The Michigan Department of Transportation is hoping to open the new “flex lanes” on Interstate 96 between Kent Lake Road and Interstate 275 in Oakland County in late February or early March, according to an agency spokesperson.
The “flex lanes” are part of the $269 million I-96 Flex Route project. Once completed, it will allow motorists to drive on the inside shoulder of eastbound I-96 from 6-9 a.m. and the inside shoulder of westbound I-96 from 3-7 p.m., which are peak times, said Diane Cross, a spokesperson for MDOT.
The project also is adding traffic lights in entrance ramps that will tell motorists when to merge onto the freeway.
Cross said the average daily traffic through that stretch of I-96 is 160,000 cars, and she noted that more crashes occur during the morning and afternoon rush than other times.
“If we can control the traffic getting onto the freeway ― we can give you an extra lane to use during just the busiest times, we hope to really reduce those numbers,” she said.
MDOT had to widen some of the inside shoulders of I-96, and it rebuilt the roadway. Cross said the project’s construction was completed in early November, and motorists have been driving on the roadway. However, the shoulders that will serve as “flex lanes” and the traffic signals in entrance ramps aren’t operational yet.
Electronic signs on I-96 will show either a red X, which means you can’t use the left shoulder, or a green arrow, which means you can use it. She said professionals are currently testing the electronics.
Cross said that when a flex lane is open, someone needing to move to the side of the road should pull over to the right shoulder and not the left one.
Traffic lights were also installed in entrance ramps along this stretch of I-96. There will be two lanes in the entrance ramps, and each will have a traffic signal, which will tell motorists to start merging onto the freeway or to stop and wait.
The added lanes on I-96 in western Oakland County are similar to the existing flex lanes on U.S.-23 in Washtenaw County between M-36 in Whitmore Lake and M-14 on the north side of Ann Arbor. That flex lane route is currently being extended from Whitmore Lake to I-96 in Brighton in Livingston County to relieve rush hour congestion on U.S.-23.
When asked about the “flex lanes,” Novi Council Member David Staudt said anything that moves traffic better is “good to me.”
“You have to have faith in in their engineering people to hope that what they’re doing is worthwhile to spend the money on and that residents and the drivers will benefit from it,” he said.
He said that because of projects on I-96, I-696 and I-275, Novi has been “surrounded by construction.” Streets in the city have also been under construction.
“It has been a really tough time for Novi residents,” he said.
The MDOT spokeswoman said the two years of highway reconstruction will have a lasting impact on Oakland County.
“MDOT has made a great deal of investment in our MDOT roads in Oakland County which will last for decades,” Cross said.
Flex lanes along the inside shoulders of I-96 around Novi and Wixom will open later to rush hour traffic later this winter, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
This week on the Detroit Evening Report, we’re reflecting on some of the stories we’ve reported on at WDET this year that show how special the people and places in our community truly are.
We also share some news about what’s happening in the community over the holidays.
Today, we hear some of WDET reporter Nargis Rahman’s interview with fiber artist and educator Fatema Haque, who helped realize the first exhibit of Bengali arts and culture at the Hamtramck Historical Museum. She spoke about some of the community programming created around the exhibit.
Other headlines for Friday, Dec. 27, 2024:
Premier Pet Supply and Ruff Life Photography are helping pet owners and their fur babies set the tone for 2025 with New Year’s Pet Photos from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, at Premier Pet Supply’s downtown location for a $10 donation. All proceeds will be donated to local rescues.
Detroit History Tours and The Detroit History Club are offering a variety of holiday tours this weekend. The “Detroit Home for the Holidays: Snazzy Brunch’ Bus Tour” starts at the Detroit History Club and includes a visit to the Detroit Yacht Club for brunch, homes in Indian Village, the Downtown Winter Market and the historic Fisher Building. The brunch tour starts at 10:30 a.m. There is also a late lunch tour at 3 p.m. A Christmas Lights Crawl starts at 6 p.m. and takes attendees to the Beacon Park Winter Wonderland, Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo, and Campus Martius — home to Detroit’s official city Christmas tree, Menorah and Kwanzaa Kinara — heated outdoor shopping stalls, a beer garden, and ice-skating.
White Feather Holistic Arts is having a New Year’s Eve Bowl Burning Ceremony in Windsor. Attendees will be guided in a ritual focused on releasing old energies and inviting in new ones. The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Pre-register by emailing info@whitefeatherarts.com or calling 519–996–6409.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
ALLEN PARK — David Montgomery received positive news regarding his injured knee, with NFL Network reporting the Detroit Lions running back could return for the postseason.
It’s been quite the week for Montgomery updates. To open the week, Dan Campbell said the running back needed season-ending surgery. Then, the Lions head coach said on Wednesday they were exploring a third opinion regarding Montgomery’s injured MCL and that they weren’t ready to close the door just yet.
“… David Montgomery spent the last few days consulting with medical experts, sources are now optimistic that the star avoided the season-ending surgery that was initially feared,” NFL Network reports. “Montgomery will rehab with the hope that he can return at some point this postseason.
“It has taken several days and several experts, but Lions RB David Montgomery now has a path forward. And it’s one that — if all goes well — could put him on the field for the playoffs.”
Campbell said it’s all about trusting the doctors and Montgomery’s recovery. They need to know the knee is stable, for now and in the future, and that he needs to be able to protect himself and play at a high level.
The head coach said these extra opinions and glimmer of hope were why Montgomery hadn’t been placed on injured reserve, with the Lions in wait-and-see mode.
Montgomery tried to play through the injury in last week’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. But he was limited to 4 yards on only five rush attempts in the team’s first defeat since September. The Lions were stifled on the ground that day, even with their 42 points and 500-plus yards, with only 13 designed runs in the shootout.
Getting Montgomery back in any capacity would be a massive win for this team, no doubt. The hard-charging running back is so much of who the Lions are and what they want to be about. He’s also developed a special bond with fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs, on and off the field, as the popular “Sonic and Knuckles” duo.
Montgomery has been such a hit since joining the Lions from the Chicago Bears in free agency that he’s already been extended in Detroit. Earlier this season, Montgomery inked a two-year extension worth up to $18.25 million to keep him around for even longer.
