Friends and family of London Thomas gathered to honor her life on what would have been her 18th birthday. It comes after her body was found weeks after she went missing.

"I'm joyful just because I know it's her birthday and this is what she would have wanted. Any 18-year-old would have loved this," said her mother, Jasma Bennett.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's story in the video below

Family and friends honor London Thomas on what would have been her 18th birthday

Bennett had to bury London on the same day she gave birth to her.

"It's a waking nightmare to have your child that you carried for 10 full months to be ripped away from you," said Bennett.

London went missing in early April and was last seen in Inkster. Her body was found weeks later in Southfield. Right now, there's no word on her cause of death.

Watch below: Grandmother of London Thomas speaks days after London's body was found

Grandmother of London Thomas speaks days after London's body was found

London's father, Cedric Salisbury, says this is the hardest thing his family has had to face.

"We thank everybody who gave us the time to try to find London, we hate that everything happen the way it happen but today we just need justice," said Salisbury.

Michigan State Police is leading the investigation into London's death.

London's 23-year-old boyfriend, Jalen Pendergrass, was named a person of interest in her disappearance but has not been charged in her case.

He has been charged in an unrelated matter that involved filing a false police report in Novi last year.

Watch below: Woman now facing charge in connection to death of Detroit teen London Thomas

Woman now facing charge in connection to death of Detroit teen London Thomas

His mother was arrested and charged for lying to police when it comes to the investigation into London's disappearance.

"We want justice, she didn't deserve that, no child deserves this," said Johnson.

After London's family and friends laid her to rest on Saturday, they held a balloon release in her honor.

Her mother says she wants London to be remembered as someone who loved everyone.

"By this turnout from what you see, her love spread far and wide," said Bennett.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

DETROIT (AP) — Corey Seager had two solo home runs and an RBI double, Jacob deGrom struck out a season-high 10 in five-plus innings and the Texas Rangers beat Detroit 10-3 on Saturday night to end the Tigers’ winning streak at five.

Seager’s 19th career multi-homer game and second of the season came after he sat out two games to rest a hamstring injury. Joc Pederson supplied a two-run homer and Josh Smith and Evan Carter added solo shots and Adolis Garcia had two RBIs for the Rangers, who ended a three-game slide.

DeGrom (3-1) had six straight strikeouts in the first and second innings. He gave up two runs and five hits.

Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene homered for the Tigers.

Detroit starter Jack Flaherty (1-5) allowed five runs on four hits — all homers — in three innings. The home run total was the most he’s allowed in 161 career starts. Flaherty has been the losing pitcher in his last five starts.

Key moment

Smith and Seager set the tone for Texas’ offensive outburst with solo homers in the first inning. Smith hit Flaherty’s 2-2 slider over the right field wall. Seager powered a 3-1 fastball over the right-center field wall. The Rangers had only scored one run in their previous two games.

Key stat

The last time deGrom reached double digits in strikeouts was April 23, 2023, when he had 11 against Oakland.

Up next

Rangers RHP Nathan Eovaldi (3-2, 2.03 ERA) was set to face RHP Reese Olson (4-2, 3.03 ERA) in the series finale Sunday.

The Detroit Dachshund Club hosted it's inaugural Wiener Walk in Rochester Saturday.

The event was inspired by similar events that have taken place throughout Europe gathering thousands of Dachshund breed dogs for a walk.

More than 100 wiener dogs and their owners signed up for Saturday's event including 7 News Detroit's Whitney Burney who hosted the walk.

"Well, there's dachshund clubs all over the country and all over the world, and I just wanted to make one here," said DDC Founder Kelly Honos. " We meet up once a month and we do events like this and we have fundraising events in Detroit all the time. We have Halloween parties, so we try to make it fun for the dogs and the people."

The event was complete with artists and a food truck. The event organizers say 10% of the food truck proceeds in addition to donations given for event tickets will benefit the Dachshund Haus and Corgi Rescue. The volunteer based non profit helps to place surrendered doxies and corgis into forever homes. They also serve in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

Honos said Saturday's meet up sold around 150 tickets. The money raised can help get dogs out of abusive and neglectful situations helping them on their healing journey.

"I was very amazed," said Honos of the turnout. "I believe we made over $2000 for the rescue."

DDC will be hosting another wiener dog meet up next month at the Detroit Shipping Company called the Midwest Wiener Fest. The fundraising event is set to include vendors, flash tattoos and food. More information can be found on the DDC Instagram and social media pages.

Where Your Voice Matters

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Jenissa Conway drove in the first run with a double in the top of the sixth inning and Lauren Derkowski and Erin Hoehn combined on a three-hitter as the eighth-seeded Michigan Wolverines completed an improbable run to the Big Ten Tournament championship with a 2-0 victory over the second-seeded UCLA Bruins on Saturday.

The Wolverines (38-19) advanced to the title game with a 5-0 victory over the No. 1 seed Oregon Ducks in the quarterfinals and a 4-2 semifinal win over the tournament host and 12th-seeded Purdue Boilermakers. It was Michigan’s second straight Big Ten tourney title and its 12th overall.

Indiana Langford started the rally for Michigan when she singled off UCLA starter Addisen Fisher (16-2) and took second on an error by left fielder Rylee Slimp. Conway plated Langford when she doubled to center and Ella Stephenson added an insurance run with a two-out infield single after Conway took third on a groundout.

Derkowski (17-12) allowed three hits and two walks in five innings. Hoehn entered after Derkowski issued a walk to Jordan Woolery leading off the sixth. Hoehn retired all six batters she faced.

The Bruins advanced to the final after a 4-2 victory over third-seeded Nebraska in the semifinals.

Michigan won its only softball title in 2005. They were runners-up in 2015. The Wolverines have appeared in 12 Women’s College World Series in 30 previous NCAA Tournament appearances.

UCLA (49-10) was playing in its third straight conference tournament final in its first season in the Big Ten with the previous two coming while the Bruins were members of the Pac-12.

UCLA has won 13 NCAA softball championships — most recently in 2019 — as well as being runners-up seven times. The Bruins have advanced to the WCWS in 33 of 40 tournament appearances.

DETROIT — Casey Mize, off to the best start of his career, will have to hit pause.

Manager AJ Hinch announced before the game Saturday that Mize was placed on the 15-day injured list dating to Friday with a mild left hamstring strain.

“In his last inning in Colorado (Thursday), he felt a sensation or a tweak and everybody thought it was dehydration,” Hinch said. “Turns out, it was a little something (in the hamstring). It’s very mild but he probably wasn’t going to make his next start on Tuesday.

“That puts us in a tough spot with how long to carry the unknown.”

The Tigers called up reliever Chase Lee from Triple-A Toledo in the short-term. The club will list its starter for Tuesday as TBD for now, but Keider Montero, who went eight innings in Colorado in Game 2 Thursday, would be on track to pitch.

“It’s May,” Hinch said. “We’re certainly going to be careful with that. But we expect Casey to be fine in a short period of time.”

The worry is, Mize strained the same hamstring late last June and he ended up missing two months. It’s the same hamstring, but Hinch indicated it wasn’t the same type of strain.

