12 weeks of 100% paid maternity leave, a 401(k) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, quarterly bonuses, paid time off and more. Sheetz ranked second in the latest Best Workplaces in Retail in America by Fortune and in the Top 10 of the “Companies that Care” list from People magazine.
Beyond its push to open dozens of stores in Michigan, mostly in Metro Detroit, the company is raising its local profile as the lead sponsor of next month’s Detroit Policy Conference, a gathering of political and business movers and shakers sponsored by the Detroit Regional Chamber.
Still, the chain’s planned entry into some southeast Michigan communities is meeting stiff resistance.
In Farmington Hills, residents and business owners have been vocal in their opposition to a proposed Sheetz gas station at the intersection of Middlebelt and W. 12 Mile. The city’s planning commission approved the planned unit development at a meeting last month, despite several residents showing up to voice their concerns. Farmington Hills City Council has the final say and will consider the plan and hear from community members at a public hearing that will likely be scheduled for January.
The proposed Sheetz would be at the former site of Ginopolis Bar-B-Q Smokehouse, which closed in 2019 and sits across from two gas stations. It would contain 44 parking spots, 12 gasoline pumps, a restaurant area and a drive-thru.
Four planning commissioners, including former mayor and city council member Barry Brickner, voted in favor of the proposed planned urban development, while one, John Trafelet, opposed it.
“We don’t look at the applicant based upon their name. We look at the applicant, the application based upon what they’re asking to do and whether or not it fits within current zoning or based upon the recent changes we did to the master plan,” Brickner said. “We look at the use and we look at whether or not it fits within zoning or under the new master plan. So four of us decided that it, as far as the use was concerned, was OK.”
Other factors at play in signing off on the development was that the Sheetz would replace an abandoned restaurant and be near other 24-hour businesses.
As a condition of recommending the planned unit development, Sheetz has to maintain lighting standards for commercial use to avoid spill-over illumination into the adjacent neighborhood, Brickner said. The company also will be required to have buffers separating the business from residential areas, Brickner said.
“There were some restrictions put on there based upon the complaints from the residents within … our abilities,” he said.
Ozzie Butt, 47, of White Lake owns the Sunoco gas station across the street and worries the chain would put him out of business. Butt owns another Sunoco gas station at Nine Mile and Farmington Road in Farmington.
“It just doesn’t make sense because … it’s not on the highway, you’re putting a mega-station right in the middle of a subdivision, it just doesn’t add up,” Butt said. “You’re putting a mega-store right in front of a mom-and-pop shop. Of course, we’ll have no choice — shutting the door and moving on.”
Tim Parvin lives less than a mile from the proposed Sheetz location and said the surrounding neighborhood is largely composed of single-family homes and condominiums. He notes the two existing gas stations and says he’s concerned that a 24-hour Sheetz would cause noise and light pollution.
“I just don’t see the fit here for these single-family homes. … Property values would decrease, traffic will increase,” Parvin said. “There are better locations for Sheetz. … Do we need more gas stations? I don’t think so.”
Another resident, Lloyd Banks, started a group to oppose the development, Concerned Citizens Against Sheetz. He said he’s worried the proposed 24-hour gas station would lead to an increase in crime.
“As it relates to crime, we feel, because of its 24 hours in nature, that it causes crime itself,” Banks said. “We know crime happens at many businesses, but in particular for Sheetz, they’ve had some really horrendous crimes that have taken place after 10 o’clock or 11 o’clock at those gas stations around the country.”
Incidents at Sheetz locations have included the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old man in Columbus, Ohio, in October 2022, the shooting of two people outside a Sheetz in Prince George County, Maryland, in March 2024, and a stabbing that injured an 18-year-old man at a Sheetz in Larkville, Pennsylvania, in October 2024.
Banks also expressed concerns about diversity at Sheetz, referencing a lawsuit filed in April by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The lawsuit accuses Sheetz of racial discrimination in hiring.