Montgomery has 1,790 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns in 28 games with the Lions, including 775 yards and 12 scores this year.
Moving forward, the Lions will lean on Gibbs in the coming weeks, while Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki and Jermar Jefferson could get more chances. Gibbs has already surpassed 1,000 rushing yards on the year, and the Lions have a ton of confidence in their home-run hitting second-year running back.
“Gibby’s really — he’s ready for this,” Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. “We’ve seen a lot of growth from him over the last year and a half, and I think that he’ll take the bull by the horns and run with it. The guys that are depth players beneath him, Craig Reynolds, Jefferson and Vaki, those guys will have a great opportunity here to contribute as well.
“So, hopefully, we don’t miss a beat, and I really do believe that Gibby is ready for this.”
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To have an event included in the Vitality calendar, email the name of the event, the time, date, address, cost (if applicable) and contact information to jgray@medianewsgroup.com.
December
Dec. 12: OPC 650 Players Holiday Variety Show, at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester, from noon-2 p.m., Dec. 12. $20. Come “Home for the Holidays”. Join us for an afternoon of festive performances from the talented OPC 650 Players. Ticket price includes show, luncheon and dessert. Sponsored by Belmar Oakland. For more information call 248-656-1403 or visit OPCcenter.org
Dec. 13: Metro Music Makers Big Band Holiday Concert, at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester, from 1-3 p.m. $15 – OPC Members $20 – Non Members. Enjoy the sounds of the season with plenty of room to dance, and a fun sing-along to your favorite classics. Light appetizers and refreshments included. Sponsored by Bellbrook. Open to the public. For more information call 248-656-1403 or visit OPCcenter.org
Dec. 13: Financial Friday Making Your Wishes Known at 10:30 a.m. at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester. $2. Making Your Wishes Known: What beneficiaries need to know. Presented by Xenia Woltmann, AWMA. Open to the public. For more information call 248-656-1403 or visit OPCcenter.org
Dec. 16: Deal Me In!: Cribbage at the Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave Roseville, at 6 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 16. Come join your friends and neighbors for an evening of social interaction and card games!This session will be geared towards the card game Cribbage; however, open play is encouraged and cards will be provided. Never played Cribbage or need a refresher? We’ll have someone here to help starting at 5 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. Registration required. For more information, call 586-445-5407 or email rsvlibraryservice@roseville-mi.gov
Dec. 16: AARP OATS Technology Talks at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson, Wednesday, Dec. 11 and Monday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. Learn about the “Internet of Things” and “Smartphones” in these free tech sessions. Register in advance for one or both. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
Dec. 17: RHGS Program: How Did Our Grandparents Celebrate Christmas During WWII at the Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Presented by Beverly Bishop The Roseville Historical and Genealogical Society presents a program at the Library each month. For more information, call 313-884-3067.
Dec. 17: Knitting and Crochet Circle, at the Harrison Township Public Library, 38255 L’Anse Creuse, Ste. A, from 10 a.m. – noon. Welcome knitters and crocheters of all levels! Hang out and share your love of creating with others. Please bring your own project and supplies. This group is currently accepting donations of yarn, fleece, or craft store gift cards. The group creates and donates to charitable organizations like Beaumont Little Angels, Project Linus, Compassion Pregnancy, and more to give comfort items during times of need. You’re welcome to create for charity or work on your own projects. For more information, call 586-329-1261 or visit, htlibrary.org/events.
Dec. 17: Senior Luncheon & Movie: Wicked at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson, Tuesday, Dec. 17, depart at 10:30 a.m. Lunch and a Broadway movie? Yes, please! Join us for Wicked and a delightful meal. Tickets are $35—reserve your seat today. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
Dec. 17: Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Group at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester, from 1:30-3 p.m. Support group for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Respite care is available. For more information call 248-656-1403 or visit OPCcenter.org
Dec. 18: It’s All Fun & Games! at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester, at 10 a.m. $5. It’s a breakfast that’s more than just food – it’s a celebration of the season full of fun, laughter and Reindeer Games! This event is sponsored by Comfort Keepers. For more information call 248-656-1403 or visit OPCcenter.org
Dec. 18: Wheel of Fortune at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson, Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. Spin the wheel and test your luck! Enjoy a lively afternoon with friends. Register in advance to secure your spot. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
Dec. 18: BINGO Reindeer Games at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester, 12:30 p.m. $10. Join us for Bingo in the Dining Room. Ticket price includes 8-10 games with up to 4 BINGO cards per player and pizza! Sponsored by the Village at Orchard Grove. For more information call 248-656-1403 or visit OPCcenter.org
Dec. 19: Women’s Luncheon Holiday Tea – Remembering J.L. Hudson & Holiday Traditions. Sponsored by the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester, at 1 p.m. $15. Presented by Michael Hauser, Author and Director of the Detroit Opera House. The J. L. Hudson Company redefined the way Detroiters shopped and enjoyed leisure time. Hudson’s defined Detroit’s downtown, creating trends and traditions in consumer culture that still resonate with us today. This program is sponsored by Wellbridge of Rochester Hills. For more information call 248-656-1403 or visit OPCcenter.org
Dec. 19: Mystery Book Club: Holiday Mysteries at the Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 19. Calling all sleuths! Get together with other mystery readers as we discuss crime novels every third Thursday of the month. This month, we will talk about holiday-themed mysteries. Choose any mystery with a Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or New Year theme to read and discuss with the group. For more information, call 586-445-5407 or email rsvlibraryservice@roseville-mi.gov
Dec. 19: Caregiver Café at OPC at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester, from 1-2:30 p.m. A social gathering for people affected by memory challenges and their care partners. Some activities include art, music and games with light refreshments provided. Sponsored by Waltonwood Main. RSVP to Theresa Gill at 248-659-1036 or tgill@OPCcenter.org.
Dec. 20: Grief Support Group at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester, from 10-11:30 a.m. The death of a loved one affects your head, heart and spirit. A Grief Support Group is an opportunity to gain an understanding about grief and receive support and healing with other caring individuals who have experienced a loss. Many people report a feeling of relief in knowing they are not alone as they share their experience with others. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information call 248-656-1403 or visit OPCcenter.org
Dec. 21: The Single Way, a Christian singles group, is sponsoring a Christmas chocolate fondue with fresh strawberries, pineapple, and bananas on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. Cost is $5 and includes the fondue, snacks, and beverages. If coming, a reservation is required by Friday, Dec. 20. To make a reservation, and for location information, call 586-774-2119.