Mize in his first seven starts has posted an MLB-best six wins with a 2.53 ERA, 1.008 WHIP, 21% strikeout rate and 5% walk rate.

DETROIT – Gleyber Torres’ baseball intelligence has been on display in various forms all season, none more than in the sixth inning Friday night.

“Smart player,” manager AJ Hinch said with appreciation after the Tigers’ 2-1 win over the Rangers.

It was a play that was not recorded because it technically happened after the third out of the inning was made. But Torres wasn’t completely sure of that and, especially in a one-run game, he wasn’t taking any chances. He stayed with the play.

Here’s the set up. The Rangers had spoiled Tarik Skubal’s bid for perfection with a run on a couple of two-strike singles and a hit-batsman.

With two outs, Skubal got Jonah Heim to hit a grounder to short. Trey Sweeney got the ball on a couple of hops and had to hurry his throw to Torres covering second base.

The umpire signaled the runner, Sam Haggerty, out, but it was a bang-bang play and Torres didn’t want to leave it up to a challenge. He alertly fired to third base and the Tigers trapped runner Ezequiel Duran in a run down.

“We talk about those plays that end innings; just keep playing the play,” Hinch said. “Whether you are a base runner or a fielder like Gleyber was. He had the best view for feeling the bag and he threw the ball to third base.

“Just a really smart play.”

That play effectively negated any reason for the Rangers to challenge the play at second.

“He would have been out at home,” Hinch said, “or we would have seen my first ejection.”

Torres is only 28 but he is in his eighth season. He and Javier Baez are easily the most-seasoned players in the clubhouse.

“Just being a pro, and I think that’s what he’s come into our clubhouse and done,” Skubal said. “You can feel the veteran that he is, who he is in the box and defensively, too.”

The Tigers preach strike zone control on both sides of the ball and Torres is a model for that. He has a higher walk rate (8.6%) than strikeout rate (7.8%) and his 131 OPS-plus is third best on the team.

On top of that, his calm, steady presence both on the infield and in the clubhouse has been stabilizing.

“He’s in tune with every aspect of the game and continues to impress me,” Hinch said.

Torres made another veteran play in the seventh, another one that won’t go into the books but was big at the time.

In the seventh inning, Skubal was up over 90 pitches. He was laboring after he struck out Marcus Semien for the second out so Torres strolled up to Skubal on the mound.

“That was the most important mound visit I ever had,” Skubal said. “He came up and said, ‘Just giving you a breather.’ I said, ‘Put your hand on my chest, feel my heart.’ It was beating pretty fast.

“I don’t really like calling guys out to the mound, but I was going to have to call out Ding or Fett (pitching coach Chris Fetter). But Gleyber did it and I Iove that. He’s a pro’s pro.”

By Candice Williams, The Detroit News

As Michigan prepares for another warm-weather travel season, one thing is increasingly clear: President Donald Trump’s tariffs are sparking backlash that could reduce international visits to the United States — and deepening concerns that the levies may cause domestic travelers to adjust their plans.

The impact of tariffs amid a trade war is already showing up in travel from Canada to Michigan. The number of people crossing into the Great Lakes State from Canada fell 11% in both February and March, with vehicle crossings down 15% in February and 18% in March. Last fiscal year, 14.4 million travelers crossed the Canadian border into Michigan, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Tim Hygh, CEO of Mackinac Island Tourism, said he has heard of several cancellations from one day-trip tour operator based in Canada. Even though tariff-related cancellations may not impact the island’s overnight-stay business, there is concern that it could affect daytime traffic.

“You never want to see an interruption in business or any kind of a loss, especially when you’re only open six months out of the year,” he said. “So there are concerns. It won’t make or break us, but any loss is a concern.”

Dana Orlando, vice president of sales and marketing for Grand Hotel, said overall guest bookings are continuing as usual but the landmark property’s Canadian business has slowed. The hotel continues to focus on catering to a wide demographic, including multi-generational families.

“They love those traditions, and we stay true to those traditions,” she said. “So we’re trying to reach everyone.”

Tourism officials across the state are hoping for a busy summer, despite reduced air travel between the two North American neighbors and economic uncertainty threatening to cloud the outlook for hotels, restaurants and retailers up north. So far, operators say they are cautiously optimistic.

Trevor Tkach, president of Traverse City Tourism, expects more last-minute and budget-conscious travelers this summer, as many people scale back from long-distance or international trips. He described it as “a tale of two travelers” — those who are more conservative but still traveling and more affluent travelers who opt for closer destinations instead of going as far as they have in the past.

“It’s kind of reminding me of COVID, honestly,” he said. “It’s weird to say that. When we couldn’t travel as far, people still wanted to go somewhere. So we saw growth in affluent travelers then, too. Traverse City tends to find a customer one way, whether times are up or down. We end up being a pretty good landing spot because we’re a sought-after destination. We’re lucky in that way.”

Business owners like Bob Sutherland, owner of retailer Cherry Republic, are counting on people continuing their traditional summer trips to northern Michigan. The retailer has several stores in Michigan, including Traverse City, Charlevoix and Glen Arbor, with a new one opening this month in Mackinaw City.

“I think for Cherry Republic, in this time of uncertainty, we are going to be as rock solid, true to our brand, and certain and consistent,” he said. “For our customers coming north … they want that piece of peaceful, beautiful northern Michigan.”

On Mackinac Island, bookings are on par with last year so far, Hygh said. Early May is when many of the businesses at the popular tourist destination reopen to welcome tourists after a winter break.

“When I do a survey of our hotels almost weekly now, especially with the market turbulence at this point, their phone calls are steady,” Hygh said. “So at this point, it looks like it could be a good season, and we’re just grateful that all indications are good so far.”

Brian Bailey, general manager at Chippewa Hotel Waterfront, said Mackinac Island is fairly insulated from upheaval as people seek regional travel.

“People will travel shorter distances and go to a place that they know they can count on and they love,” he said.

Todd Callewaert, president of Island House Hotel, said bookings are up about 4% from the same time last year: “I’m sort of surprised at that. They’re coming in pretty strong. So I’m looking for a pretty good year.”

Canadian tourists are a small part of the hotel’s business, Callewaert said, booking about 60 nights total last year. As of early May, the hotel had booked 35 nights for Canadian residents.

“We’re going to do just fine with Canadians,” he said. “We’ll probably do the same, if not more.”

Staffing up

While some hotels say they are on pace with their summer bookings, most also report being fully or nearly fully staffed to accommodate guests.

Detroit-based immigration attorney Bob Birach estimates that about 20% of workers who staff businesses on Mackinac Island are foreign workers in the country through work visas, such as J1 and H2B.

Hygh on Mackinac Island said he doesn’t anticipate any changes to the J1 or H2B programs.

“Everything was laid in place with the last administration and the current administration has not changed anything, nor have they made any plans into the future,” Hygh said. “So no effect at this point.”

At the Grand Hotel, Orlando said the hotel is fully staffed with more than 700 employees during the peak of the season. About 80% are temporary employees, including foreign workers employed through the H2B program.

“It’s a big workforce for us,” she said. “We have to work with the government every year in order to get those. And you just never know what the number will be. And we’ve been thankful that this year we have everyone that we need.”

