President Joe Biden spoke Sunday on the collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad, calling the moment a "fundamental act of justice" after more than two decades of oppression.
"After 13 years of civil war in Syria and more than half a century of brutal authoritarian rule by Bashar Assad and his father before him, rebel forces have forced Assad to resign his office and flee the country," Biden said. "We're not sure where he is but there's word that he's in Moscow. At long last the Assad regime has fallen. This regime brutalized and tortured and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice. It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria."
President Biden, speaking from the White House just hours after rebels overthrew the Syrian government and Assad fled the country, said while the news is positive for the Middle East, warned that it marks "a moment of risk and uncertainty."
"As we all turn to the question of what comes next, the United States will work with our partners and the stakeholders in Syria to help them seize an opportunity to manage the risks," he said. "You know, for years, the main backers of Assad have been Iran, Hezbollah and Russia. But over the last week their support collapsed all three of them. Because all three of them are far weaker today than they were when I took office."
Meanwhile, President Biden also spoke on Austin Tice, a former U.S. Marine and freelance journalist who disappeared in August 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. Tice's family believes he is still alive in Syria, and President Biden said his administration will continue to work to locate him and bring him home.
"We believe he's alive. We think we can get him back. But we have no direct evidence of that yet and Assad should be held accountable," he said. "... We want to get him out."
Frostbite is more than just some surface-level skin damage. It can snowball into life-long circulation issues and even the loss of limbs.
John O'Connell says frostbite snuck up on him when he was outside for a short time to clean off his car in a snowstorm two years ago. When he came in to warm up, he didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.
He went to a follow-up doctor's appointment just one day later, and that's when the doctor noticed his big toe was starting to turn black.
"They called the surgeon in right away. And he said, 'You're going into surgery tomorrow and taking that toe because it turned turn black,'" O'Connell recalled.
Doctor Roy Elrod is the Chief of Staff and emergency room physician at Detroit Receiving Hospital. He explained that the 'frostbite danger zone' is a lot warmer than most people think.
"Generally the milder cases - when the temperatures are still fairly just above freezing, and that's usually about between 32 to 50 degrees because hypothermia can actually start below 50 degrees. As soon as it gets below 32 degrees, the freezing point is when you actually can see a lot of significant damage to patients," said Dr. Elrod
While everyone might not experience as severe of a case as John did, there is still trouble with mild forms of frostbite.
"What begins to happen is, actually, freezing of water that's within the body. The crystals are actually so small that we can't see, obviously. But when that happens, they slow the progression of blood flow through those areas. And that slowing the blood flow, ultimately, can cause clotting within those small vessels. And then that begins the damage that we see as frostbite," said Dr. Elrod.
The good news is frostbite is incredibly preventable if you're vigilant when braving the cold.
"Look at their little fingertips, red, blue, whatever. Get them inside, no matter how great their laugh. And in talking blue lips, ears, get them inside, keep those covered, but be aware that those are the indications that they should probably be inside," Elrod says. "Be wise. It can be fun to be and have, you know, some winter games, but you always got to be conscientious enough to it and look out for other people, too."
This story was originally published by Meghan Daniels at
Nearly three years ago, more than a million people watched the viral video of a Utah garbage man pulling an American flag out of a trash can and folding it with respect. Since that moment, Don Gardner's life has definitely changed.
I've never shied away from difficult jobs or dirty jobs," said Gardner. "Somebody's got to do it.
In his 14 years working with Emery County Sanitation, Gardner never thought hed find himself in the spotlight.
When you pull a flag out of the dang garbage can and save it, and don't think anybody's looking and get caught. It's been pretty gratifying, he shared.
After millions viewed Gardner's story on YouTube, he received letters, including one from then-former President Donald Trump. Some of those letter included money in them which he put towards buying himself a new flag and pole.
But Gardner said the greatest thing to come out of his fame is educating the public. During a recent flag ceremony, Gardner led his American Legion post in retiring more than 300 flags they collected.
It's actually helped me to be able to help the community, a little easier because people know what we do, Gardner said.
The local Huntington community still beams with pride over it's most viral resident.
I think after that people were more conscious about neighbors, the country, our flags, respecting each other, respecting our veterans, and over time it's grown into more respect for our small community," said county commissioner Jordan Leonard.
Leonard added that its champions like Don who lift up small towns.
Life's not easy in small communities, rural communities, energy communities," he said. "There's ups and downs. But I think it's rallying around each other. We have a lot of heart.
Gardner doesnt plan to stop pumping blood into his community any time soon.
I left in the military, figured I'd go see the world, and honestly, I've seen a lot of it and could not wait to come home," he said.
CLICK HERE to learn more about flag retirement and donations.
This story was originally published by Jenna Bree at
As I sit on a Sunday afternoon, watching organized, NFL-brand youth flag football in a college-caliber high school field house, preparing for a week where all-state teams are announced, using my cell phone to provide WiFi … I realize that not only did the majority of these things exist when I first started all this, but that I probably wouldn’t have even recognized some of the terminology way back then.
No, we weren’t using typewriters when I started in journalism in the mid-1990s, but I didn’t have email on my office computer. We could access the Associated Press wire service on our desktops in the office, but nowhere else, and only one or two desks were connected to the Internet, through phone line modems. One was the “Leaf Desk,” where we’d have to go to grab photos. When we laid out pages, we’d have to print them out, and wax them down to page templates in the office, before a camera shot the image for the press’ plate.
When I started full time at the Midland Daily News, inheriting the duties as ‘poll chairman’ for the Associated Press’ Class C polls in football and girls basketball, I did most of my work by phone (land line, not cell), gathering the votes from my four voters, tallying things up on paper, then coding it on the one machine that could send things to the AP.
It was the same when I bounced around the state: to Alpena, Mt. Pleasant, then Oakland County — in both of my stints there.