January
Jan. 2: New Year Celebration 2025. Thursday, Jan. 2 Celebrate with live jazz from Olivia Van Goor & Mike Harrison. Tickets: $6, on sale now! Time: 11:30 a.m. at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson. Call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Jan. 7: Fit to Dance: Tue & Thur, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The next session begins on Jan. 7 at Tenniswood Elementary Gym located at 23450 Glenwood Ave, Clinton Twp. Cost $240 (24 Classes). Register online at Lc-ps.ce.eleyo.com or by calling L’Anse Creuse Community Education at 586-783-6330.
Jan. 8: Birthday Lunch on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Jan. 8 at Noon. January birthdays: Get a free lunch! Dine in to receive your card. At the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson. Call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Jan. 8: Slow Flow Yoga: Wed, 7– 8 p.m. The next session begins on Jan. 8at Graham Elementary Café located at 25555 Crocker Blvd, Harrison Twp. Cost $50 (6 Classes). Register online at www.lc-ps.ce.eleyo.com or by calling L’Anse Creuse Community Education at 586-783-6330.
Jan. 11: AARP OATS Tech at Blair Library. Online Basics Starts Jan. 11, Saturdays, 9–10:15 AM. 5-session course on online skills. Clawson Senior Center, call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Jan. 13: Movie at the Library Monday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Join us for a showing of Selma (128 minutes), a powerful film about the 1965 march for voting rights led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Clawson Senior Center, call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Jan. 13: Lunch Bunch on Monday, Jan. 13 at Salvatore Scallopini in Madison Heights. Sponsored by the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson. The bus departs at 11:30 a.m. Transportation: $4 (lunch not included). Call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Jan. 14: Craft Hour with Jess Tuesday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m. at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson. Join a free, themed craft session sponsored by The Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities. Call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Jan. 15: DIA Museum Tour. Sponsored by the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson. Wednesday, Jan. 15. Bus departs at noon for a guided tour of the DIA. Explore world-class art and exhibits. Cost: $5. Call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Jan. 16: Wheel of Fortune Game at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson, Thursday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. Test your luck and enjoy the fun with friends. Call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Jan. 18: Saturday, Jan. 18.Join us to see a parody of Miami’s sassiest seniors at the Fisher Theatre to enjoy the production of “Golden Girls.” The Laughs Continue allows audiences to relive the heartfelt hilarity of the four ladies who never stopped being best friends. Bus departs from Walmart, 45400 Marketplace, Clinton Twp at 11:15 am , Cost $105 which includes lunch prior to the show at The Nautical Deli. SMALL purses are allowed and may be searched upon entry to the theatre. Register online at www.lc-ps.ce.eleyo.com or by calling L’Anse Creuse Community Education at 586-783-6330.
Jan. 22: Oakland County Health Presents discover tips for healthy eating, physical activity, and goal setting in this interactive session at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson. Topics include eating on a budget, MyPlate guidelines, the benefits of colorful fruits and veggies, and reading nutrition labels. Duration: 1 hour. Call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Jan. 23-24: Casino Trips, MotorCity. Sponsored by the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson, on Thursday, Jan., 23 and Friday, Jan. 24. Sponsored by the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson. Depart at 10 a.m. Cost $12 each trip. Call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Jan. 30: Chinese New Year Celebration & Bingo at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson Thursday, Jan. 30 at noon. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with an Asian-themed lunch at noon followed by Bingo at 1 p.m. Join us for this festive tradition filled with fun and delicious food. Call to register at 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
Monthly events
• Chair Drumming: Second Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. Cost is $5 per drop-in class. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or online at recreation.cityofclawson.com.
• The Birmingham Metropolitan Women’s Club: Meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Twp. at 10 a.m. for lunch & informative speakers. We are a friendly group of 50+ women who gather for friendship, informative programs & philanthropic activities in our community. Visit before becoming a member. The cost for the luncheon & program is $32. To make a reservation, call Chris at 248-303-7339. To learn more, visit tbmwc.com
• Learn Spanish at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson. Donations welcomed. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Somerset Mall Walking and Shopping: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Depart at 9:45 a.m. from the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court to enjoy a scenic and safe way to support your physical & mental well-being and shop while you are there! Cost $3. Contact dispatch at 248-583-6700 to sign up.
• Yoga for Seniors: At the Fraser Senior Activities Center, 34935 Hidden Pine Dr., Fraser. Friday mornings 10:30am-11:30 a.m. (6-week sessions). Wednesday mornings 11:30-12:30 p.m. (6-week sessions). $26 for members per session, $32 for non-members per session. To register, call 586-296-8483.
• Pickleball Drop in with friends of all ages for a friendly game of pickleball at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson. on Mondays, from 1-3 p.m. Cost is $2. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Quilting Group meets every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Water Fitness Classes: Mondays & Wednesday, from 11:10 a.m. – noon (times subject to change based on staffing) at L’Anse Creuse North high school located at 23700 Twenty One Mile Rd, Macomb. Cost $5 drop in or punch cards available for $50 – payment accepted poolside or online and bring your receipt. Register online at Lc-ps.ce.eleyo.com or by calling L’Anse Creuse Community Education at 586-783-6330.
• Quilting Group: Meets every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 5/6. at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. Let’s meet up to discuss the latest topics and ask questions in a friendly environment. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Pick Your Play: Thursdays at 12:45 p.m. at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. Play Kings in the Corner, Hand & Foot, Farkle, whatever you like. Bring a friend and have some fun. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Did you want to learn to play piano, guitar or ukulele? What about voice lessons? We offer beginner classes for youth and adults: Visit our website to see all of the music lessons we offer. Lessons take place at Kawai studios and rental instruments are available for rent. Kawai studio is located at 12745 23 Mile Rd, Shelby Twp, MI 48315. Register online at Lc-ps.ce.eleyo.com or by calling L’Anse Creuse Community Education at 586-783-6330
• Current Events Club: meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. Let’s meet up to discuss the latest topics and ask questions in a friendly environment. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Fitness 20/20/20: Monday and Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fitness 20/20/20 held at Frederick V Pankow Center – Room 505, 24076 F V Pankow Blvd, Clinton Twp. Cost is $96 Register online at Lc-ps.ce.eleyo.com or calling L’Anse Creuse Community Education at 586-783-6330.