Mission Point expects to have all of its workers in place soon, said Leah Anderson, senior marketing and content manager. She said the hotel requests around 150 H2B work visas each year, but due to the nature of the program, there are delays. As of early May, the hotel had 68 H2B workers, she said.

“We expect the remainder to arrive by the end of May, but this does create significant challenges for us in the beginning of the season,” she said.

Promoting a ‘coolcation’

The Upper Peninsula saw $1.6 billion in total visitor spending — 5.5% of Michigan’s total visitor economy — in 2023, according to an economic impact analysis released last week by the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association. Mackinac County, which includes Mackinac Island, led with $309.4 million in visitor spending.

Visitors returning to Mackinac Island will notice some improvements this year. The Grand Hotel has completed renovations, including a new Mackinac Market and the Dorothy Draper Home shop. The Inn at Stonecliffe has updated its kitchen facilities, while Mackinac State Historic Parks is preparing a series of events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mackinac National Park.

New transportation options could also help boost visitation. Starting in May, United Express will begin daily direct flights from Chicago O’Hare to both Chippewa County International Airport and Pellston Airport.

Officials say ferry service to the island has improved as well. Hygh, CEO of Mackinac Island Tourism, said service is back on track following fleet issues last year, and the schedule has increased by 10%. The Arnold Transit brand has returned after a 12-year absence.

Hygh said cooler summer temperatures — 10 to 15 degrees lower than many Southern locations — are being used to promote the island as a “coolcation” destination.

“Mackinac Island is cool,” Hygh said. “Take that any way you want. The St Louises of the world, the Memphises of the world, the high heat, high humidity. We’re really trying to reach out and tell them, don’t go south, come north and get a break. Get out of the heat.”

Mission Point Resort completed a redesign of its fine dining restaurant, Chianti, and added a new Lilac Lounge. “Brighter colors, along the water,” said Mark Ware, CEO of Mission Point. “Really exquisite food.”

Liz Ware, co-owner of Mission Point, said the hotel is seeing a mix of travel behaviors, with some guests making weather-dependent, last-minute plans and others booking early. October and May travel is on the rise, she said, as guests seek more affordable shoulder-season trips.

“Summer is peak season and everyone wants to come to the island,” she said. “It’s going to be a strong season for us. And I think the other thing that people want is the experience. And Mackinac, you get this really great feeling of being able to disconnect and then reconnect with your family and your friends.”

Jeri-Lynn Bailey, spokesperson for Arnold Transit Company, said the company, previously known as Mackinac Island Ferry Company, rebranded back to Arnold Transit after a difficult 2024 that saw major fleet issues. The company invested $6 million in repairs and is now focused on dependable, no-frills service.

“We stripped it down,” Bailey said. “We’re a ferry boat company again — no gimmicks.”

A new ticketless boarding system is launching June 1, and a slower, scenic “classic service” from St. Ignace will offer rides as low as $22.50, $11.50 below a regular adult round-trip.

“It’s like you step back to the pace of Mackinac before you even step on the island,” she said.

The new season starts as Mackinac Island and the ferry companies are in a dispute over ferry operations. Shepler’s Inc. filed a complaint earlier this year alleging the city has overstepped its authority in regulating the company’s fares and schedules for ferries, prices for parking and its business operations.

Mackinac Island has filed a countersuit, saying that it has the right to regulate fees for parking and fares for Shepler’s Inc. and Arnold Transit Company, claiming that the companies’ common ownership, Hoffmann Marine, created a monopoly and eliminated competition.

Jenny Gezella, president of Hoffmann Marine, said she couldn’t discuss the ongoing litigation between the ferry companies and the city. However, she noted the $6 million investment in what is now known as the Arnold Transit ferry fleet. Shepler’s picked up the slack while Arnold Transit’s fleet was out of service.

“Shepler’s … it was hard on their equipment last year,” she said.

Regarding the rebranding of Arnold Transit, Gezella said, “You’re gonna see a whole different look and feel … the yellow star is gone. It’s back to that traditional brand of that green and red, and so lots of enhancements you’re gonna see.”

‘Maximizing our potential’

Tkach of Traverse City Tourism said the city has had ongoing development, a sign of investor confidence. Several new hotels are opening this year, including a Residence Inn on the East Bay side, plus Home2 Suites and Fairfield Inn on U.S. 31 south of the city. The old Fairfield Inn on U.S. 31 just south of the city is being converted into a Spark hotel that is scheduled to open in June. Short-term rental inventory continues to expand, and new downtown condos offer visitors a more urban option.

Traverse City is leaning heavily on its food and wine scene, he added: “As a destination, there’s some strategizing going on, so I think you’ll see more opportunities, maybe just more strategic alignment between growers, the farmers and the vendors. Being a little more deliberate to make sure we’re maximizing our potential with the consumer.”

In several northern Michigan communities, including Traverse City and Glen Arbor, Cherry Republic is fully staffed for the season, Sutherland said. The company — which does about half of its annual business between June and September — will carry 20 new products this summer. Cherry Republic has developed a balanced staffing model that includes J1 visa holders, H2B workers, college students and retirees.

“We provide spaces in an RV park so that we can have camp workers — people that own RVs and drive up here for the summer,” he said. “Usually semi-retired, and they’re terrific workers.”

Sutherland believes the workforce improvements are paying off in customer service. “We’re excited to have enough employees and fresh employees and really rock-solid people to serve our customers,” he said. “It makes a huge difference … to not have an exhausted employee whose lips are too tired to smile.”

In Grand Rapids, a year-round destination, 2025 is pacing ahead of last year in terms of visitors, said Janet Korn, senior vice president with Experience Grand Rapids.

“Through the end of March, (we’re) about 3.4% ahead of last year,” she said. “So currently we’re ahead of what we hope to be for the end of the year. So that’s a ray of optimism.”

Korn said June and July are shaping up to be “really strong” with group business. “That might hold true, because people that are planning to go to their meeting and convention at this point are likely coming,” she said. “Of course, there is all this uncertainty, but we have many reasons to believe that people who are traveling to visit their friends and relatives and coming to the Grand Rapids-Kent County area for tourism are going to come here.”

Korn noted the city’s proximity to major Midwest markets as another advantage: “We’re in this wonderful three-hour drive from Chicago, which is a large market. We’re only a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Indianapolis. And we’re only two, two-and-a-half hours from Metro Detroit,” she said. “We do get a lot of visitors coming from there.”

A new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicates that a proposed change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would risk the benefits of 11 million Americans receiving assistance.

The report examined a recent bill proposed by Republican Reps. Dusty Johnson, Randy Feenstra, and Warren Davidson. One notable aspect of the legislation is that it would increase the age for complying with SNAP's work requirements from 55 to 65.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, this proposed change would eliminate benefits for 1.4 million American adults. Another 300,000 people living in households with adults aged 55-64 would be at risk of losing benefits.

The proposal would also modify SNAP's work requirement exemptions for parents. Currently, adults with a dependent child under age 18 are exempt from SNAP's work requirements. The bill would change the age limit from 18 to 7.