Now, I can do most of that on this one machine on my lap. If I was adventurous, I could probably to the vast majority on my cell phone.
Things change, and that trend will continue this week, when the papers in the MediaNews Group Michigan cluster roll out all-state football teams selected by some of our writers, along with other members of the sports writing fraternity.
No longer will those be called ‘The Associated Press All-State’ teams, though.
Instead, they’ll be called the ‘Michigan Sports Writers All-State Football Teams.’
Same thing, essentially, just different names.
Yes, things change, but not all that much, in this case.
Matthew B. Mowery is the regional sports editor for MediaNews Group Michigan cluster.
The process was still the same, with local sports writers gathering nominations from the coaches, filtering them regionally, then presenting them at the all-state meeting in Lansing last week, at the Michigan High School Athletic Association office. (Another thing that didn’t change: Still didn’t have enough plugs in the conference room. But I digress.)
The only thing that’s changing now is really just the name, allowing those teams to run in non-AP papers — a nod toward all the outlets owned by Gannett, which made a company-wide decision to not renew their contract with AP — and allowing those papers to have representatives on the committees. If those papers had been excluded from the process, we’d have had large gaps in our teams’ representation.
In our particular case, it also allows the teams to run in our non-AP customer papers, the weekly papers in St. Clair county, Dearborn and Downriver.
Bonus there, for us — and, in theory, for the customers of those papers.
They’ll roll out this week, starting with the 8-player football all-state teams, followed by Division 7/8, Division 5/6, Division 3/4 and Division 1/2.
The same reasoning will apply to the rankings, going forward.
We’ll have the same boys and girls basketball rankings throughout the winter — they’ll start after the turn of the calendar year — as we usually do, just slightly rebranded.
We’ll still vote on those — online, not by land line phone — and have them on all of our outlets’ web sites.
And then, after the dust and confetti settles at Breslin Center, we’ll have the all-state teams for boys and girls hoops, as well.
Those aren’t going away, just a little different.
Things change, but sometimes not all that much.
Now the only thing we need to do is get more plugs in the conference room, so I don’t have to bring along my “All-State Meeting Power Strips.” Those need to be rebranded, too.
Matthew B. Mowery is the regional sports editor for the MediaNews Group Michigan cluster, comprising four daily and three weekly publications, and has been an all-state voter since 1995. He can be reached at mmowery@medianewsgroup.com.
An Associated Press All-State certificate is pictured. The name of the AP All-State teams is being rebranded to ‘Michigan Sports Writers All-State,’ starting with this fall’s football honor roll squad. (MATTHEW B. MOWERY — MediaNews Group)
SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff on Sunday, bumping Alabama out of the first 12-team bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1.
The selection committee preferred the Mustangs (11-2), losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama (9-3) of the SEC but, ultimately, still one fewer loss.
The expanded bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear that there is no perfect formula for identifying a champion.
The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games involving teams seeded 5-12. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.
Georgia, Boise State and Arizona State join Oregon with first-round byes
Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 titlist Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye.
All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1.
Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU -- the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner.
Texas, Penn St, Notre Dame and Ohio St get home field in first round
There was some tension around how the rest of the teams were seeded because that determined who gets home-field advantage in the first round. The games, with exact dates and times still pending, are No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas; No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State; No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame; and No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State.
Syrian President Bashar Assad fled the country on Sunday, bringing to a dramatic close his nearly 14-year struggle to hold onto control as his country fragmented in a brutal civil war that became a proxy battlefield for regional and international powers.
Assads exit stood in stark contrast to his first months as Syrias unlikely president in 2000, when many hoped he would be a young reformer after three decades of his fathers iron grip. Only 34 years old, the Western-educated ophthalmologist appeared as a geeky tech-savvy fan of computers with a gentle demeanor.
But when faced with protests against his rule that erupted in March 2011, Assad turned to the brutal tactics of his father in an attempt to crush dissent. As the uprising hemorrhaged into an outright civil war, he unleashed his military to blast opposition-held cities, with support from allies Iran and Russia.
International rights groups and prosecutors alleged widespread use of torture and extrajudicial killings in Syrias government-run detention centers. The war has killed nearly half a million people and displaced half of the countrys prewar population of 23 million.
The conflict appeared to be frozen in recent years, with Assads government regaining control of most of Syrias territory while the northwest remained under the control of opposition groups and the northeast under Kurdish control.
Although Damascus remained under crippling Western sanctions, neighboring countries had begun to resign themselves to Assads continued hold on power. The Arab League reinstated Syrias membership last year, and Saudi Arabia in May announced the appointment of its first ambassador since severing ties with Damascus 12 years ago.
However, the geopolitical tide turned quickly when opposition groups in northwest Syria in late November launched a surprise offensive. Government forces quickly collapsed while Assads allies, preoccupied by other conflicts Russias war in Ukraine and the yearlong wars between Israel and the Iran-backed militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas appeared reluctant to forcefully intervene.
An end to decades of family rule
Assad came to power in 2000 by a twist of fate. His father had been cultivating Bashars oldest brother, Basil, as his successor, but in 1994, Basil was killed in a car crash in Damascus. Bashar was brought home from his ophthalmology practice in London, put through military training and elevated to the rank of colonel to establish his credentials so he could one day rule.
When Hafez Assad died in 2000, parliament quickly lowered the presidential age requirement from 40 to 34. Bashars elevation was sealed by a nationwide referendum, in which he was the only candidate.
Hafez, a lifelong military man, ruled the country for nearly 30 years during which he set up a Soviet-style centralized economy and kept such a stifling hand over dissent that Syrians feared even to joke about politics to their friends.
He pursued a secular ideology that sought to bury sectarian differences under Arab nationalism and the image of heroic resistance to Israel. He formed an alliance with the Shiite clerical leadership in Iran, sealed Syrian domination over Lebanon and set up a network of Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups.