• Chair Exercise: On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. Level I at 10:30 a.m.: Seated warm-up, light weights, bands and balance work. Level II at 11:15 a.m.: Low-impact moves. No fee, donations welcome. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Socrates Club: Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. Meetup to discuss current events in a relaxed, informal setting. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Zumba Gold at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court at 1:30 p.m. on Mondays with Ivy. Cost is $5 per drop-in class. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Solo-Seniors Group: meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court Meet and mingle with other seniors in this fun social group. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Indoor Walking on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m.at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. Meet with friends to walk in the gym. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Mondays and Wednesdays: 9:15-10 a.m.(tentatively starting this Fall/Winter), Water Walking or Lap Swim held at L’Anse Creuse High School North, 23700 21 Mile Rd, Macomb. Walk in $5 a visit or purchase a punch card. Punch cards can be purchased at the pool, online at Lc-ps.ce.eleyo.com or calling L’Anse Creuse Community Education at 586-783-6330.
• Older Persons’ Commission Membership: Mondays – Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Friday, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. OPC membership is available at no charge to all residents 50+ of Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. Registration forms are available at OPC or online at opcseniorcenter.org. You must register in person and proof of residency is required. The OPC is located at 650 Letica Drive, Rochester. For more information, call 248-656-1403.
• Pinochle: on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:45 p.m. at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. Cost is $1. Price includes prize money for the top three scores. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Chair Yoga: at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays & Thursdays with Melissa or Stephanie at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. Come get a great stretch in this class! No fee, but donations are welcome. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Tai Chi: Wednesdays at 10 a.m. with Cheryl at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. Cost is $5 per drop-in class. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Euchre: on Tuesdays at 12:45 .pm. Cost is $1, which includes prize money, at the Clawson Recreation and Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court. For more information, call 248-589-0334 or visit cityofclawson.com
• Confident Communicators Club: Meets monthly for people who seek improving public speaking skills and leadership confidence. This supportive Toastmasters group meets online the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8-9:30 a.m. Many of our members have gain skills needed to become a better salesperson, grow their business, get promoted, and engage students. Register for any of our meetings to get the Zoom Link -https://confident-communicators-club-meeting.eventbrite.com. Contact our VP Membership to get more information vpm-1196053@toastmastersclubs.org
• Breakfast Sponsored by Widowed Friends Ministries: Breakfast (3rd Tuesday of each) at 10:30 a.m., Pancake Factory, 13693 23 Mile Rd, NE corner of 23 Mile & Schoenherr, Shelby Twp. Sponsored by Widowed Friends Ministries. Contact Ellen 586-781-5781.
• Bowling held at Collier Bowl: 879 S Lapeer Rd. (M24), Oxford every Tuesday. Arrive at noon for lane assignments. Sponsored by Widowed Friends Ministries. Cost is $7.50 for three games, (shoes extra at $2.50). Lunch afterwards optional. Call Joe at 248-693-2454 or Nadine at 248-475-9036.
• New Baltimore Civic Club: Euchre every Thursday at 36551 Main St. (corner of Blackwell) in New Baltimore. Sign in at 6:30 p.m., play at 7 p.m. $10 plus a quarter for each euchre.
• Breakfast every Wednesday: Sponsored by Widowed Friends Ministries. Join us at 10 a.m. at Cavis Pioneer Restaurant, 5606 Lapeer Rd., Kimball. Call Rita, 810-334-6287 for more information.
• Senior Card Playing: Come and join a fun group of card players who play a wide range of card games. Everyone brings a snack to share while playing. Free. Mondays from 1-4 p.m. at 35248 Cricklewood Blvd. (Cricklewood Recreation Building). Call 586-725-0291.
• Dancing every Tuesday: at Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane, Sterling Heights. Doors open at 6 p.m. Music from 7-10:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per person with a cash bar. A table is reserved for Widowed Friends. Sponsored by Widowed Friends Ministries Contact Kate at 586-344-3886.
• New Baltimore Senior Club: Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This welcoming group of seniors has all sorts of fun. We play bingo, hold luncheons, go on trips, and play cards. Monthly dues, $2. Location 35248 Cricklewood Blvd. (Cricklewood Recreation Building). Call 586-725-0291.
• Zumba Gold: from 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday at the Washington Center, 57880 Van Dyke, Washington Twp. Cost depends on how many punches are purchased. 4 punches $23 resident, $29 NR; 11 punches $60 resident, $66 NR. For more information, call 586-752-6543.
• Cards/Games/Friendship: Ss. John and Paul, (1st Thursday or every month), 1:30-4 p.m. at, 7777 28 Mile Rd. Bring a snack to share and your own beverage. Ss. John and Paul supports the Agape Center, a resource center for the most vulnerable members of society and would appreciate it if you could bring a canned good (vegetable, meat, fruit) when you come to play. (Dinner afterward at Romeo Family Restaurant, 66020 Van Dyke Rd., between 30 & 31 Mile is optional.) Sponsored by Widowed Friends Ministries. Call Ellen, 586-781-5781.
• Men Only Breakfast: Lukich Family Restaurant (1st & 3rd Thursday), 3900 Rochester Rd., Troy, at 9.m. The Widowed Men’s Group invites you to meet with other widowed men for breakfast at either of the Men’s Fellowship locations whichever is more convenient for you. Many topics & ideas help you become involved in the activities of Widowed Friends. Sponsored by Widowed Friends Ministries Contact Ray at 248-585-5402.
• Eastside Movies: (1st Tuesday of each month) at Chesterfield Crossing Digital Cinema 16 (known for free soda & popcorn refills also offers discount matinee pricing) 50675 Gratiot Ave., Chesterfield Twp. Early dinner afterwards TBD. Sponsored by Widowed Friends Ministries. For more information, contact Marion at 586-703-1427
• Metamora – Dinner Club: (3rd Wednesday of the month) at 5 p.m. Join us at The White Horse Inn, 1 E High St., Metamora. Reserved seating. Sponsored by Widowed Friends Ministries. Please RSVP to Sharry 248-840-0063. No walk- ins. Please call if you must cancel your reserved seating.