In a statement reported by CNN, Sheetz said it “does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”
Nasir Siddiqui, vice president of sales at Bazco Oil, co-founded the Metro Detroit Petroleum Alliance, a group of around 350 local business owners in the gas industry who oppose several proposed Sheetz locations across Metro Detroit. Siddiqui co-owns the Chillbox BP gas station across the street from the proposed Sheetz in Farmington Hills.
“There’s a lot of gas stations already in southeast Michigan, it’s one of the most densely populated areas obviously in the state and makes Michigan one of the most densely populated areas for gas stations,” Siddiqui said.
Siddiqui said the alliance’s members aren’t worried about competition, but large, out-of-state organizations compete on a different playing field and can disrupt local mom-and-pop gas stations in communities like Farmington Hills, Warren and Taylor.
“We’ve been local for all these years supporting local businesses,” Siddiqui said. “And Sheetz … It’s a big conglomerate, which doesn’t make for fair competition for the local mom-and-pop.”
Sheetz has not found success everywhere in Michigan with its expansion plans. In May, Madison Heights City Council voted against approving a Sheetz gas station on Dequindre Road. Officials cited concerns that it was incompatible with adjacent residential land uses, would have adverse effects on the environment, and that Sheetz failed to demonstrate the need for its business in the area.
Sheetz had proposed a location in Rochester Hills but withdrew its application from the Zoning Board of Appeals in January before it could be voted on.
Nicholas, the Easpointe resident who campaigned against Sheetz locating in her Macomb County city, spoke at a planning commission meeting in September and believes the city was “facilitating Sheetz entering the market.”
Nicholas said of the newly approved Fraser site: “It’s a horrible place for the gas station. It will be replacing a 100 year old bank in a small town that already has 2 gas stations at that intersection.”
“They are setting up next to gas stations that are already there. They are setting up in residential neighborhoods,” Nicholas said. “If they were taking over existing gas stations or they’re building in an area where there is not a gas station … that would be all right, but that’s not what they’re doing.
“Why would you want to come into a community that is opposed to you? Why would you want to set up a business when you see people angry and almost in tears saying that they don’t want you?” she said.
The MENA American Chamber of Commerce, representing hundreds of local business owners, is also calling for an end to Sheetz’s expansion. The group cites concerns regarding anti-competitive practices, environmental risks, and impacts on local supply chains, a release said.
Faye Nemer, CEO and founder of the chamber, said Sheetz is using the largest planning and zoning firms in the state as well as political lobbying firms to pursue its expansion.
“The introduction to Sheetz into the Michigan market has been very aggressive in nature,” Nemer said. “Their entering into the market is not what we’re concerned about, we’re not opposed to fair competition … neither are the independent operators, however it’s the unfair business practices that we are challenging and taking issue with.”
MENA will take legal action against municipalities that are approving Sheetz stores versus gas stations from independent operators, Nemer said.
“We’re hoping municipalities will start treating independent operators more equitably compared to corporate-backed entities, whether it’s Sheetz or others, to level the playing field … and make sure … they have the same opportunity as a $7.5 billion operation.”
About 500 people showed up for the grand opening of the Sheetz restaurant, convenience store in Romulus. Romulus is the first city in Michigan to open a Sheets store. (Photo courtesy of Sheetz)
The White House said Friday it approved another $4.28 billion in student debt cancellation for 54,900 additional public service workers in what could be one of the Biden Administration's final act of loan forgiveness.
Friday's approvals bring the total number of Americans who have had their loans forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to 1.06 million.
Prior to President Joe Biden taking office, the White House said that a mere 7,000 had received forgiveness under the PSLF program.
The PSLF program is among several the White House has touted in its efforts to reduce the burden of student loan debt for millions of Americans. The PSLF program was approved by Congress in 2007 and signed into law by President George W. Bush.
Through the PSLF and other programs, the Biden administration has said it has approved forgiveness for 4.9 million borrowers, providing nearly $180 billion in aid.
Four years ago, the Biden-Harris Administration made a pledge to Americas teachers, service members, nurses, first responders, and other public servants that we would fix the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and Im proud to say that we delivered, said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a press release.
Public service workers are eligible for debt cancellation after making the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan while working full-time for an eligible employer.