Bashar initially seemed completely unlike his strongman father.
Tall and lanky with a slight lisp, he had a quiet, gentle demeanor. His only official position before becoming president was head of the Syrian Computer Society. His wife, Asma al-Akhras, whom he married several months after taking office, was attractive, stylish and British-born.
The young couple, who eventually had three children, seemed to shun trappings of power. They lived in an apartment in the upscale Abu Rummaneh district of Damascus, as opposed to a palatial mansion like other Arab leaders.
Initially upon coming to office, Assad freed political prisoners and allowed more open discourse. In the Damascus Spring, salons for intellectuals emerged where Syrians could discuss art, culture and politics to a degree impossible under his father.
But after 1,000 intellectuals signed a public petition calling for multiparty democracy and greater freedoms in 2001, and others tried to form a political party, the salons were snuffed out by the feared secret police, who jailed dozens of activists.
Tested by the Arab Spring, Assad relied on old alliances to stay in power
Instead of a political opening, Assad turned to economic reforms. He slowly lifted economic restrictions, let in foreign banks, threw the doors open to imports and empowered the private sector. Damascus and other cities long mired in drabness saw a flourishing of shopping malls, new restaurants and consumer goods. Tourism swelled.
Abroad, he stuck to the line his father had set, based on the alliance with Iran and a policy of insisting on a full return of the Israel-annexed Golan Heights, although in practice Assad never militarily confronted Israel.
In 2005, he suffered a heavy blow with the loss of Syrias decades-old control over neighboring Lebanon after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. With many Lebanese accusing Damascus of being behind the slaying, Syria was forced to withdraw its troops from the country and a pro-American government came to power.
At the same time, the Arab world split into two camps one of U.S.-allied, Sunni-led countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the other Syria and Shiite-led Iran with their ties to Hezbollah and Palestinian militants.
Throughout, Assad relied largely on the same power base at home as his father: his Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam comprising around 10% of the population. Many of the positions in his government went to younger generations of the same families that had worked for his father. Drawn in as well were members of the new middle class created by his reforms, including prominent Sunni merchant families.
Assad also turned to his own family. His younger brother Maher headed the elite Presidential Guard and would lead the crackdown against the uprising. Their sister Bushra was a strong voice in his inner circle, along with her husband, Deputy Defense Minister Assef Shawkat, until he was killed in a 2012 bombing. Bashars cousin, Rami Makhlouf, became the countrys biggest businessman, heading a financial empire before the two had a falling-out that led to Makhlouf being pushed aside.
Assad also increasingly entrusted key roles to his wife, Asma, before she announced in May that she was undergoing treatment for leukemia and stepped out of the limelight.
When 2011 protests erupted in Tunisia and Egypt, eventually toppling their rulers, Assad dismissed the possibility of the same occurring in his country, insisting his regime was more in tune with its people. After the Arab Spring wave reached Syria, his security forces staged a brutal crackdown while Assad consistently denied he was facing a popular revolt. He instead blamed foreign-backed terrorists trying to destabilize his regime.
His rhetoric struck a chord with many in Syrias minority groups including Christians, Druze and Shiites as well as some Sunnis who feared the prospect of rule by Sunni extremists even more than they disliked Assads authoritarian rule.
As the uprising spiraled into a civil war, millions of Syrians fled to Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon and on to Europe.
Ironically, on Feb. 26, 2011, two days after the fall of Egypts Hosni Mubarak to protesters and just days before the wave of Arab Spring protests swept into his country, Assad e-mailed a joke he had run across mocking the Egyptian leaders stubborn refusal to step down.
Detroit Lions season-ticket members have opportunities to decide what additional benefit they can earn from supporting one of the best teams in the NFL.
Fahad Yousif decided to take advantage of the opportunity to be on the field pregame and be part of the National Anthem.
Prior to Lions games at Ford Field, fans assist in rolling out and holding the American flag during the singing of the Anthem.
Against the Packers, Yousif went viral online for jawing with Packers players and head coach Matt LaFleur.
“We’re about 5, 10 yards away from the sideline just kind of looking at all the players, definitely letting them know you’re going down, you’re done, it’s over,” Yousif said, via WXYZ. “I let them know we’re gonna beat you two times, once home, once here and (LaFleur) didn’t like that. Once I did the throat slash, he absolutely lost it, which I understand. I mean, I got caught up in the moment, and the fans, and the adrenaline and stuff, but it was madness.”
The Packers coach expressed a desire for officials to remove Yousif from the field, as he was making a throat slash gesture towards him.
After the video was captured and spread online, Lions security made the decision to eject Yousif at halftime.
“I love the Lions. The moment, I got caught up in it. I do feel a little bit like maybe I may have embarrassed some fans and the organization,” said Yousif. “But that is not my intentions at all. I absolutely love the team. I’m sad it worked out this way, but I’m glad we got that win.”
This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions
Detroit Lions flag flies during player introductions against the Green Bay Packer before an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (RICK OSENTOSKI — AP Photo)
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, shortly after a meeting in Paris with French and Ukrainian leaders, claiming Kyiv would like to make a deal to end the more than 1,000-day war.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Moscow and Kyiv have both lost hundreds of thousands of soldiers in a war that should never have started.
There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, he said, as he called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to act to bring the fighting to an end.
Trumps remarks came after a meeting Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, that Zelenskyy later described as constructive.
Speaking to reporters later that day, Zelenskyy insisted that any peace deal should be just for Ukrainians, so that Russia and Putin or any other aggressors will not have the opportunity to return.
In a separate social media update Sunday, Zelenskyy asserted that Kyiv has so far lost 43,000 soldiers since Moscow's all-out invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, while a further 370,000 have been wounded.
Both Russia and Ukraine have been reluctant to publish official casualty figures, but Western officials have said that the past few months of grinding positional warfare in eastern Ukraine have meant record losses for both sides, with tens of thousands killed and wounded each month.