• Breakfast at Avenue Family Restaurant: 31253 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, at 9:30 a.m. (2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month). Sponsored by Widowed Friends Ministries.
To have an event included in the Vitality calendar, email the name of the event, the time, date, address, cost (if applicable) and contact information to jgray@medianewsgroup.com. (Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection)
DETROIT – This will be one stage dive Notre Dame Prep and head coach Pat Fox won’t soon forget.
The Fighting Irish dominated Fox’s alma mater, Frankenmuth, winning Saturday afternoon’s Division 5 final 42-7 for the program’s first-ever state championship.
And for the 12th and final time this season, the Irish celebrated by dancing to “Stacy’s Mom” and with a Fox dive from a bench into a sea of his players, but none sweeter than this one.
“Of course, there’s going to be a stage dive,” Irish senior linebacker and tight end Michael Wiebelhaus said.
“There will be some ‘Stacy’s Mom’ being played, and I will be getting airborne tonight,” Fox confirmed.
When the Eagles went for it on fourth-and-3 from their own 25-yard line midway through the first quarter, they may have known already that more than luck was on the Fighting Irish’s side.
After Frankenmuth (13-1) was stuffed for a two-yard loss on that attempt, Irish junior quarterback Sam Stowe hit Wiebelhaus the next play for a 25-yard touchdown to put the Irish up 14-0.
“They’re a quick football team,” Frankenmuth head coach Phil Martin said. “Give them credit, they played well today.”
Prior to that, Frankenmuth looked set for the game’s biggest play after the Irish punted on the game’s opening possession, but Cash Tedford’s fumble after gaining 49 yards was recovered by Drake Roa at Notre Dame Prep’s 13-yard line. Two plays after, Billy Collins follows his blocks upfield for an 87-yard catch-and-run score to give the Irish their initial lead just under three minutes in.
Frankenmuth also had it fourth-and-3 from its own 27-yard line the drive after going for it, but instead elected to punt when faced again with an almost identical situation as it had prior. The result was essentially the same: Stowe struck Joey DeCasas streaking across the middle for a 47-yard TD that made it 21-0 with 1:52 still to go in the first quarter.
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep’s Michael Wiebelhaus hauls in a touchdown pass during a 42-7 victory Saturday over Frankenmuth to win the MHSAA Division 5 state championship at Ford Field in Detroit. (TIMOTHY ARRICK – For MediaNews Group)
Frankenmuth did force a turnover on downs when its defense took the field the next time, but its offense punted for the fourth time when it got the ball back. Stowe completed passes for a combined 46 yards to DeCasas and Mark Galle when the Irish gained possession the next time, then threw his fourth touchdown when Collins motioned left, then back out wide right and was uncovered on a 25-yard pass, making it 28-0 with 2:44 left in the opening half.
“I was surprised at how open (Billy) was, but that’s just from a great scheme and a great play call from Coach (Jason) Whalen.”
The Irish defense dominated before intermission, denying the Eagles on their first seven third or fourth-down conversion attempts until Frankenmuth finally converted on fourth-and-2 about midway into the second quarter.
“We know we’re fast, and we watched a lot of their film against Grand Rapids Catholic Central and saw how they ran,” Wiebelhaus said. “We already played GRCC in the past and knew our speed matched up well with GRCC and saw them get past (Frankenmuth) a lot, so we knew for sure that our speed would be a problem for them.”
The Eagles moved the chains twice when they start with the ball after halftime, but DeCasas and Galle halted Tedford on fourth-and-3 to get it at Frankenmuth’s 49-yard line.
Stowe completed all four of his attempts of the ensuing drive – all to different targets – then Drew Heimbuch followed his blockers that pulled right eight yards into the end zone to make it 35-0 with 4:35 remaining in the third.
The Eagles broke up the shutout on Lleyton Hoard’s 11-yard touchdown run with 8:58 left, but the celebration was short-lived, as after Notre Dame Prep recovered the onside kick, Heimbuch broke several tackles the next play on an inside handoff for a 50-yard TD run with 8:46 remaining.
On what allowed Notre Dame Prep to win the title in its first trip to the finals, Luca Gasperoni, who had a game-high 13 tackles, simply said, “We trusted our coach. He led the way for us. We let him prepare us and we stayed coachable throughout the entire week, and it paid off.”
Galle and Wiebelhaus followed with 11 and 10 tackles, respectively.
Stowe finished 15-of-21 passing for 293 yards. Collins had four catches for a game-high 126 yards, while DeCasas had 70 receiving yards. Wiebelhaus followed with 36 yards on a pair of receptions.
Fox called it a difficult week preparing to play against his former school. “I owe a lot of my success to that program,” he said while fighting back his emotions. “All those guys raised me and al ot of my classmates. We all have great lives because of the work ethic we learned in that program.”
On what the championship victory meant, DeCasas said, "It’s exciting. I’m doing it for all these guys, for Coach. It’s exciting, the first one in Notre Dame history. No one deserves it more than my coach over here."
Added Heimbuch, "It's great. I'm glad I got to do this with all my friends. You know, we've been friends since freshman year. We've been talking about this for forever, and, you know, we put in the work and made that happen."
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep's Billy Collins hauls in a touchdown pass in a 42-7 victory over Frankenmuth in Saturday's MHSAA Division 5 state championship game at Ford Field in Detroit. (TIMOTHY ARRICK - For MediaNews Group)
FARMINGTON HILLS – Elayna Bowser tried professional golf after her stellar amateur career, which included winning the 2019 Michigan Women’s Amateur Championship and being a standout golfer for Loyola University Chicago.
“I gave it a good go for four years,” she said. “I can sit here and say I gave it my all and it led me to why I decided to switch back to amateur golf. I didn’t want to continue the route I was going and end up hating the game.”
She returned to the amateur ranks in 2024 and quickly made an impact by winning the GAM Women’s Mid-Amateur championship, and later in the summer reaching the round of 32 in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur.