When student loan borrowers began applying for loan forgiveness 10 years after the program went into effect, most were denied relief.
The White House said it made administrative fixes that broadened the definition of qualifying payments. The result has been far more cancellations of debt being processed by the Department of Education.
Since the program was created by Congress, it has not faced the kind of scrutiny from Republicans as other changes to student loans proposed by the Biden administration.
While President-elect Donald Trump has been critical of broad student debt forgiveness, he and other Republicans have not been as critical of the PSLF program. Rep. Mike Lawyer, R-New York, has even proposed the Affordable Loans for Students Act, which would lower student loan interest rates and preserve the PSLF program.
Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, introduced a bill last year that would make it easier for those not currently working in public service to utilize the PSLF program.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The smooth economy that Donald Trump was poised to inherit suddenly looks a bit rockier — with critics saying the president-elect is contributing to the uncertainty.
The Dow Jones stock index essentially ended Thursday flat after having posted 10 days of losses. The Federal Reserve now sees inflation as staying stubbornly elevated as it has become cautious about further interest rate cuts planned for next year.
On Wednesday, Trump blew up a bipartisan budget deal, which means the government could shut down after midnight Saturday. He then promoted a deal reached with Republicans on Thursday that Democratic lawmakers and President Joe Biden see as unacceptable. It failed to get the two-thirds threshold needed for House passage. This comes on top of a spate of tariff threats by Trump that the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday would raise prices and hurt growth without raising enough revenues to cover the rest of his planned tax cuts.
As Trump prepares for a second term in the White House, his actions to undo a deal and replace it in under 24 hours test the proposition that markets — a favored Trump barometer of success — will accept his mix of uncertainty and reality TV drama.
But from the vantage of Trump world, the economy was already a mess. That’s because of inflation, which is currently 2.7%, and public dissatisfaction with Biden.
“On day one, President Trump will get to work to launch the largest deregulatory agenda in history, cut taxes, and expedite permitting for drilling and fracking to lower energy costs and inflation for all Americans,” said Karoline Leavitt, the transition spokeswoman and incoming press secretary.
Turbulence already starting
The past few days are a reminder that the economic growth in the Republican’s first term was often accompanied by turmoil. It remains to be seen if voters already exhausted by inflation are ready for another round of blame games and uncertainty that the past few days have foreshadowed.
Trump vowed on social media Wednesday to “fight ’till the end” unless Democrats agreed to lift the debt ceiling as a condition for the short-term funding to keep the federal government open. He and his billionaire friend and adviser Elon Musk also promised to fund challengers in the 2026 primary elections to any Republican lawmaker who opposed the president-elect.
His social media postings came after Musk blasted the bipartisan package reached by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to fund the government through March 14. When the government last had a partial shutdown for five weeks starting at the end of 2018, the CBO estimated it cut economic growth by $3 billion, a small but symbolic sum.
By Thursday, Trump was claiming on social media that a new deal reached among Republicans was a “SUCCESS” because it would push the debt ceiling out until January 30, 2027. He insisted that Democrats “do what is best for Country,” but the White House and leading Democratic lawmakers came out against the proposal.
Democrats were also quick to seize on the seeming Republican dysfunction, with Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., saying, ”Trump’s made a lot of promises, but he’s also going to be accountable for the impact he’s having on families.”
“I guess Elon Musk is making the decisions now, because Republicans in Congress are incapable of making decisions on their own,” DelBene said in an interview. “They just wait for someone to tell them what to do.”
Trump won the election, but public still wary
Trump’s ability to project strength and assure voters that he would reduce inflation helped him win November’s election. Stocks initially climbed on the prospect of tax and regulatory cuts, but Trump still faces a skeptical public and appears to be starting his presidency from a more delicate position than Biden did four years ago.
Most U.S. adults — 54% — have an unfavorable view of Trump, according to the latest survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The survey found that small majorities have slight to no confidence in his ability to manage the White House or government spending. By contrast, Biden began his presidency with an approval rating above 60% only to see it steadily decline as inflation worsened.