Local legislators are working to ensure first responders are not overworked due to being short staffed.
On Dec. 2, Sen Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) rallied with Michigan firefighters on the steps of the state Capitol to discuss legislation she recently introduced that would allow firefighters to bring concerns on staffing levels to the negotiation table.
Senate Bill 1167 would require the inclusion of minimum staffing levels as a subject of collective bargaining between public employers and their employees. This measure would simply require a conversation to occur; it would not mandate a municipality to meet specific staffing levels if they lack the financial means to do so.
“Firefighters’ concerns about minimum manpower are legitimate, and they ought to be able to at least have the conversation during contract negotiations,” she said.
Klinefelt, Chair of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee, is looking to create dialogue.
“Firefighters are stretched thin, and this is just one tool to address the issue,” she said.
Klinefelt said Michigan lags behind other Midwest states with regard to the total number of full-time professional firefighters per resident with less than half that of Ohio, Illinois and Indiana.
Michigan Professional Firefighters Union President and 16-year veteran of the Harrison Township Fire Department Matt Sahr said state residents will ultimately benefit from this legislation.
“Local control will be maintained, and communities can have thoughtful conversation on this important issue,” Sahr said. “Being able to talk about our staffing, we can come up with creative ideas together and we can make things happen.”
Sahr said it has become increasingly more difficult to recruit people for firefighter and paramedic positions.
The inability to discuss staffing during contract negotiations has contributed to that shortage of firefighters, according to Klinefelt. Such shortages can put the residents at risk and in some cases has caused fire stations to close resulting in delayed response times.
Joe Schehr, President of Warren Professional Firefighters Local 1383, said it is vitally important to allow thoughtful conversations between firefighters and their local leaders with regard to staffing. He supports SB1167 and HB4688 which both address this issue.
“Our firefighters are here to protect our residents and the community, and the most effective way of doing that is through proper staffing,” said Schehr. “Both of these bills will allow firefighters and their local leaders to work together to do just that.”
Schehr echoed Klinefelt’s concern about Michigan having half of the full-time firefighters as surrounding states and called that statistic “staggering.”
“In Warren, through collaboration with our fire administration, mayor, city council, and union, we are fortunate to have a very successful firefighter cadet program which has allowed our department to be fully staffed,” Schehr said. “Many communities are not as fortunate as ours and have staffing shortages.”
Schehr emphasized that an important component of both bills is that no specific staffing level is mandated. The goal is to open up conversation so that firefighters and community administrators can work together to find creative solutions to staffing issues that will ensure that residents, property, visitors to the community and firefighters themselves are protected.
“As quick as legislators are to take photos with first responders on the campaign trail, we should be just as quick to respond to their needs during the legislative session,” said Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Majority Vice Chair of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee. “Despite the threat of personal physical and mental harm, these individuals answer the call to serve day in and day out.”
Senate Bill 1167 builds on a series of actions taken by the Michigan Senate to support first responders including SB 249, which reduces time and financial barriers to becoming a paramedic. SB 834 doubles survivor benefits for public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. There are items in the 2024 state budget that provide fire departments with funding to purchase additional sets of turnout gear.
Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) on the steps of the state capitol with Michigan firefighters who support a bill she introduced that would allow staffing to be discussed during contract negotiations.
(PHOTO BY MEGAN DOMBROWSKI)
The holiday edition of the Great Lakes Comics Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 38900 Harper Ave., Clinton Township.
Expo organizer Mike DeSantis encourages guests to donate new, unopened toys as part of a Toys for Tots drive. DeSantis has collaborated with Toys for Tots for eight years. Donations can be made at the admissions table.
Each toy donation gets the donor entered into a raffle taking place at 2:45 p.m. If you donate five toys, you get five chances to win and so on. You must be present to win.
Ghostbusters Detroit, a nonprofit organization where people cosplay as characters from the “Ghostbusters” franchise, will be on hand to help with the raffle. The prizes for the final raffle include:
• DC Comics’ “Action Comics” No. 835 (a $40 value), which is the first appearance of the villain Livewire.
• Marvel Comics’ “Daredevil” Vol. 1 No. 230 (a $20 value), which is part of the monumental “Born Again” saga being adapted into 2025’s “Daredevil: Born Again” with Charlie Cox reprising his role as Daredevil.
• Marvel’s “Captain America” Vol. 5 No. 34 (a $15 value), which is Bucky Barnes’ first appearance as Captain America.
• Marvel’s “Ghost Rider” Vol. 3 No. 28 (a $15 value), which is the start of the “Rise of the Midnight Sons” storyline.
Various raffles will take place throughout the day. The first raffle at 10:45 a.m. is the early bird raffle, which features the first full appearance of the villain Carnage from Marvel’s “Amazing Spider-Man” Vol. 1 No. 361. There also will be raffles at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Admission is $5 between 10-11 a.m. Afterward, it’s $3. Children ages 10 and under are free. Parking is free.
The 47th Annual Potters Market, the largest pottery sale of its kind in the United States, returns to Southfield, Thursday through Sunday, December 5 through 8.
As one of Michigans most popular holiday events, the market will fill the 17,000 sq foot Southfield Pavilion with more than 30,000 pieces of pottery, handcrafted by artists from Michigan and beyond. The Southfield Pavilion is located at 26000 Evergreen Road in Southfield. Admission is free.
The Potters Market features over 130 artists, offering a wide variety of items including vases, mugs, tiles, platters, birdbaths, jewelry, sculpture and much more. Prices range from $5 to hundreds of dollars ensuring that there is something for every budget. The bulk area is a favorite feature of the sale, where shoppers can find pottery priced between 5 and $30 including mugs, jewelry, garden art,whimsical items and more. Last year more than 35,000 pieces of pottery were sold over the four days.