RELATED STORY | USDA urges states to reinforce work requirements for SNAP recipients

This proposed change would eliminate benefits for 3.1 million American adults ages 18 to 64 if signed into law. An additional 4.5 million Americans would be at risk of losing benefits because of the proposed change, 4 million of whom are children. If enacted, 500,000 seniors age 65 and older could lose benefits.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities stated that the changes could affect roughly one in four SNAP participants.

"With the risk of a recession rising and the Trump administrations tariff policies likely to increase the cost of groceries and other essentials, SNAPs role in supporting people who are temporarily out of work or dont earn enough to afford basic needs is especially critical," the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities wrote. "Taking food away from more people who dont meet a harsh, red tape-laden work requirement or are unable to prove they qualify for an exemption would worsen food insecurity and hardship while undermining SNAPs vital role as an economic stimulus."

A similar proposal in 2023 estimated that such changes would save the federal government between $90 billion and $120 billion over the course of a decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Most individuals and families are already subject to some form of work requirements to be eligible for SNAP.

Work is a powerful pathway out of poverty, said Johnson. Time and time again, work requirements for able-bodied adults have proven to be effective. My bill makes improvements, including closing loopholes some states use to game the system.

As of 2023, 42.1 million people, or 12.6% of U.S. residents, were receiving monthly SNAP benefits.

RELATED STORY | Kennedy Jr. advocates for a ban on soda purchases with food stamps

ALLEN PARK — Rookie minicamp can be overwhelming.

The on-field work isn’t terribly taxing compared to what’ll come in training camp, but first-year players are often drinking from a firehose — learning the playbook and getting mental reps is the biggest test — when they initially arrive in the building of the NFL team that drafted them less than a month prior. Doing this amongst a crowd of new coaches and teammates makes it all the more challenging.

But for wide receiver Dominic Lovett, who the Detroit Lions selected with the 244th overall pick, he’s got a familiar shoulder to lean on.

“I’ve seen (cornerback) Ennis (Rakestraw Jr.) around the building. I almost cried. He’s done gotten so big. He’s grown up,” Lovett, clearly a jokester, said Friday after the first practice of rookie minicamp. “That was a great full-circle moment because Ennis really helped me when I got to Mizzou. He was that big-brother figure for me. Just to come back, see him — him basically being another big brother for me, just at a higher level, the highest level, I can’t ask for more than that.”

Lovett and Rakestraw spent two seasons together at Missouri (2021-22) before the former transferred to Georgia ahead of the 2023 season. Rakestraw, Detroit’s second-round pick in last year’s draft, arrived to college one year ahead of Lovett, and he imparted his knowledge on the receiver early on in their overlapping tenures.

“I would say that Ennis helped me from Day 1 when I was at Missouri, all the way up until now,” Lovett told reporters through a Zoom call April 26, shortly after the Lions drafted him. “We had great battles, one-on-ones. There were days he got the best of me and there were days that I got the best of him. But every day after practice, he would stay with me and help me with something on how I can beat a defender and what a defender doesn’t like. And vice versa, I would also give him tips, as well. … Even when I was at Georgia, I could still call him and get tips.

“And now that we’re teammates, man, it really just come full circle.”

It’s no guarantee Lovett makes Detroit’s initial 53-man crew as a rookie — standing out as a seventh-round pick is difficult on one of the NFL’s best teams — but his path to the active roster is clear: Make the most of his moments on offense, and (more importantly) shine when given a chance on special teams.

Lovett didn’t play much on special teams at Missouri, but he served an important role on punt coverage while at Georgia. The Bulldogs allowed 57 yards on punt returns last season, but they didn’t allow a single yard in 2023. That’s a credit to punter Brett Thorson and Georgia’s gunners — Lovett and Arian Smith, who the New York Jets selected in the fourth round last month.

“Honestly, it was really just hard work,” Lovett said of the incredible defense on punt return. “Really, the big thing is probably communication, just being on the same page as the other 10 guys with you, knowing what everybody’s assignment was, where they had to be. Shout out to the greatest punter in the world. You know who you are.”

Lovett added: “I didn’t play special teams until I got to Georgia. That’s where I found my value — actually, my love in it. I feel like special teams is just another way to be on the field and also another way to compete. I feel like it’s a one-on-one battle from the man across from you. It’s just you versus him. I told them I’m willing to do whatever to get on the field. So, you need me on special teams? I’ll do it to the best of my ability and have fun.”

Lovett (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) spent most of his time at Georgia in the slot, but he’s confident in his ability to play on the outside. Lovett did receive 223 snaps out wide when he was a freshman at Missouri, though that number shrank in 2022 (54), 2023 (82) and 2024 (79), as he took on more of a slot-centric role.

But just because he didn’t see much opportunity there doesn’t mean he thinks he can’t get the job done, if needed.

“It don’t really bother me,” Lovett said of those who claim he can’t play on the outside. “It’s an adjustment. Everybody has to get adjusted. That’s a challenge that I’m ready to take on. When the time comes, I’m just going to do what I do.”

DETROIT — Cade Cunningham had a handful of moments that solidified his breakout season. One of his most memorable plays came during the Pistons’ Game 2 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Cunningham had his best postseason performance by scoring 33 points on 11 of 21 shooting, going 10-for-12 from the foul line and grabbing 12 rebounds. He registered 20 points in the first half to help the Pistons tie the playoff series at one game apiece.

Midway through the third quarter, Cunningham got the ball following a Knicks turnover and threw down a one-handed dunk in transition. On his way to the basket, he completed a behind-the-back crossover to break free of Mikal Bridges. After the dunk, Cunningham celebrated by pointing at soon-to-be Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, who was seated baseline.

Cunningham went on to average 25 points, 8.7 assists, 8.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks in his first playoff series. Although the Knicks eliminated the Pistons in six games, his playoff debut was a testament to what has him on the verge of his first All-NBA selection.

“He had an incredible year,” president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said. “Stats-wise, he was fantastic. He got better. I think people who knew basketball already knew he was a helluva talent, that he was capable of doing that, but he had not driven winning. He was the main driver of winning for us this year. That was his biggest step and the hardest step to take.”

Similar to the Pistons’ overall success, Langdon suspects that Cunningham’s standout year could have significant ramifications for next season.

“He was looking at other players and had a target on their backs, and now, he is going to have a target on his,” Langdon said. “Players are going to be like, ‘Man, I am going against Cade Cunningham tonight. I’m going to get my rest because people are going to be watching.’”

During Cunningham’s exit interview, which Langdon and coach J.B. Bickerstaff conducted, the primary focus was on the increased defensive attention that he will face from opponents next season. Cunningham started encountering various coverages and physical defensive strategies against the Knicks, which hindered his production at times.

His field goal percentage decreased from 46.9% shooting from the field in the regular season to 42.6% during the six-game series. The Knicks’ defensive scheme made Cunningham’s 3-point shooting a nonfactor, as he shot 17.9% from behind the arc. In the regular season, the former No. 1 pick shot a career-best 35.6% from deep.

Part of his drop in field goal efficiency included two missed potential winning shots in Games 4 and 6. During the postseason, he also led all playoff teams in turnovers, averaging 5.3 giveaways per game.