In a sense, Trump has to preserve the momentum of an economy still recovering from pandemic-era distortions while going through a series of tough policy choices. First, there is the need to increase the government’s legal borrowing authority that he insists be part of any short-term funding bill in order to avoid a shutdown. He will also push to renew his 2017 tax cuts that are set to expire after next year. On top of that, there is a budget deficit that has become less sustainable with higher interest rates.
“The U.S. economy is in very good shape — it has a strong underlying growth trend,” said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, an economist and president of the American Action Forum, a center-right think tank. “All of the risks are policy risks. They’re risks that the Fed didn’t get it right, risks that come with the clock — we’ve got to do the debt ceiling, we’ve got to fund the government.”
In a speech this month at the Brookings Institution, Biden took stock of the roughly 3% economic growth and the inflation rate easing since its 2022 spike, saying Trump would come into office with a solid economy. But he also warned that the policies of Trump allies in the form of tariffs and deportations could unleash an “economic disaster.”
The president never translated his investments in infrastructure, renewable energy and new factories into political momentum. But he said “it’s going to be politically costly and economically unsound for the next president to disrupt or cut” those programs.
Trump is also inheriting a higher national debt from Biden that could limit the benefits and scope of his planned tax cuts. When he was last president in 2020, the government was spending $345 billion annually to service the debt. That cost now exceeds $1 trillion. On Thursday, the president-elect said on social media that the federal government “will cut Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in spending next year” in an effort to fund his tax cuts and limit deficits.
The Fed sees uncertainty ahead
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell told reporters at a Wednesday news conference that some members of the central bank’s rate-setting committee started to incorporate the possible effects of Trump’s policies into their economic forecasts.
But Powell stressed that there is a lack of clarity about what Trump would do. It’s unknown whether he would deliver on tariff threats against Canada, Mexico, China and Europe. Nor is there much official guidance on how Trump would fund tax cuts that could add $4.6 trillion to deficits over a decade.
“Some did identify policy uncertainty as one of the reasons for their writing down more uncertainty around inflation,” Powell said. “The point about uncertainty is it’s kind of common sense thinking that when the path is uncertain you go a little bit slower.”
Powell added for emphasis about what happens with uncertainty: “It’s not unlike driving on a foggy night or walking into a dark room full of furniture. You just slow down.”
President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Here at 7 News Detroit, we want to make sure you start your day off on the right foot, informed about weather, traffic, the latest news and more. That's why we have the 7 Morning Digest, where we'll get you out the door informed and ready to go.
What's the weather for today? Metro Detroit Weather: Snow chance for metro Detroit & cold this weekend
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Sanilac and St. Clair counties as lake effect snow will move through the area today. Light snow will continue for metro Detroit with totals of 1" to 3" depending on where you are.
Temps will drop overnight into Saturday morning with lows near 20 degrees, and highs will only get into the mid 20s. Wind chills will be colder.
Closer to Christmas, we'll see temps bouncing back and even climbing above average with snow & rain possible.
Any traffic issues? How is snow impacting the roads in metro Detroit
No major traffic issues to know about this morning, and our live drive cam showed that most roads were just wet this morning. Check it out in the video above.
The top stories to know aboutMichigan House adjourns until New Year's Eve as state reps speak out on lame-duck session Michigan House adjourns until New Year's Eve as state reps speak out on Lame Duck session
Michigan state Rep. Karen Whitsett wanted to focus on legislation putting $400 million toward Detroit Public Schools Community District debt and bills on criminal justice reform. Instead, she claims Democrats wanted her to vote for bills that have not been vetted.
Everything that was on the agenda in the House is dead, is how Rep. Laurie Pohutsky summed up their agenda as the lame-duck session waddled to a close.
They were holding out hope that Whitsett, a fellow Democrat, would help them move legislation forward when she arrived in Lansing on Thursday. She had been missing in action the past few sessions, saying she would not attend unless the bills she prioritized were taken up.
On Thursday, alongside Republican Minority Leader Matt Hall, Whitsett explained why last-minute deals to get her on board with Democrats fell through.
I want all my colleagues to know this wasnt me, Whitsett said. He would not negotiate, the speaker, would not negotiate in good faith.