The holidays can be a challenging time for survivors of intimate partner violence. To ease some of those difficulties, HAVEN is holding its annual Gift Giveaway, where survivors and their families can shop for holiday gifts, thanks to the generous donations and countless volunteer hours.
HAVENs Gift Giveaway empowers survivors who have used HAVENs services in the past 12 months by allowing them to shop (at no cost to them) from hundreds of holiday items, such as toys, clothing, small appliances and more. Volunteers also accompany survivors, assisting them in picking out special gifts for their children and themselves. Last year, HAVEN helped make the holiday season brighter for more than 500 survivors and their families. This number continues to grow each year as survivors and their families seek support, shelter, and freedom. With the communitys help, survivors and their families will have the holiday they deserve.
Donations can be dropped off at HAVEN, 801 Vanguard in Pontiac, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Pajamas for all ages and sizes, especially mens sizes for teenage boys
Winter gear, especially for teen boys, such as boots, gloves, and hats
Volunteers are needed during Gift Giveaway, December 8-13. Duties include gift wrapping, assisting with donations, setting up the room, organizing donations, helping client's shop, tear down and more. Those interested can sign up through HAVENs United Way volunteer portal [liveunitedsem.galaxydigital.com].
• HAVEN is holding its annual Gift Give-Away, where survivors of domestic violence and their families can shop from hundreds of holiday gifts (at no cost) thanks to generous donations. Donations can be made at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2L3KGKOPNBPCA?ref\=wlshare, through Dec. 8, donated gifts can be shipped to or dropped off at HAVEN of Oakland County, 801 Vanguard Drive, Pontiac, MI, 48341, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For volunteer opportunities, sign by visiting: www.Haven-Oakland.org/gift-giveaway-2024.
• Annual Whoville Christmas Party is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or 3-6 p.m. Dec. 8, Shenandoah Country Club, 5600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, to raise funds to help local families in need, hosted by United Community Family Services/Chaldean American Ladies of Charity, www.ucfamilyservices.org. Attire suggested is Christmas PJs.
• Volunteers of America Michigan is hosting its annual Adopt a Family program. Adopt a family at www.voami.org/adopt-a-family, through Dec. 11. Gifts must be delivered to families by Dec. 21. For questions, call 248-353-4862 or emailaaf@voami.org.
• The Rainbow Connection Michigan’s wish-granting organization, in Rochester, is hosting its annual Toy Drive and Adopt-A-Family Program. Those interested in donating can find The Rainbow Connection’s gift guide at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/26ZNXA9Y0WYPA?ref=cmswemrununOSJjq2Be0pWpa. The adopted families will be invited to pick up the gifts Dec. 11-14.
• The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is holding its first-ever 12 Days of Ringing Challenge from Dec. 2-14, (excluding Sunday, Dec. 8) at red kettle locations, https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/metrodetroit/12-days-of-ringing. To participate, visit any red kettle location in the metro Detroit area (Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties), take a selfie by the iconic Red Kettle and share on social media, tagging #12DaysOfRinging. For those in need, visit https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/location-search.
• The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit seeks volunteer bell ringers. Individuals and families can sign up to volunteer by visiting registertoring.com where they have an option to choose a traditional, two-hour session at a physical red kettle site or participate in a virtual bell ringing shift where they can raise funds from home. Individuals can donate money via an online kettle, Paypal, Venmo or physical red kettle, or at SAmetrodetroit.org, or by calling 877-SAL-MICH or texting GIFT to 24365.
• Toys for Tots toy drive, donations of unwrapped toys accepted through Dec. 16, at Farmington Hills Police and Fire Department headquarters on the campus of City Hall at the corner of Eleven Mile and Orchard Lake Roads.
• Guests at Parc Detroit, Experience Zuzu, and 220 Merrill are encouraged to bring a toy to benefit COTS Detroit, through Dec. 16. As a thank-you, guests will receive a complimentary Christmas dessert, COTSDetroit.org. Toys can be purchased from COTS’ Amazon Wishlist.
• The Birmingham Fire Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys for its annual Toys for Tots Foundation toy drive through Dec. 20 at the city’s two fire stations, 572 S. Adams Road and 1600 W. Maple Road, and Baldwin Public Library, 300 W. Merrill St. and Birmingham City Hall, 151 Martin St. Unwrapped donated toys for all ages can be placed in Toys for Tots collection boxes at these locations. For more information, call 248-530-1906, toysfortots.org, bhamgov.org/fire.
• The Ghost of Dishes Past is 7-10 p.m. Dec. 20, First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac, 99 Wayne St., Pontiac, dinner fundraiser featuring dishes served in the Victorian England household of Charles Dickens, complete with period music and inspired 19th century refreshments, tickets are $50 with a portion to benefit Pontiac’s historic Oak Hill Cemetery, https://events.getlocalhop.com/the-ghost-of-dishes-past/event/aYMxi2rmcR.
• Christmas of Hope, A Benefit for Hurricane Victims is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Flagstar Strand, 12 N Saginaw St, Pontiac, www.flagstarstrand.com, ticket prices vary.
• Love In the Name of Christ of North Oakland County (Love INC), Lake Orion, is hosting a gift card drive through Dec. 23. ($25-$50 gift card denominations suggested). For locations to drop off boxes for card donations, visit Loveincofnoc.org, or call 248-693-435, or drop off 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Love INC, 1550 W. Drahner Road, Oxford.
• Gifts for All God’s Children, a faith-based nonprofit located in Rochester Hills, offers four ways to make a difference. Sponsor a Child-Choose a child and do the shopping for clothing, toys, books, and hygiene items. Make a Donation. Purchase from the nonprofit’s Amazon Wish List and ship Items to the workshop. Purchase items and send them to the workshop for packing and distribution, https://giftsforallgodschildren.org/christmas-outreach-program.