“The big thing for him, and we talked to him about it, get into elite shape,” Langdon said. “He is incredibly skilled and talented. He understands the leadership of it. He now has a little bit of late-season and playoff experience, he knows how it feels.

“So, now, he has an understanding of what he is training for in the summer. If you have never experienced playoff basketball, you don’t understand the level you have to go to. He should be training for the first and second rounds of the playoffs. Not just Game 45 (of the regular season) anymore.”

Cunningham’s career-best season ended with him catapulting himself into the echelon of the league’s elites. Langdon watched as Cunningham entered the year motivated to prove himself as a top-tier player while helping the Pistons reestablish themselves as a respectable and winning franchise.

His determination led Detroit to a 44-38 record in the regular season, its best campaign in nine years. Cunningham’s highlight play during Game 2 was among the best that demonstrated his career year. The All-Star guard is determined to prove that his breakout, and the Pistons’ success, was no fluke.

“We proved that when you come to play Detroit, it’s going to be a dogfight and you have to play the full 48 minutes,” Cunningham said. “That’s something the whole league has taken notice of; the belief in the room and in the locker room has grown a ton.”

By Chris McCosky, The Detroit News

DETROIT — Josh Jung was asked before the game Friday in what ways he and his brother were similar and dissimilar and he took a few seconds to think about it.

“We’re pretty similar in a lot of ways,” he said. “I think our personalities is where we differ. I don’t know. Like, I’m in it. I know him and he knows me. We know how to get under each other’s skin — but I can’t share that info.”

Josh Jung is the Texas Rangers’ third baseman. His younger brother Jace Jung is a third baseman for the Tigers. There will likely be a point in this three-game weekend series where the brothers will be on the same big-league field for the first time. Though it was not Friday, because Jace wasn’t in the starting lineup against lefty Patrick Corbin.

“We played like an intersquad against each other one time,” Josh said. “I’d just got drafted and he was still at Texas Tech and we had a fall scrimmage against each other. That doesn’t really count.”

Josh is 27, three years older than Jace, and he was drafted in the first round (eighth overall) out of Texas Tech by the Rangers in 2019. Jace, 24, followed his big brother to Texas Tech and was drafted in the first round (12th overall) by the Tigers in 2022.

Josh debuted with the Rangers in 2022, Jace last season.

“The last time my brother and I were on the same field, we were playing together and my dad was actually one of the coaches,” Josh said. “That was my senior year in high school (MacArthur High in San Antonio). Jace was a freshman.

“Here we are, eight years later and we’re on a big-league field together. That’s pretty special.”

The two brothers had a quiet moment to themselves on the field before the game.

“It’s super cool for us and super cool for the family,” Josh said. “Especially with it falling on Mother’s Day. It’s truly remarkable. We’ve been looking forward to it. We haven’t seen each other since February so it was nice to go out early and actually see each other — not on FaceTime or Fortnite.”

Jace, who was at the field early Friday despite the Tigers’ plane from Denver not arriving until 2 a.m., did not make himself available to the media before the game.

So it was up to his big brother to answer all the family questions. Like, was Jace as competitive when he was younger as he is now?

“When we’d play video games or whatever, we were both so competitive,” Josh said. “If the other was losing, they’d rage-quit sometimes, turn the Xbox off or go running inside complaining to mom the other was cheating.

“That’s truly how our relationship was growing up. Looking back, it’s super funny. But in the moment, it was pretty intense.”

But, then as now, they have each other’s back completely. When Jace was scuffling last year and even earlier this year, Josh’s was the first ear he bent, the first shoulder he leaned on.

“He’s got a lot of ability,” Josh said. “Everyone finds their way at some point in the big leagues. You just have to go through it. There’s not really a ton of advice you can give him except keep going, keep grinding.

“Defensively, he’s playing a lot better and that’s awesome to see. The offense will come. Just have to keep going.”

Asked again about the ways in which Jace and him differ, Josh said, “I can’t give away all of his secrets.”

But then he perfectly described the Jace Jung that we’ve gotten to see and know around here.

“The dude that I love, he’s passionate,” Josh said. “He’s going to go out there and give you everything he’s got no matter what. He’s just fun to be around.”

Side note: The eye black is a brotherly trademark. Both Jace and Josh will be painted.

“He’s the one who did it first,” Josh said. “I started wearing it again a couple of weeks ago. We both say it feels like it gives us that little edge when we step on the field.”

Cobb throws live

Right-hander Alex Cobb, who is working his way back from a right hip injury, threw live to Matt Vierling and Jung before the game Friday. He threw two simulated innings, roughly 30 pitches total.

“It was a step forward,” manager AJ Hinch said. “His stuff was really good and trending up. When you get to face Vierling and Jace, the uptick on the stuff was real. He’s still working through his recovery to get back.”

It was clear he still wasn’t moving well. He wasn’t moving fluidly after bunts or while covering first base.

“We just need him to take small steps forward so we can make an assessment on what’s next for him,” Hinch said.

The next progression forward would be to start a rehab assignment. But that doesn’t seem imminent.

Vierling (shoulder), who is currently on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo, hit the ball hard a couple of times. He also increased the intensity of his throwing from the outfield.

Additionally, Jake Rogers (oblique) caught both of Cobb’s innings. There is no timetable yet for his rehab assignment.

Congrats, condolences

For Hinch, the Pirates naming former Tiger Don Kelly their manager was a double-edged sword. He was thrilled for Kelly, who was on his coaching staff in Houston, and hurting for Derek Shelton, whom the Pirates fired.

“I’m very close to both of them,” Hinch said. “And I’ve been in both those shoes, when it comes to being the guy let go and the guy coming in midseason.”

He reached out to Kelly immediately when the news broke.

“With Donny, I just want to encourage him and wish him well as he gets underway,” Hinch said. “As much as he was one step away from that job (as bench coach), when you actually go sit in that chair, it’s a whirlwind in that first 24 hours when you named one of just 30 managers.

“I’m sure he was excited. But also there’s a part of him that’s disappointed that a close friend and mentor was let go.”

Around the horn

There was new news on center fielder Parker Meadows (nerve issue in his right arm). He’s not eligible to come off the 60-day IL until May 23 and he’s continuing to work his way gradually toward a rehab stint. He’s still playing catch, conditioning, doing defensive drills and working through his daily hitting progression.

A Soviet-era spacecraft plunged to Earth on Saturday, more than a half-century after its failed launch to Venus.

Its uncontrolled entry was confirmed by both the Russian Space Agency and European Union Space Surveillance and Tracking. The Russians indicated it came down over the Indian Ocean, but some experts were not so sure of the precise location. The European Space Agencys space debris office also tracked the spacecraft's doom after it failed to appear over a German radar station.

It was not immediately known how much, if any, of the half-ton spacecraft survived the fiery descent from orbit. Experts said ahead of time that some if not all of it might come crashing down, given it was built to withstand a landing on Venus, the solar systems hottest planet.

The chances of anyone getting clobbered by spacecraft debris were exceedingly low, scientists said.

RELATED STORY | Scientists find 'strongest hints yet' of life on another planet called K2-18b

Launched in 1972 by the Soviet Union, the spacecraft known as Kosmos 482 was part of a series of missions bound for Venus. But this one never made it out of orbit around Earth, stranded there by a rocket malfunction.