"The truth of the matter is where we had a moment of just doing the procedural things, we had Republican colleagues including the Speaker-elect (Hall) just obstruct the entire way, Rep. Abraham Aiyash responded.
House Speaker Joe Tate issued a Call of the House, directing House Sergeants at Arms to bring absent members including Whitsett and the GOP who walked out last week to the chamber on its final scheduled session day of the year.
Moments later, Democrats adjourned until New Years Eve without a quorum and without taking up any bills.
Walled Lake Northern High School students bring giant toy drop to elementary kids High school students spread holiday joy with giant toy drop
Walled Lake Northern High School students collected over 5,000 presents for students at Allendale Elementary School. They say they feel every student deserves a good Christmas.
After 10 years of collecting gifts for elementary schools around the area, the drive for Allendale on Thursday broke the record for their largest collection yet. Over 900 boxes were filled with six items each: three to fulfill the students' needs along with three of their wishes.
"It's really cool seeing the looks on all the kids' faces and how surprised they are and appreciative they are of all of this." said Jesse Berman, senior and student council president at Walled Lake Northern High School.
The high school students enlisted the help of their community to gather items and wrap presents.
The generosity of the students holds a deeper meaning in the hearts of Melvindale police officers. The 8-year-old brother of Officer Mohamed Said, who was killed in the line of duty in July, was one of the kids at school who received presents.
Said is survived by his two younger brothers.
"I was wishing my brother was here to see all of this because that's why he wanted to do (it) for his whole life. And that's why he was doing (it) when he was being a police officer," Said's other brother Ahmed said.
As all the kids opened their presents, Ahmed Said and officers said that this act of kindness made the entire community's holiday a little brighter.
"By seeing these gifts, it reminded me of him. He would have been here he was here. He would have been happy," said Ahmed Said.
David Montgomery will avoid surgery for MCL injury & hopes to return for playoffs Lions RB David Montgomery reportedly won't have season-ending surgery, aiming for playoff return
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is hoping to rehab his MCL injury and return in time for the playoffs instead of getting season-ending surgery. That's according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport reported that after consulting experts over the past few days, Montgomery decided to rehab the injury.
Earlier this week, head coach Dan Campbell said the team was in a holding pattern and that was positive news.
The Lions placed defensive tackle Alim McNeill, cornerback Carlton Davis and special teams ace Khalil Dorsey on injured reserve on Tuesday, putting an NFL-high 21 players on IR.
If you're finding store prices too high these days, you may be tempted to click on a social media ad offering a great discount. But here's a warning before you do: the Better Business Bureau says social media platforms are packed with fraudulent posts targeting holiday shoppers.
In a recent BBB study, 40% of online shopping fraud reports originated as ads found on Facebook and Instagram.
Popular shoes at deep discount
Alejandra Matos is the latest victim. She loves HeyDude shoes, so while scrolling through social media, she thought she had struck gold.
"It was on TikTok," she said. "It was an ad showing a genuine logo as if it was a HeyDude page."
It resembled the official HeyDude website, but the clearance deals were incredible.
"They were offering 20 pairs of HeyDude shoes for $50, or 10 pairs of HeyDudes for $35," she said.
"I was like I'm not going to miss that," Matos added.
She even received a shipping confirmation. But weeks later, no shoes. She took a closer look at the company's webpage and realized it was not the official HeyDude site.
"A lot of it was misspelled, incorrect spacing, wrong capitalization," she said.
Warning signs of an online scam
Those errors are the first signs of a fake or copycat website, according to Melanie McGovern with the Better Business Bureau.
"If one price is $39.99 with a dollar sign, but then another price has a different money sign from a different country... those are definite telltale flags," she said.
She says to always check the URL before you click and make a purchase. A fake may look legitimate but might incorporate extra words, letters, or numbers or use "dot-net" in its domain instead of "dot-com."
Another place to find clues, McGovern said, is the contact page.
"If there's no phone number, no brick-and-mortar location, if it's just a form, that could be a red flag that they don't have any customer service," she said.
Matos, now out $90, also wants to warn others.