• The Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit is seeking donations of gently used furniture for families in need, especially smaller sofas, dining tables, and chairs that fit in modest-sized homes, items should be free of stains, rips, tears, and pet hair. Call 248-332-1300 to schedule a pick-up.
• Forgotten Harvest’s Hope for the Holidays meal distribution events take place through December in metro Detroit. Forgotten Harvest seeks monetary donations and volunteers to continue programs, www.forgottenharvest.org.Those in need of food assistance can visit www.forgottenharvest.org/find-food to find a distribution event nearby.
• Gleaners Community Food Bank seeks community help, through financial donations and nonperishable food donations, including canned meat, beans and vegetables, low-sodium soups, oatmeal, protein drinks, peanut butter and healthy cereal (avoid donating items in glass containers or any cooked leftovers), www.gcfb.org/give-now. Gleaners also seeks volunteers to for the winter season (January through March), https://gcfb.volunteerhub.com/vv2.
Education activities
• Bank of America is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Student Leaders summer internship program through Jan. 15. Students Leaders receive first-hand experience in serving their communities through a paid eight-week internship with local nonprofits. They also travel to Washington, D.C. for the national Student Leaders Summit. Apply at www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders and submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, guidance counselor or school administrator.
Holiday activities
• Cocoa and Crafts with Santa: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7-8, families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, make holiday crafts, play games, drink hot cocoa, at Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy, $9 adv., free for ages under 2, discount to Troy Historical Society members. Register at www.troyhistoricvillage.org.
• Holly Dickens Festival: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7-8, and Dec. 14-15, downtown Holly. Stroll the streets of historic Battle Alley, visit shops, enjoy strolling Christmas carolers, street performers, holiday lights, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, children may visit with Santa in the Tiny Tim Children’s Tent, www.hollydickensfestival.org.
• A Holiday to Remember: Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15, (4–7 p.m. Saturday and Noon-3 p.m. Sunday) downtown Northville, holiday-themed activities, carolers and bagpipers, free horse and wagon rides Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, starting on Main Street by the clock tower. Santa House located in Town Square, www.downtownnorthville.com.
• Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 8, downtown Rochester, www.rrc-mi.com/christmas-parade. Plan parking at www.ci.rochester.mi.us/231/Parking.
• Chanu-Con Chanukah Festival: 1-5 p.m. Dec. 8, Congregation Beth Shalom, 14601 Lincoln, Oak Park, Kosher food, art and gift vendors, entertainment, children’s activities, free admission, donations welcome, www.congbethshalom.org.
• Santa’s Stable: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 8, High Vibe Trail Rides, 2471 Meadowood Lane, Milford, www.facebook.com/share/1XoiBtBwXh, features pictures with Santa and horses, pony rides for children, face painting, writing letters to Santa, cookie decorating and hot cocoa and coffee station. Proceeds benefit Camp Casey, a local nonprofit that provides cost-free horseback riding programs to children with life-threatening illnesses.
• Clarkston Holiday Lights Parade: 6 p.m. Dec. 14, starting at Renaissance High School Community Education Building, 6558 Waldon Road, Clarkston, proceeding to Main St., ending at Calvary Lutheran Church, 6805 Bluegrass Drive, www.teamrush27.net/community/holiday-lights-parade.
• Holiday Craft Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 14, at Oxford High School, 745 N. Oxford Road, Oxford, more than 120 booths, hosted by the Oxford leadership class, https://smetankacraftshows.com. Admission is $3, for ages 14+.
• Glenlore Trails-Aurora: Thursday-Sunday evenings, through Dec. 29, at 3860 Newtown Road, Commerce Twp., one-mile walk through experience, www.GlenloreTrails.com, ticket prices vary.
Library activities
• The Rochester Hills Public Library presents “The Conversation Project” at 7 p.m. Dec. 10, at the library, 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester. Registered Nurse Vicki Klanke explains how The Conversation Project can help every person’s wish for end-of-life care be expressed and respected, open to the public. Registration is required at calendar.rhpl.org or call 248-656-2900.
• The Friends of Auburn Hills Public Library will be hosting a holiday used book sale, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 14, at Auburn Hills Public Library, at 3400 E. Seyburn Drive, Auburn Hills. For questions email to FAHPL3400@gmail.com, www.ahplibrary.org.
• Talkin’ Broadway Highlights the Musical “Wicked” is 2-4 p.m. Dec. 15, at West Bloomfield Township Public Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., https://wblib.org
Parks
• Oakland County Parks and Recreation offers free admission. General park entry fees and vehicle permits have been eliminated for all parks operated by Oakland County Parks, www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks.
• Huron-Clinton Metroparks 2025 annual passes are on sale now, with a $5 discount to residents of the five counties they serve, for annual vehicle passes purchased through Dec. 31, 2024, $35 ($24 for Seniors 62+). The pass can be used to access all of the 13 Metroparks all year long. Additionally, 2025 passes can be used immediately, even before the new year. Starting Jan. 1, the 2025 Metroparks annual pass will again cost $40 for residents ($29 for Seniors 62+) or $45 for non-residents ($34 for Seniors 62+).
• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.
Support activities/Resources
• For access to local community services, dial 211 (844-875-9211) or text zip code to 898211, for information and referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions, United Way, https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help.
• Common Ground’s Resource & Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 – call or text 800-231-1127.
• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for people who are suicidal or in emotional distress, or who know someone who is. Calls and text messages to 988 route to a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, www.fcc.gov/988Lifeline.
• Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and then press 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, available 24/7.
More Waterford Township residents are interested in keeping chickens in their backyards.
Jeffrey Polkowski, the township’s community planning and development director, said he’s seen a sharp increase in the last two years from five years ago, when requests came once or twice a year.