Those accomplishments combined with what she called one of her most consistent years of golf competition put her at the top of the Golf Association of Michigan Points List, and she has been named the 2024 GAM Women’s Player of the Year, Ken Hartmann, senior director of competitions and USGA services, announced today.
Player of the Year point totals can be found on a pull down from the PLAY tab at GAM.org Carl’s Golfland is the presenting sponsor of the points lists.
Earlier this week, McCoy Biagioli of White Lake was named the GAM Men’s Player of the Year, and over the next few weeks the GAM will announce more Players of the Year in gender and age categories.
Bowser, 27 and a real-estate agent, earned 652.5 points to top the points list. Bridget Boczar of Canton, a Baylor University golfer and the winner of the GAM Women’s Championship for a second consecutive year, had 550 points.
Shannon Kennedy of Beverly Hills, a Michigan State University golfer and this year’s Michigan Women’s Amateur Champion, was third with 490 points. Kimberly Dinh of Midland, the 2023 Women’s Player of the Year, who had 445 points, and Laura Bavaird of Trenton, who had 355 points, rounded out the top five.
Bowser said she previously considered 2019 as her best year in golf because of her Michigan Women’s Amateur win and her success as a college player.
“I would have thought that would be my best shot at player of the year awards, but I realize that summer wasn’t so much about consistency as it was winning the big tournaments,” she said. “I’m surprised how consistently I competed this year because I can’t devote the time to golf that I could before. I won my first tournament back as an amateur though and played well the rest of the summer.”
She said a great support system has helped her. Michael Phillips, her superior at Keller-Williams Legacy in Dearborn, has played a key role in supporting her transition from being a discouraged golf professional into a real-estate salesperson who maintains a competitive golf game. In addition, the continued support by her father, Brett, and her brother, Evan, who is now a PGA professional in Florida, meant she could never just quit the game.
“Professional golf was a struggle, mentally, physically, emotionally but my dad and Evan are always there for me,” she said. “We’re a golf family. We’re all “golfaholics.” They are going to enjoy me being player of the year as much or more than I enjoy it.”
The summer of 2024 started with Bowser supporting her brother and serving as his caddie in the PGA Championship at Valhalla in Louisville last May. He had qualified as a top finisher among other club professionals in the PGA Professional Championship.
“It was so great to see Evan competing in a major championship against the best players in the world, and thriving in that moment,” she said. “I soaked everything in. I learned so much from watching him compete and how he handled things and watching all the other players. I think that experience maybe helped me more than anything with how I think about golf and how I played.”
Hartmann said he was pleased to see Bowser return to amateur golf.
“I didn’t know why she didn’t want to be a professional any longer, but I know how much golf means to that family,” he said. “We lose a lot of women players that age for several reasons. It was great to see her out there, and I wasn’t surprised she played well. Golf and a competitive spirit run through that family.”
An action photo of Elayna Bowser from 2024 tournament play. Bowser won the GAM Women’s Mid-Amateur championship, and later in the summer reached the round of 32 in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, leaving her atop the points board for the season, earning her honors as the 2024 GAM Women’s Player of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Golf Association of Michigan)
Sheetz, a 24-hour gas station, convenience store and restaurant, will ask the Farmington Hills Planning Commission on Thursday night, Nov. 21, to recommend approval of their plan to locate on the site of a vacant restaurant at 12 Mile and Middlebelt roads.
But a residents’ group has formed to oppose the development and plans to protest at Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road, at 7 p.m., before the meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.
Concerned Citizens Against Sheetz says violent crime, noise, increased traffic and environmental issues have plagued Sheetz establishments in other states.
Sheetz will be open after almost all other establishments have closed and the restaurant will have a drive-through window. That will make it a target for crime, or at the very least, customers loitering and making noise late at night, said Lloyd Banks, spokesman for the group.
Sheetz proposes to locate on the site of the former Ginopolis restaurant, which closed five years ago. Banks said it’s too close to several subdivisions for a 24-hour operation.
“It needs to be another restaurant,” he said.
At previous hearings, sizable groups of residents have spoken in support of Sheetz, saying the development is better than a vacant building that is starting to fall into disrepair. Proponents also say Sheetz is a good employer and serves high-quality food. Banks said he doubts those people live near the proposed site.
When Sheetz appeared before the commission in June, it proposed six pumps, creating 12 fueling stations; and a 6,100-square-foot convenience store and restaurant.
Nick Ruffner, public affairs manager for Sheetz, defended the company’s crime prevention efforts.
“Sheetz serves as a community hub where families gather for a meal, friends meet up before the big football game and local residents meet to conduct safe online marketplace exchanges,” he said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, all retailers – not just convenience store operators – are occasionally subjected to criminal acts. At Sheetz, the safety and security of our employees and customers – both inside and outside our stores – is our highest priority. Sheetz’s advanced security systems cover nearly every area of our stores and parking lot. We also have a first-class, advanced security operations center that is connected to our stores in real time and staffed 24/7 to help address any issues that arise at our store locations. These safeguards at our stores allow our employees to notify police as soon as an emergency situation develops.” he said in a statement.
If the Planning Commission OKs the proposal, it goes to the City Council for final approval.
Sheetz opened in Romulus in late August, its first location in Michigan. The company plans to open 50-60 stores in the Detroit area within the next five to six years, he said.
Customers use touchscreens to order food at the Sheetz in Romulus. FILE PHOTO.
To date, Sheetz has announced the locations for eight other planned Detroit locations:
23 Mile Road east of I-94, Chesterfield Township
— 8200 Telegraph Road, Taylor
— 20623 Eureka Road, Taylor
— 45011 Garfield Road, Macomb
— 31925 Van Dyke Ave., Warren
— 19001 E. Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe
— 2103 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
— Southwest corner of 14 Mile and Utica roads in Fraser
Each store will employ about 35 people; most will be full time, Ruffner said.
The former Ginopolis restaurant in Farmington Hills closed five years ago. Sheetz proposes to open a gas station, convenience store and restaurant on the site. Anne Runkle/MediaNews Group.
Assaults against health care workers, in the form of physical violence, threats or other forms of abuse, have been on the rise for more than a decade, experts say.