"I guess I acted too quickly in placing the order," she said.
So check out any social media ad carefully to make sure it links to the real site, so you don't waste your money.
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"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").
Do you receive a lot of calls from unknown numbers? Robocalls especially? I feel your pain, because I was recently targeted, and yeah, it was a scam.
So, I asked folks on social media about this problem and spoke with an expert from the Federal Trade Commission to help you spot the red flags.
Earlier this month, my phone started blowing up with robocalls leaving this automated message: "for $200 is pending. We think it is an unusual activity. If it is not you, press one. If you want to continue with this transaction, ignore this call."
The 866 number left not just one or two voicemails, but nine different ones in just a few minutes, all identical, hoping I would press one thinking there would be a fraudulent charge.
I posted about this on our Facebook page and we got more than 100 comments.
Kathy Johnson wrote, "My phone rings constantly all day and night."
Um Jibreel said, "I receive 40 phone calls and unfinished messages a day."
Karie Krucker said, "Been getting a lot of calls from 855. Every time I block the number, they call from another number but same area code."
"How big of an issue is this here in the United States?" I asked Benjamin Davidson, an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
"It is a major issue. Unwanted calls are the top reported fraud category that we receive every year, and that's been consistent for many years," he said.
When you look at the top three, most were about medical and prescriptions, followed by reducing debt, and then calls from imposters, like what I received.
"The reason why the scammers want you to press one is why?" I asked.
Often scammers are trying to get you on the line. And if you press one, they're going to ask you questions and try to obtain personal financial information," he said.
The FTC has this advice if you receive one of the calls: Hang up, consider call blocking or call labeling, don't trust your caller ID and contact the company you think is contacting you by looking up the number yourself.
The bottom line: don't answer, don't trust, and independently verify. These scammers are persistent.
In the last year, the FTC said more than 2 million complaints have been made about calls to numbers on the "Do Not Call Registry."
CAPTION: “It’s a Wonderful Life” actress Karolyn Grimes will appear at the Redford Theatre in Detroit Dec. 21-22. Photo by John Lamparski/Wireimage.
Former child actress Karolyn Grimes, 84, is best known for not one, but two classic Christmas movies.
Her most famous role is portraying Zuzu, the youngest daughter of George (James Stewart) and Mary (Donna Reed) in 1946’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Frank Capra. She was the one with a “smidge of temperature” and appeared in the final scene with Stewart and Reed. When a bell on the Christmas tree rings, Zuzu reveals that every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings as they sing “Auld Lang Syne.”
Grimes also played Debby Brougham in the 1947’s “The Bishop’s Wife,” opposite Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven.
“Cary Grant was a dream to work with,” Grimes said. “He loved kids. He told me stories. He used to pull me around on the sled during lunch and practice his ice skating.”
Actress Karolyn Grimes attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presentation of “It’s A Wonderful Life” at The Academy Theater on Dec. 12, 2011, in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Grimes will appear at the Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit, for a VIP event at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. This event includes specialty desserts, a Q&A session, access to the 8 p.m. screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and an autographed 11×17 poster. Tickets for the VIP event cost $50 and must be purchased online at redfordtheatre.com/events. Tickets for just the screening are $15.
Grimes also will appear at the Redford’s screening of “The Bishop’s Wife” at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Tickets cost $15.
For questions or more information, contact the Redford at goodtimes@redfordtheatre.com.
James Stewart as George Bailey, hugs actor Karolyn Grimes, who plays his daughter Zuzu, in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” (Hulton Archive/Getty Images/TNS)
With the holiday shopping season nearly over, many people are out getting last-minute gifts. I went to Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi to talk to last-minute shoppers about what they're looking for and what they're hopeful to find.
I am Christmas shopping last-minute, looking for my family, my daughter, my son some family, my mom," Tiffany Toffen Taormina said.
We decided to follow Taormina, whose trick is coming in with a plan.
What do we need to get? I need stocking stuffers I need a few bigger items for some girls," she said. Sometimes they have these little gift bags that have a little bit of everything in them you can kind of give someone a good gift with that.
She is also shopping in person from here on out.