This year, 10 people have applied to the planning commission to keep chickens, said Zoning Administrator Justin Daymon. Of five with planning commission dates, two requests were approved, one was denied and two more will be considered on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Daymon and Polkowski can’t say how many residents have backyard chickens, because people often don’t realize they need to get the township’s permission if the animals are kept on land less than five acres. Roosters are barred from residential areas. The township’s ordinance considers chickens to be small livestock, as are ducks, quail or other animals such as chinchillas.
People keep backyard chickens for several reasons, such as part of a more-sustainable lifestyle, knowing the source of their eggs or as a family hobby.
More communities are permitting backyard chickens. Detroit approved a chicken ordinance last month. Royal, Ferndale and Troy also allow backyard flocks. But not all communities approve.
Waterford officials typically learn about backyard chickens after a neighbor calls code enforcement to complain about noise, waste smells or signs of rodents. Code enforcement officials investigate and will ticket the birds’ owners. The owners have the option of getting rid of the flock or asking for the planning commission’s approval.
Of the requests this year, Daymon said. “I think only one didn’t originate from a special enforcement complaint.”
Waiting until a neighbor complains can lead to heartbreak, Polkowski said. In September, a Shoman Street family applied to keep 12 chickens – a gift to their seven children – and four ducks. The planning commission considered approving the request and limiting the family to a total of 12 birds. The township’s general but unwritten rule encourages a limit of six backyard chickens. The motion failed on a 2-to-4 vote. The family had to get rid of all the chickens and ducks.
On Tuesday, the township will consider two requests: One in the 300 block of Tull Drive; the other in the 6300 block of Grace K Drive.
Polkowski said anyone considering chickens will improve their chances by taking a few steps before bringing home any small livestock:
• Speak to your neighbors first before going to the planning commission. Talk about how many animals would be appropriate. If you’re planning on 10, for example, you may find the neighbors prefer a smaller number, he said. You may be able to negotiate a compromise. The goal is to get neighbors’ support before a planning commission meeting. “It’s hard to imagine the planning commission denying a request that the neighbors support,” he said.
• Seek the planning commission’s approval first rather than asking for forgiveness after bringing small livestock home. “Code enforcement will find out the second a neighbor complains,” Polkowski said.
• Make a waste-management plan so the commissioners know how you’ll keep the coop and yard sanitary and limit the risk of rats and predators.
• Know rules for coop locations. The township has worksheets online with rules for the size of accessory buildings and the distance they must be from property lines and other structures: https://www.waterfordmi.gov/345/Checklists-Requirements.
• Do your homework. In addition to waste management and figuring out how to keep rodents and predators at bay, chicken owners should learn to spot signs of salmonella and the highly pathogenic avian influenza – bird flu – and take action. The virus can quickly kill a brood of chickens. The state offers two resources: www.michigan.gov/birdflu and small flock biosecurity tips at https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/animals/diseases/avian/avian-influenza#biosecurity-small-flock. Michigan State University also hosts a page with tips and resources: https://cvm.msu.edu/vdl/news/2024/avian-influenza-information-and-resources. MSU’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory is the only one in Michigan authorized to test for bird flu. As for salmonella: 18 Michigan residents were among 334 people in 47 states in a 2018 wave of salmonella in people with backyard chicken flocks.
If a resident discovers a neighbor is keeping chickens illegally, Polkowski said it’s best to call code enforcement at (248) 674-6262 rather than negotiate directly with the neighbor.
Waterford Township’s planning commission meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, to review the agenda for its 6 p.m. meeting in the township hall auditorium, 5200 Civic Center Drive.
Keeping backyard chickens in neighborhoods has grown more popular in recent years. These chickens were allowed in Ferndale after the city passed a new ordinance. FILE PHOTO.
Today is Sunday, Dec. 8, the 343rd day of 2024. There are 23 days left in the year.
Today in history:
On Dec. 8, 1980, rock star and former Beatle John Lennon was shot to death outside his New York City apartment building by Mark David Chapman.
Also on this date:
In 1941, the United States entered World War II as Congress declared war against Imperial Japan a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev signed a treaty at the White House calling for the destruction of intermediate-range missiles.
In 2012, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy.
In 2014, the U.S. and NATO ceremonially ended their combat mission in Afghanistan, 13 years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks sparked their invasion of the country to topple the Taliban-led government.
In 2016, John Glenn, whose 1962 flight as the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth made him an all-American hero and propelled him to a long career in the U.S. Senate, died in Columbus, Ohio, at age 95.
In 2017, Japanese pitching and hitting star Shohei Ohtani announced that he would sign with the Los Angeles Angels.
In 2022, Russia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner in a high-profile prisoner exchange with the U.S., which released Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Today’s Birthdays:
Flutist James Galway is 85.
Author Bill Bryson is 73.
Actor Kim Basinger (BAY’-sing-ur) is 71.
Actor Wendell Pierce is 62.
Actor Teri Hatcher is 60.
Basketball Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon is 59.
Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Mussina is 56.
Actor Dominic Monaghan is 48.
Singer Nicki Minaj is 42.
Country singer Sam Hunt is 40.
Actor AnnaSophia Robb is 31.
December 1980: Fans of John Lennon holding a vigil after he was shot dead by a fan on December 8th at his home in New York. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The New York Police Department released new images of a person of interest in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
In one image, the man, who is wearing a medical mask, is seen outside of a vehicle. In another image, he is seen inside what appears to be a taxi.
The net is tightening, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Saturday.
Thompson was killed Wednesday morning as he was walking from the hotel where he was staying to the New York Hilton Midtown for a conference with investors, police said.
Despite being caught on surveillance video, the gunman has managed to evade police.
On Friday, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said that they had obtained surveillance footage of the gunman entering a bus station.
Those buses are interstate buses," he said. "Thats why we believe he may have left New York City.
Investigators also revealed on Friday that a bag they believe the shooter was carrying was found in Central Park.
It was removed with an excavator to prevent the risk of investigators contaminating even the ground around it with other traces, officials said.