Much of the spacecraft came tumbling back to Earth within a decade of the failed launch. No longer able to resist gravitys tug as its orbit dwindled, the spherical lander an estimated 3 feet (1 meter) across was the last part of the spacecraft to come down. The lander was encased in titanium, according to experts, and weighed more than 1,000 pounds (495 kilograms).

Any surviving wreckage will belong to Russia under a United Nations treaty.

After following the spacecrafts downward spiral, scientists, military experts and others could not pinpoint in advance precisely when or where the spacecraft might come down. Solar activity added to the uncertainty as well as the spacecrafts deteriorating condition after so long in space.

After so much anticipation, some observers were disappointed by the lingering uncertainty over the exact whereabouts of the spacecrafts grave.

If it was over the Indian Ocean, only the whales saw it, Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek said via X.

As of Saturday afternoon, the U.S. Space Command had yet to confirm the spacecraft's demise as it collected and analyzed data from orbit.

The U.S. Space Command routinely monitors dozens of reentries each month. What set Kosmos 482 apart and earned it extra attention from government and private space trackers was that it was more likely to survive reentry, according to officials.

It was also coming in uncontrolled, without any intervention by flight controllers who normally target the Pacific and other vast expanses of water for old satellites and other space debris.

RELATED STORY | Astronauts won't get overtime for their extended stay aboard the Space Station

There’s always a benefit to familiarity with a coach, even if that familiarity is based on shared geography.

Hailing from the same place as his new coach, Treyvon Lewis — one of the stars of Ferndale High School’s most recent surge to state prominence in basketball — has committed to play for the Western Michigan Broncos men’s basketball squad coached by Dwayne Stephens, one of the stars of Ferndale’s last run.

Western Michigan announced the transfer portal move earlier this week.

“We are excited to add Trey to our program,” Stephens said in a news release. “He is a true two-way player who can defend and make shots at a high level. He’s from the state of Michigan, and we are ready for the immediate impact he will have on our program in all areas, both on and off the court.”

A Mr. Basketball finalist his senior year at Ferndale, the 6-foot-6 Lewis spent the first three seasons of his college career outside his home state, redshirting at Loyola Chicago in 2022-23, then playing in 10 games in his redshirt freshman season, before transferring to Purdue Fort Wayne last season.

He played in all 32 games for the Mastodons last year, averaging 4.7 point and 1.2 rebounds per connect, scoring in double figures in league road wins over Green Bay and Milwaukee.

A four-year varsity player for Ferndale in high school, Lewis led the Eagles to four straight district championships, and two straight final four appearances in Division 2 his final two years as a prep player. He was rated by 247Sports as the top recruit in Michigan as a senior, and a three-star recruit overall.

He was first-team Division 2 All-State as e senior, when he averaged 23 points per game, and finished fifth in the Mr. Basketball voting, behind eventual winner Chansey Willis Jr., a junior on last year’s Broncos squad, which went 12-20, 9-9 in the Mid-American Conference, losing in the first round of the conference tourney.

The Broncos have also signed transfers Jalen Griffith (Navarro College) and Hudson Ward (Penn State), adding to a recruiting class that included Sharod Barnes (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s), Brady Swartz (Grand Rapids Northview), Camden Thompson (Whitehall) and Carson Vis (Grand Rapids South Christian).

Royal Oak school officials will begin in-person interviews with a pool of candidates for the superintendent position this week.

During a special meeting Friday, the Board of Education reviewed a pool of 25 applicants and selected four candidates to advance to the first round of interviews. The board is working in partnership with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), with Rodney Green serving as the search consultant.

First-round interviews will be held in person at the Board Meeting Room located at 800 DeVillen Street. Interviews will take place over two evenings, beginning at 5:30 p.m. each night and are open to the public. Candidates include:

Tuesday, May 13

5:30 p.m. – Catherine Kochanski, MA, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Walled Lake Public Schools. According to information provided by Royal Oak school officials, she is a former principal in Rochester and Brandon who spent 15 years teaching in Troy.

6:45 p.m. – Meghan Ashkanani, Ed.S., Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Technology, Berkley School District. She is a former principal in Berkley who spent 17 years teaching in Novi.

Wednesday, May 14

5:30 p.m. – John Tafelski, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Allen Park Public Schools. He is a former high school principal and business teacher in Dearborn Heights.

6:45 p.m. – Joseph Youanes, Ed.D. Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He has Royal Oak ties, having worked as principal at Addams Elementary as well as an assistant principal at Royal Oak Middle School. He is a former teacher in Troy.

Following the initial interviews, an open house will be held for finalists on Thursday, May 16 at 3:30 p.m., with second-round interviews taking place later that evening.

The Royal Oak board expects to appoint a new superintendent by July 1.

“This selection marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of Royal Oak Schools and upholding the district’s vision of a Community of Excellence and its mission to nurture growth-minded, adaptable students in a safe, inclusive, and student-first environment,” a district release announcing the candidates stated.

Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick announced her retirement effective July 31. The board accepted her letter during a March 13 meeting.

For updates and more information, visit royaloakschools.org.

A sixth-grade student at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Boise had a surprising prediction come true when she randomly selected the cardinal who would become the next pope.

"They were like, he's the pope, he's the pope, and they screamed it down the halls, and we were, like, 'Yay he got elected,' and I was like, 'That's my guy, that's my guy.'"

Olivia Fisher and her classmates were given an assignment to pick a cardinal at random who might become the next pope. Her selection, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, made her the only student to correctly predict the historic choice.

RELATED STORY | Pope Leo XIV holds historic first mass, calls for humility among cardinals

"I got who is now the pope, and we had to do it on this bag," Olivia said.

The assignment required students to research their selected cardinal and create a portrait with facts about them. Fisher included details about the new pope in her drawing.

"He was born September 19th, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois," Olivia said.

Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope, a fact that excited Fisher and many others.

"It's cool because we're from the U.S. and I think it's cool to know that he knows where we are, and that he could probably speak American too," Fisher said.

As part of the project, the class made red zucchettos, the small, red skullcaps worn by cardinals. Fisher's drawing featured a white one, reserved for the pope perhaps a sign of her lucky prediction.

Fisher's research highlighted qualities she believes are important for a successful pope, including "prudence, leadership, pastor, experience, intellectual, diplomacy, humility, compassion and mercy."

Her extensive research has paid off, giving her knowledge about the new pope and excitement to learn even more.

This article was written by

Jessica Davis for the Scripps News Group in Boise.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Up to 1,000 transgender troops will be kicked out of the military in the next 28 days. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth set a deadline for the Pentagon to discharge those troops by June 6. He posted on X that his department is leaving wokeness and weakness behind.

Hegseth added that the Trump administration's policy is "what the American people voted for."

This decision comes days after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing the transgender ban to go into effect while legal challenges work their way through the courts.

RELATED STORY | Pilots eject after fighter jet goes overboard on US aircraft carrier

President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. The order argued that the presence of transgender service members conflicts with the soldiers commitment and harms military readiness.