Online shopping can be, you know, it says it's gonna be delivered and then theres a delay and things like that," she said. At the store at least I know Im leaving with exactly what I want."
Then we followed Michael Bachleda and his brother, who were shopping for a very special person.
We love our mom. Shes an absolute angel," Bachleda said. We're going to get some slippers for my mom. Alright lets go.
Their tactic is to look for anything they could find. They went store to store, but eventually found what they were looking for.
Todays gift tip. Split presents with your siblings for your parents," he said.
Michael Hale and his daughter were seeing what caught their eye. Their main idea is to keep it lighthearted to save your Christmas spirit.
"Just have fun & enjoy who youre shopping for," Hale said.
Friday is expected to be the start of a busy holiday travel season throughout the country.
It comes amid the chance that the U.S. government could shut down, with the deadline for a deal at midnight.
TSA agents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and air traffic controllers are depending on that deal for a paycheck, otherwise, they will be working without getting paid as they are considered essential employees.
However, during the last government shutdown, many called in sick, and that could throw a wrench in a busy holiday season.
As the morning goes on, things are expected to get busier and busier at Detroit Metro Airport. Our Ryan Marshall is at the airport and noticed the significant increase in people between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.
We havent really had any issues or heard anything. We just wanted to make sure that we got here with plenty of time to where, it can be a relaxed experience instead of being rushed and really running here back and forth and trying to bust through the gates and all that. Get here early enough. And, we get to relax now and just enjoy it," Noah Guck from New Boston said.
AAA released its final travel forecast for 2024, projecting that more than 3.8 million Michiganders will travel over the year-end holiday season.
That projection would be a record high for the state by nearly 100,000 people compared to the previous high last year.
Across the country, AAA projects 119.3 million people will travel, meaning roads, airports and more will be crowded throughout December.
There's a new warning from the City of Detroit over scam texts asking for money for unpaid parking invoices.
The text you'll get says it's from Park Detroit and may read, "This is a notice from City of Detroit. Your vehicle has an unpaid parking invoice of $4.35. To avoid a late fee of 35$, please settle your balance promptly."
It includes a graphic taken from the city's parking app, Park Detroit, but it's not coming from the city.
Here's how you'll know:
If you have unpaid parking fees, the parking department will contact you through the mail, not through text The message includes what looks like a link to the city's website, but it's an incorrect version The phone number the text is coming from is not from the Detroit area
The city said if you get this text, you should ignore it and delete it.
Today is Friday, Dec. 20, the 355th day of 2024. There are 11 days left in the year.
Today in history:
On Dec. 20, 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega.
Also on this date:
In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States.
In 1946, the classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater in New York City.
In 1986, three Black men were attacked by a group of white youths in the Howard Beach neighborhood of Queens, New York, resulting in the death of one of the men, Michael Griffith.
In 1987, more than 4,300 people were killed when the Doña Paz (DOHN’-yuh pahz), a Philippine passenger ship, collided with the tanker Vector off Mindoro island.
In 2019, the United States Space Force was established when President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.
Today’s Birthdays:
Rock drummer Peter Criss (Kiss) is 79.
Producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order”) is 78.
Musician Alan Parsons is 76.
Author Sandra Cisneros is 70.
Actor Michael Badalucco is 70.
Rock singer Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) is 58.
Filmmaker Todd Phillips is 54.
Actor Jonah Hill is 41.
Soccer player Kylian Mbappé is 26.
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA: US Defense Secretary Dick Cheney (L) stands by as General Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, briefs reporters at the Pentagon 20 December 1989 about the military operation to remove Panama’s General Manuel Antonio Noriega from power and bring him to the US for trial on drug charges. (Photo credit should read BOB PEARSON/AFP via Getty Images)
ROCHESTER HILLS – When the scoring got going Thursday night, it was Royal Oak Shrine, the smaller team by multiple definitions of size compared to Rochester, that initially had the upper hand.
The Falcons, however, proved to be too much for the D3 visitors, clamping down defensively in the middle quarters to win the non-league contest, 51-26.