Nationally, 40% of health care workers say they have experienced workplace violence in the past two years, and 85% of emergency department physicians say the violence has increased over the past year.
In 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services surveyed registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who worked in a variety of settings. Overall, 40% reported they had experienced some form of violence over the past year; with 45% of those working in a hospital experiencing incidents. For those working in a behavioral health or psychiatric facility, the number rose to 57%.
Of those who reported they had experienced some form of assault, at least 70% said there had been physical violence.
In some cases, patients’ friends or family are responsible for the incidents. But patients themselves commit the majority of the offenses, according to the MDHHS study.
No one has taken a long look at why these assaults are occurring and how to reduce their frequency, said Stacey Frankovich, director of the new Healthcare Violence Reduction Center at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield.
Lawrence Tech, which initiated a nursing school and other health-related courses of study in recent years, is well positioned to research the issue, Frankovich said.
LTU has partnered with the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and hospitals around the state.
Funded by grants from several entities, the center’s representatives have shadowed health care workers to discover how and why the assaults occur.
By mid-year 2025, the center expects to finish compiling data and can begin to make recommendations to decision makers at hospitals and other facilities.
“We want to really see the frontlines,” Frankovich said. “The true picture isn’t being painted here.”
Incidents are underreported because many health care workers think assaults are part of the job, Frankovich said, contributing to burnout and recruitment challenges.
Frankovich was most recently director of the MedHealth life sciences initiative of TechTown, Wayne State University’s technology-focused business accelerator. Earlier, she worked for Oakland University’s Macomb-OU Incubator and was director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Macomb Community College.
Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, believes a lack of prosecution may be part of the assault problem. Increased penalties would also discourage these attacks, he said.
“We haven’t signaled to the public that it is not OK,” he said.
Violence in health care settings is “part of a broader societal problem,” he said.
“It occurs in small rural hospitals in the UP to big medical centers and everything in between,” he said.
Legislation in both the U.S. House and Senate, known as the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act, would give health care workers federal protections from workplace violence, similar to the current protections for airport and aircraft employees, Peters said.
The MHA sent a letter to all of Michigan’s Congressional delegates in support of the SAVE Act.
Both bills are pending in their respective judiciary committees.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation last year that increases the fines against those who assault health professionals or medical volunteers.
House Bill 4520, sponsored by state Rep. Mike Mueller, R-Linden, increases fines against those who assault these employees or volunteers without a weapon.
House Bill 4521, sponsored by state Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Novi, increases fines against those who assault health professionals or medical volunteers on the job with a weapon. Both bills also require health facilities to post signs describing the enhanced fines.
All employees in health care settings are at risk, even those with non-medical duties, such as those who process paperwork. But nurses bear the brunt of it, Peters said.
“There are more of them. They are front and center with patients,” he said.
“They bear it all with such grace,” Frankovich said.
Employees in emergency departments also bear the brunt, according to Frankovich, because of the high number of patients with either behavioral health or substance use issues.
Also, they’re dealing with crises that range from criminal matters to homelessness, she said.
The MDHHS study indicated that most health care facilities offer training on how to de-escalate a tense situation, how and when to call for help, how to protect personal safety and more.
Corewell Health, formerly Beaumont, and McLaren Health Oakland declined to comment on how they train their employees or what steps they take to prevent assaults.
Henry Ford Health said in a statement that, “De-escalation training starts at time of hire and team members get re-training on a yearly basis. We also have safety talks that go out throughout the year to remind employees of situational awareness and safety tips related to personal safety.”
A sign posted at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital warns that assaults against employees will not be tolerated. Aileen Wingblad/MediaNews Group.
TORONTO (AP) — Malik Beasley scored seven of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, Cade Cunningham had 15 points and 10 assists and the Detroit Pistons beat the struggling Toronto Raptors 99-95 on Friday night.
Tobias Harris had 11 points and 11 rebounds, Jaden Ivey scored 14 points and Jalen Duren added 12 for the Pistons. Rookie Ron Holland had 10 points and eight rebounds for Detroit but missed all six of his 3-point attempts.
Detroit won despite shooting 8 for 38 from 3-point range. The Raptors weren’t much better and shot 8 for 31 from distance.
Jakob Poeltl had a season-high 25 points and matched his career-high with 19 rebounds, but the Raptors lost their sixth straight.
RJ Barrett scored 22 points and Gradey Dick, who shot 1 for 10 from 3, added 16 for Toronto, which has lost 10 of 11.
Takeaways
Pistons: After going winless in NBA Cup play last season, Detroit is 2-0 in the tournament after an overtime victory against Miami on Tuesday.
Raptors: Toronto dropped to 0-8 this season when trailing at the half.
Key moment
Dick missed a pair of 3-point attempts in the final 21 seconds. The first would have given Toronto a one-point edge and the second would have tied the score.
Key stat
Cunningham shot 4 for 18 through three quarters but went 2 of 3 in the fourth, including one of his two 3-pointers. He went 2 for 9 from deep.
Up next
Toronto is at Boston on Saturday, while Detroit visits Washington on Sunday.
— By IAN HARRISON, Associated Press
Toronto Raptors' Davion Mitchell shoots on Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham during the first half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 in Toronto. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)
Registered nurses at Corewell Health’s eight hospitals in the Detroit area and an office in Southfield have voted overwhelmingly to unionize.
The nurses voted 4,958 yes (62.6%) to 2,957 no (37.3%) for union representation through Nurses for Nurses, a committee of Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43, according to a release from the National Labor Relations Board.
The nurses voted over three days, ending Thursday, Nov. 14. The ballots were counted on Friday.
“The employer must begin bargaining in good faith with the union. Parties have five business days to file objections to the election. If no objections are filed, the result will be certified,” the release said.
Almost 10,000 nurses were eligible to vote and 7,915 votes were counted. There were 418 challenged ballots that won’t be counted; they didn’t affect the outcome of the election, the release said. Seven ballots were declared void..
The NLRB said the nurses’ petition to unionize is one of the largest in recent history, based on the number of potential members affected.
Corewell nurses at hospitals in Troy, Royal Oak, Farmington Hills, Taylor, Trenton, Dearborn, Grosse Pointe and Wayne are affected, as well as those at the Southfield office.