Police did not share what, if anything, was in the bag.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Syrian opposition fighters say they have entered Damascus following a stunning advance across the country as the head of a Syrian opposition war monitor reported that President Bashar Assad had left the country for an undisclosed location.
Rami Abdurrahman said Assad took a flight from Damascus and left early Sunday. There was no immediate official statement from the Syrian government. '
It was the first time opposition forces had reached Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured areas on the outskirts of the capital following a yearslong siege.
The night before, opposition forces had taken the central city of Homs, Syria's third largest, as government forces abandoned it. Homs is an important intersection between Damascus and Syria's coastal provinces that are the Syrian leader's base of support.
The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too.
Eight key countries gathered with the U.N. special envoy on Syria on the sidelines of the Doha Summit for two hours of discussions Saturday night, and more will follow. The U.N. envoy seeks urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an "orderly political transition."
Military command of Syria's opposition says Damascus is 'free' of Bashar Assad's rule
The military command of the Syrian opposition says its fighters have entered the capital Damascus claiming that it is "free" of President Bashar Assad's rule.
The so-called Military Command Administration said Assad had fled without giving further details.
Assad's departure marks the end of the 54-year of Assad family rule of Syria with an iron fist. His father Hafez Assad came to power in a bloodless coup in 1970 and ruled until his death in 2000. Bashar Assad was elected weeks after his father's death and ruled Syria until he was overthrown on Sunday.
The command declared the end of "the dark period and the beginning of a new era in Syria."
State television in Iran, Assad's main backer in the years of war in Syria, reported that "terrorists" had entered Damascus and that Assad had left the capital. It cited Qatar's Al Jazeera news network for the information and did not elaborate.
Syrian opposition war monitor says President Bashar Assad has left the country
The head of a Syrian opposition war monitor says Syria's President Bashar Assad has left the country for an undisclosed location.
Rami Abdurrahman tells The Associated Press that Assad took a flight from Damascus and left early Sunday.
Abdurrahman's comments came after the protesters took over the Syrian capital.
An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported seeing groups of armed residents along the road in the outskirts of the capital and hearing sounds of gunshots. The city's main police headquarters appeared to be abandoned, its door left ajar with no officers outside.
Another AP journalist shot footage of an abandoned army checkpoint, uniforms discarded on the ground under a poster of Assad's face.
Syrian insurgents say they have entered Damascus as residents report gunfire
Syrian insurgents say they have entered Damascus, capping a stunning advance across the country, as residents of the capital reported sounds of gunfire and explosions.
There was no immediate official statement from the Syrian government. The pro-government Sham FM radio reported that Damascus airport was evacuated and the insurgents announced they had entered the notorious Saydnaya military prison north of the capital and "liberated our prisoners" there.
The night before, opposition forces had taken the central city of Homs, Syria's third largest, as government forces abandoned it. The government denied rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country.
The loss of Homs represented a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus the Syrian leader's base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base.
DETROIT (AP) — Valeri Nichushkin scored his third goal in two games, Alexandar Georgiev made 28 saves and the Colorado Avalanche beat the slumping Detroit Red Wings 2-1 on Saturday night.
Cale Makar scored on the power play for Colorado. Makar leads all NHL defensemen with 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 28 games.
Lucas Raymond scored his eighth goal in the last nine games for Detroit, which has lost five straight — all by a single goal. Ville Husso made 23 saves.
Takeaways
Avalanche: It was a major bounce back effort from Georgiev, the team’s top goaltender. He was pulled from his previous start at Buffalo on Tuesday after surrendering four goals in less than 12 minutes.
Red Wings: The offense continues to come up empty, even against some of the weaker defensive teams in the league. The Avalanche had allowed 27 goals while losing four of their previous six games.
Key moment
The Avalanche only had one power play but Makar made good use of it. He ripped a shot from the point that beat a screened Husso early in the second period. That put the offensively-challenged Red Wings down two goals and the Colorado lead held up.
Key stat
Makar, who got his first career hat trick against Detroit in March, has 17 points in eight career games against the Red Wings.
Up Next
Avalanche visit New Jersey on Sunday, while Red Wings play at Buffalo on Monday.
Detroit Red Wings right wing Jonatan Berggren (48) battles Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta (94) for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)
NEW YORK (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 29 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds, and the Detroit Pistons beat the New York Knicks 120-111 on Saturday night.
Malik Beasley had 23 points off the bench and Jaden Ivey chipped in 16 for the Pistons, who snapped a three-game losing streak.
It was Cunningham’s fifth triple-double of the season, three behind league leader Nikola Jokic.
Jalen Brunson had 31 points and 10 assists, and Mikal Bridges finished with 20 points for the Knicks, who had their four-game winning streak stopped.
New York played without Karl-Anthony Towns, who was held out due to a sore right knee, and reserve Cam Payne. The Knicks also lost Josh Hart in the fourth quarter after he picked up his second technical foul.
Detroit led by 17 points in the third quarter before the Knicks outscored them over 27-14 over the final 10 minutes of the period to cut the lead 89-85.
New York made it a two-point game in the opening minute of the fourth quarter on Ariel Hukporti’s dunk. The Pistons responded with a 12-2 run and took advantage of four turnovers by New York to increase the lead to 103-89 with 7:55 left in regulation.
Takeaways
Pistons: Cunningham had 21 points during the first half on 7-for-11 shooting from the field, including 5 for 7 from long distance
Knicks: Jericho Sims started in Towns’ place and was scoreless in just six first-half minutes.
Key Moment
New York honored a number of its former players who attended the game during a halftime ceremony on the court.
Key Stat
Detroit shot 26 for 46 from the field and 13 for 23 beyond the arc in the first half.
Up Next
New York visits Toronto on Monday night. Detroit visits Boston on Thursday night.
Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham is defended by New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
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