“I thought it was good for us,” said Rochester head coach Andrew Topie, whose team rebounded from a three-game losing streak that included defeats to Stoney Creek and Utica Ford with the victory. “Our two guards are sophomores, so giving them that experience against teams that are as physical and as athletic as those teams we just played is invaluable. We can’t simulate that in practice, so getting them out there against teams that play hard, physical defense, it’s really valuable for them.”
While providing experience for the backcourt, it was the bigs that the Falcons leaned on throughout the course of the night to pull away, even if that edge didn’t materialize on the scoreboard at first.
Both teams went scoreless for the first three-and-a-half minutes, then the Falcons opened the scoring, but did little more throughout the rest of the quarter as Tess Tillman’s pair of 3-pointers boosted the Knights to a 10-7 lead after eight minutes.
“We come in here to a big school, and defensively, we tried something different,” Knights head coach Katie Tillman said. “We were trying to front the post and had some help on the back, and we executed that pretty well, at least for the first quarter.”
Shrine’s Tess Tillman (11 points) attempts to finish beyond the reach of Rochester’s Kiely Robinson (21) during Thursday’s non-league contest in Rochester Hills. (BRYAN EVERSON – MediaNews Group)
Eventually, Shrine could no longer deny the Falcons’ pair of six-foot seniors, Kiely Robinson and Alice Max. The latter of the two scored all 16 of her points by halftime, including a dozen in the second quarter, which ended with a wing triple by Marissa Wilkins, followed by a steal leading to a layup by Angela Cichowski (nine points).
Rochester continued to exert its dominance coming out of the break. On one possession, the Falcons seemed to endlessly board their own misses, getting at least six looks back that didn’t fall before finally converting a bucket.
Altogether, Rochester put together 25 points unanswered over a long period that spanned both sides of the interval and allowed just seven in the second and third quarters combined to lead 42-17 entering the fourth.
“It looked like we were playing soccer out there for a minute (laughs), nothing would go in,” Topie said. “We had lids on the basket. But I think we were taking good shots, so it was just a matter of whether they were going to fall or not. Alice really took over in the second quarter when we were struggling and showed why she’s the type of player she is, got us out of that rock … (At halftime) we just told them that the first two minutes (of the third quarter) that we just wanted to extend the lead and didn’t want to let them get back in it.”
Seven of Robinson’s eight points came in that third quarter when the Falcons (2-3) sealed the deal.
Freshman Nora Tillman ended with five points for the Knights (2-4), who next play Memphis on Dec. 27 in the Cardinal Mooney Memorial Holiday Tournament.
Thursday’s matchup was one of first-year head coaches, both of whom played college hoops – Tillman at Madonna, Topie first at Kirtland Community College, then Rochester Christian.
Each have had varying degrees of experience at their respective schools as assistant coaches before taking the leading role this season. They both spoke about how being in the head role differs from the assistant chair.
“I had to sort of come at it carefully, because a lot of them do know me and have played for me many years going back into grade school,” Tillman said. “So to have them hear me in a different voice, a different way, kind of a reset so to speak, that’s been my goal.
"I think was more of the good cop last year. You can be the fun assistant. I brought the candy and the music, a lot of fun out. I'm still trying to bring that, too, but I've got different responsibilities now as a head coach. But they seem to be responding well. I've got six seniors who are all-in. They're leading the drive here, hyping it up on the bench. The scoreboard wasn't in our favor, but we're having fun on the bench, and that's what it's all about."
"It is (different as a head coach)," added Topie. "You have more control. As an assistant, you're kind of behind the scenes, keeping spirits up. As a head coach, you have to get on them a bit more because you have the vision, and hopefully they can meet your expectations. So there's a little bit of a difference, but at the same time, coaching starts with the relationships, and we have to build on those and see where we can go."
The Falcons won't play again until the calendar turns, returning to action Jan. 3 at home against another Catholic League opponent in Bishop Foley.
Rochester's Taylor Parsons (10) attempts to score in the paint while surrounded by Royal Oak Shrine players in the Falcons' 51-26 victory Thursday night. (BRYAN EVERSON - MediaNews Group)
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