Eligible voters included full-time and regular part-time registered nurses, including casual, contingent, flex and charge nurses, according to the NLRB.
Kevin Moore, president of Joint Council 43, which represents all Teamsters in Michigan, expressed confidence last month that the nurses would vote overwhelmingly to join the union.
“It’s about rights, dignity and proper pay,” he said at the time. “They’re exhausted. They can’t even take lunch or breaks. They’re eating on the run.”
He said nurse-to-patient ratios vary in Corewell hospitals, but some nurses are caring for 30 patients or more at a time.
“These are highly trained people. The doctor or surgeon may do your operation, but it’s the nurses who get you back on your feet,” Moore said.
Corewell, formerly Beaumont Health, said in a statement last month, “We respect our team members’ rights to explore joining a union, however, we believe our ability to provide high quality care to our patients and maintain a positive work environment is best achieved through a direct working relationship with our nurses.”
Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road. 
NEW YORK (AP) — A year after turning to comedian Jimmy Kimmel to host their big show, the Academy Awards will pivot to another familiar TV funnyman — Conan O’Brien.
“America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars,” O’Brien said in a statement Friday.
It will be his first time as Oscar host, but he’s emceed other high-profile awards shows, like the Emmy Awards in 2002 and 2006 and the White House Correspondents’ dinner in 1995 and 2013.
The Oscars will air live on ABC on March 2.
O’Brien is best known for hosting the late-night talk shows “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and “Conan.” Before his TV hosting career, O’Brien was a writer for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons.”
O’Brien joins the list of Oscar hosts that includes Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, David Letterman, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris.
“He joins an iconic roster of comedy greats who have served in this role, and we are so lucky to have him center stage for the Oscars,” said Craig Erwich, president, Disney Television Group.
FILE – Conan O’Brien arrives at a photo call for “Conan O’Brien Must Go” in Los Angeles on April 16, 2024. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — If you’re looking for moral victories, this was your game. Otherwise, there’s plenty not to like about where Michigan’s season has gone and is going.
The Wolverines were double-digit underdogs against Indiana, put up a defensive fight in the second half, but lost, 20-15, at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Indiana, a program that had beaten Michigan twice since 1987, remains unbeaten under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti as the Hoosiers.
Now the Hoosiers, No. 8 in the first College Football Playoff rankings and built in large part by taking experienced players from the transfer portal, including quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who made his 43rd career start, are 10-0 overall, 7-0 in the Big Ten and have next weekend off before traveling to Ohio State for a pivotal Big Ten game. Michigan also is off next weekend before playing its final home game, against Northwestern, its best chance to reach bowl eligibility before playing at Ohio State.
This was the third straight game without cornerback Will Johnson, hardly ideal against a team that ranked No. 2 nationally in scoring and eighth in offense (476.2), but Michigan’s defense played well in the second half. Rourke was 17 of 28 for 206 yards and two touchdowns, was intercepted by Zeke Berry and was sacked four times, including twice by T.J. Guy.
Michigan quarterback Davis Warren was 16 of 32 for 137 yards and no touchdowns. The Wolverines had 34 carries for 69 yards rushing, including two for minus-17 from Warren. Dominic Zvada had three field goals for Michigan and Kalel Mullings had the only touchdown.
Indiana was held to 246 yards, including 18 in the second half.
The Wolverines had a final opportunity, starting its final drive with 2:29 left, to win the game after Indiana, shut down most of the second half, made a field goal to stretch the lead to five points. Davis Warren threw incomplete three straight plays and on fourth-and-10, Warren connected with Peyton O’Leary for nine yards, just short of the first down to turn the ball over on downs with 1:35 left.
Michigan, with 10 minutes left in the game, scored a touchdown for the first time in the game as Mullings scored from a yard. The drive was set up by Guy’s sack on the last play of IU’s drive followed by a 25-yard punt that gave Michigan the ball on the IU 34-yard line. Michigan tried to tie the game but did not convert the two-point conversion when Warren missed O’Leary in the end zone making it 17-15.
With 5:20 left, Michigan punter Tommy Doman, whose first four punts averaged 50 yards, didn’t have such a positive punt on his fifth of the game. It went 35 yards and IU’s Ke’Shawn Williams returned it 22 yards to the Michigan 39-yard line. The Hoosiers reached the 23 but settled for a field goal making it 20-15 with 2:34 left.
Michigan had an early opportunity in the second half to cut into Indiana’s 17-3 lead when Berry intercepted Rourke to give the Wolverines prime field position at the Hoosiers’ 7-yard line. But Michigan ran three times, with no gain on the first carry by Ben Hall and the third by backup quarterback Alex Orji. It was the Wolverines’ second red-zone trip and they came away with a field goal from Dominic Zvada, this time from 23 yards to make it 17-6. Zvada entered the game 10 of 11 on field goals.
Zvada added a third on a 56-yarder, tying a career long, to make it 17-9. Michigan dominated the third quarter in terms of possession time and had the ball 13:09. The Wolverines, whose defense stepped up its play in the second half, outgained the Hoosiers 66-7 and outscored them 6-0.
The Hoosiers built a 17-3 lead heading into halftime and outgained Michigan 228-94. Indiana ran 32 plays and averaged 7.1 yards, while Michigan had 31 plays and averaged three yards a play. The Wolverines were held to 11 yards rushing, including the 17 yards lost by Warren.
Michigan had five drives in the first half, and after scoring a field goal on the first, had three punts and a fumble by Orji.
Warren was 7 of 18 for 83 yards. Rourke, meanwhile, was 14 of 18 for 190 yards and had touchdown passes of seven and 36 yards. Indiana had four big-play passes of 15 yards or more in the first half, including the 36-yard touchdown and a 41 yarder.
Michigan settled for a 3-0 lead on its opening drive after reaching the IU 3-yard line and unraveling in the red zone. Edwards gained two yards then Orji entered the game and fielded a high snap and handed to running back Hall, who gained a yard. On third-and-3, Warren fumbled and left tackle Myles Hinton recovered at the 21-yard line. Zvada made a 39-yarder.
Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (16) runs from Indiana defensive lineman James Carpenter (99) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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