In March, U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settlea George W. Bush appointeeruled in favor of transgender service members challenging the policy, stating that discharging them would damage their careers and reputations.

An Obama-era policy implemented in 2016 allowed transgender individuals to serve openly. However, during Trumps first term, he reversed that policy, issuing a ban that allowed exceptions for active-duty service members who had already begun the transitioning process.

When President Joe Biden took office, the ban was rescinded.

Thousands of transgender individuals serve in the military, though they make up less than 1% of the total active-duty personnel.

RELATED STORY | Pete Hegseth directs military to cut one fifth of its four-star general officers

GLAADs President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis called the Supreme Court's decision a "disgrace."

"Allowing this discriminatory ban to go into effect is out of step with the views of the American people, compromises military readiness, and will make America less safe. Americas brave service members and their families deserve to be treated with dignity and respect," she said.

Public health officials are searching for San Diego Zoo Safari Park visitors who may have been exposed to a wild bat that tested positive for rabies on Wednesday, May 7.

Officials confirmed the bat does not reside in any of the park's animal exhibits and was safely collected by a trained staff member.

According to a press release, the bat was found near a public elevator in the African Loop, close to a hot air balloon ride. This is the only elevator located in this section of the park.

Park visitors who had no physical contact with the bat are not at risk for rabies.

RELATED STORY | Elephants can't pursue their release from a Colorado zoo because they're not human, court says

County Interim Public Health Officer Dr. Ankita Kadakia said rabies symptoms in people can take weeks or months to develop upon exposure and become "fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment."

Rabies transmission can happen from a bat bite or if a bats saliva comes in contact with a cut or abrasion, or with mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth," Kadakia said. "Although bats can carry rabies, they are an important part of nature in San Diego County. It is important to respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them.

This article was written by Elizabeth Dieguez for the Scripps News Group in San Diego.

Doughnut purveyor Krispy Kreme announced this week that it is pausing adding its products to McDonald's menus throughout the U.S.

Joshua Charlesworth, CEO of Krispy Kreme, told investors that Krispy Kreme doughnuts are now available at 2,400 McDonald's locations throughout the U.S. For now, that number won't go up.

That means that only about 17% of U.S. McDonald's locations will serve Krispy Kreme doughnuts for the foreseeable future.

"We are seeing that after the initial marketing launch, demand drops below our expectations, requiring intervention," he said. "To deliver sustainable, profitable growth, we are partnering with McDonald's to increase sales by stimulating higher demand and cutting costs by simplifying operations.

"At the same time, we are reassessing our deployment schedule together with McDonald's while we work to achieve a profitable business model for all parties. Given this, we do not expect to launch any additional restaurants in Q2."

RELATED STORY | Krispy Kreme celebrates 87 years in business after a humble start in North Carolina

McDonald's began serving Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the second half of 2024. The companies had expected full nationwide availability by the end of 2026. Three varieties of Krispy Kreme doughnuts are available: Original Glazed, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles, and Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled.

Charlesworth seemed to think the partnership could resume expansion at a future time.

"I remain confident in the long-term national opportunity, but we need to work together with them to identify levers to improve sales, simplify operations, and once we're positioned for profitable growth, we'll expand further," he said.

Although the McDonald's expansion is on pause, the company said it is continuing with placing doughnuts in more Costco and Sam's Club locations in the coming months.

Hey, you're busy we get it.

We know a lot happens throughout the week, and you may not catch all of our stories here at WXYZ. So we've decided to gather the most talked-about stories from the past week all in one place that you can check out during your free time over the weekend.

Have a story idea or tip? Feel free to let us know using the contact form below.

Here are the big stories from the week beginning May 5.

Michigan man who survived suicide attempt receives face transplant, now helping others Michigan man who survived suicide attempt receives face transplant, now helping others

A Michigan man who attempted to take his own life and survived is now the 18th person in the country to receive a face transplant.

Only about 50 people in the world have ever received a face transplant, and the story of how this man got to this point is full of miraculous moments.

Derek Pfaff, 30, showed us the first version of himself. The one who in 2012, had a seemingly perfect life. He was a captain of his high school football team, he scored a touchdown in the game that won them the state championship.

He had a 4.0, amazing friends and family, blessings that followed him to his freshman year of college, but stress about maintaining his success followed him as well.

The pressure weighed heavily, but Derek said overall he was really quite happy, which makes his story perhaps even more shocking.

"I was on a spring break, I had came back from a ski trip up north with my friends. I had them over that night to play cards in the basement. And yeah, I don't remember getting the gun or doing any of that," he said.

"So before that day, you never had any thoughts of suicide?" I asked him.

"No, never, never crossed my mind," said Derek.

Derek was 19. He had no drugs or alcohol in his system. Derek and Lisa had plans to go to church early the next day. She woke up and went to check on all her kids around 1:30 in the morning.

"I went to Derek's rooms first and opened his door, and he wasn't in his room, and that was really strange," said Lisa Pfaff. "I went through the house, I couldn't find him, and Jerry went outside, and then I heard this loud scream, Derek, no, Derek no.' And he yelled, call 9-1-1, and he said Derek shot himself,'" recalled Lisa.

From 2014 through 2020, he underwent 58 surgeries. Somehow, Derek defied all odds and made it back home, but that doesnt mean life got easier. He no longer had a nose, he lost an eye, his teeth and lips were mostly gone. The second version of himself looked very different.

His face transplant at the Mayo Clinic would make Derek the 18th person in the country to ever receive a face transplant. He would be one of only about 50 in the world to ever receive one. Derek is now 30. He will soon have his last surgery, which includes getting new teeth, and having his trach taken out, allowing him to eat solid foods for the first time in 11 years.

DEA impersonators targeting medical offices and everyday citizens with fake fines DEA impersonators targeting medical offices and everyday citizens with fake fines

A local dermatology office is sounding the alarm after a brazen attempt at a con job targeting medical professionals. A man called their office impersonating a DEA agent, which is an increasingly common scam targeting medical offices.

The scammer claimed to be a DEA agent named Daniel Patel and demanded to speak with doctors about an urgent matter, but an experienced office administrator recognized the red flags.

Part of it was when he hung up, he said God bless America, said Gladys Moore, a practice administrator at Affiliated Troy Dermatologists.

Moore, who has more than 30 years of experience, says this was the first scam call of this nature in her career. Her vigilance protected the practice from what could have been a costly fraud.

"So, I might get a call maybe twice a month from people all over the country about these DEA scams. And sometimes, they get cash from people Target, iTunes, Amazon gift cards. They're just so rattled, they're willing to do whatever it takes to, quote on quote, get the feds off their back," DEA spokesperson Brian McNeal said.

McNeal explained that what makes these scams believable is that the culprits sometimes dig up a doctor's DEA registration number which the agency provides to medical practitioners allowing them to prescribe drugs and the scammers sometimes use the names of actual DEA employees to seem more credible.

"So usually, the way the scam works is they will say that registration number has been involved in some type of illegal activity and that you must pay a fine or you'll face arrest," McNeal said.

These so-called "fines" range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.

McNeal says these DEA impersonators don't just target doctors and people who prescribe drugs, they also go after regular everyday citizens.

Redford Township school saving money on food costs with vertical garden Redford Township school saving money on food costs with vertical garden

Sixth-grade students at Hilbert Elementary School are helping their cafeteria staff cut back on food costs this year by growing some ingredients in their school lunches.

We know its ready to harvest right about now when there is no longer any white behind the lettuce," said STEM teacher Angela Maggioncalda.

Maggioncalda and her students are taking on a newer form of farming: vertical hydroponics.

Its pretty self managing, outside of making sure that theres enough nutrients for the plants, because they are not in soil where they normally get their nutrients from," Maggioncalda said. "And that the pH of the water is correct for the plants.

Contrary to traditional farming, this method takes no dirt and a lot less ground space.

This took very fast," said Javier. "Like two days and when youre at home gardening it takes weeks.

The students we spoke to say they love watching their lettuce and herbs grow.

But when it comes to vertical farming on a larger scale, there are still some kinks that need to be worked out. Fay Hansen, assistant professor of Biological Science at Oakland University, says there are some Phytonutrients that plants growing in the ground build up that those grown indoors can't.

Royal Oak seeks public feedback on new parking meters as current system set to expire Royal Oak working on parking changes with the community

Royal Oak is asking for public feedback on potential new parking meters as the city prepares to replace its current system by the end of the year.

Residents, visitors and business owners have long complained about the existing parking meters in downtown Royal Oak, describing them as difficult to use and confusing.

The current parking meter system will end on Dec. 31 and the city is looking to partner with a new vendor in 2026.

City Commissioner Rebecca Cheezum said the city is actively seeking input from the community.

"We are looking for members of the public, so residents of Royal Oak, visitors to Royal Oak, business owners in Royal Oak to come and try out the three potential vendors to see what they think about the equipment," Cheezum said. "We want a system that is usable, easy, convenient and accessible for everyone."

On Wednesday, the city hosted two Community Parking Open Houses. Local business owners are also eager for the change. Bob Morton, co-owner of Lily's Seafood on Washington Street, said his staff frequently has to help customers struggling with the current meters.

"If not every day, but every other day, someone from our staff or surrounding businesses try to come out and try to help somebody standing at the meter for 10 or 15 minutes," Morton said.

'A very humble man': De La Salle principal shares personal connection to Pope Leo XIV 'A very humble man': De La Salle principal shares personal connection to Pope Leo XIV

The world has a new Pope, as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday in Vatican City.

The first-ever pope from the United States has a personal connection to local Catholic school leader Brother Ken Kalinowski, the principal of De La Salle Collegiate in Warren.

Kalinowski knew Pope Leo XIV during their time together at Villanova University near Philadelphia and has even kept a gift from him all these years later that hangs over his desk.

"Father Bob was the jovial, friendly, what you saw is what you got. He was just so charismatic," Kalinowski said.

Kalinowski grew up in metro Detroit and received a full-ride scholarship to Villanova University. During his time at the university, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, or as Kalinowski and his classmates at Villanova knew him, Father Bob, is remembered with absolute fondness.

"He would just pick tables and just sit with different kids every day and just a delight," Kalinowski said. "His whole thing was working for the good of the poor and making sure that the least, the last and the lost are not forgotten.

The now-principal of the all-boys Catholic high school says theres one instance they shared together that he keeps with him to this day. After his grandmother died in the 1980s, he missed mass for two weeks. Father Bob was there to help.

He goes 'Ken, I havent seen you at mass' and I said 'Father, with my grandmother passing, I think Jesus is on vacation.' Well few days later, there was a picture of Jesus in a frame in a box and he left it at my dorm door and I still have it hanging in my office. And it said, 'Jesus has returned and he wants you to come back,'" Kalinowski said.

Kalinowski has kept that picture from the now-Pope Leo XIV during his time as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, to serving in Kenya and Mexico City and now in Warren inside his office at the high school, not knowing his gift is from the holiest of old friends.

Residents continue to oppose proposed landfill on border of Wayne and Washtenaw counties Residents continue to oppose proposed landfill on Wayne-Washtenaw border

Residents living near the Arbor Hills Landfill are voicing concerns over a proposed expansion that would add a new landfill to the north of the existing site.

Ronak Nandwana lives near the landfill, which sits on the border of Salem Township and Northville Township.

"When the dump first came in here 50 years ago, there was nobody here but now, there are so many neighborhoods that have popped up and they're building even more across the street," Nandwana said.

The waste management company GFL Environmental owns Arbor Hills and has proposed building a new landfill to the north of the existing one, citing that the current landfill is reaching its capacity.

Nandwana opposes the new landfill because of odor issues from the current facility.

"Right now, we are northeast of the dump, so maybe if you have eastern winds, maybe you can only catch a little edge of the smell. But if it's directly west of us, we're going to smell it for sure," Nandwana said.

We reached out to GFL on Wednesday to talk about the proposal and were told "no comment."

Dave Drinan, a Northville Township resident and member of The Conservancy Initiative, a nonprofit group formed to oppose the landfill, also expressed concerns about the expansion.

"Those of us who have invested in homes within a mile or two of this site obviously don't want to have to live next to a new landfill," Drinan said.

Community rallies to save historic Flat Rock Dam as officials weigh options Future of historic Flat Rock Dam

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Authority released a 140-page feasibility study that includes the possibility of removing the Flat Rock Dam to improve fish travel, sparking concern among residents and officials alike.

"I'd hate to see it go," said Will Melfi, who has been visiting the Flat Rock Dam since he was 15. "It's a great place just to come and relax for a few hours and just do some good fishing."

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Authority emphasized in a statement that no final decisions have been made regarding the dam's future.

"The most important key takeaway is that NO decisions have yet been made regarding the future of the Flat Rock Dam. We are currently conducting a Feasibility Study, and that is the first step in complex projects such as this one. The feasibility study evaluates multiple future options." the authority said in a statement.

One alternative being considered is selling the dam to Flat Rock or Huron Township for $5, an offer that Flat Rock Mayor Steven Beller says requires more information.

"It was a very vague offer and it opened up a lot of questions about the dam, the condition of the dam, all the responsibilities, what's supposed to be done and when," Beller said.

State lawmakers representing the district have also voiced opposition to removing the dam, which was built in the 1920s by Henry Ford.

"All three state reps that are around the river and dam oppose this. The mayor and the Huron Township supervisor oppose this. So, we're all in this, we are all one, speaking as one voice to the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Authority to say we don't want this dam removed," Rep. James Desana said.

Desana is asking the Metroparks to redirect the remaining feasibility study funding toward repairs instead.

However, the Metroparks Authority maintains that completing the study is necessary before any decisions can be made.

"EGLE inspects the dam every 3 years, we received the last report in February of 2024 from their inspection on November 9, 2023. The Flat Rock Dam meets all regulatory requirements that are part of the inspection process. EGLE has determined it is a high hazard potential dam, thus, it is our responsibility as owners of the dam to complete the feasibility study and have as much information for future decision making as possible. Since 1990, the Metroparks has invested over $1.7 million in regular maintenance and repairs to ensure the dam meets requirements and is structurally sound. The funding from this grant is for the feasibility study and not for ongoing maintenance or repairs.," the authority stated.