by orionontv | May 14, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Softball Districts-2025
Written Wednesday March 12th at 3:45 PM
District 17 at Ferndale
FERNDALE vs Redford Thurston
Detroit Mumford vs Detroit Renaissance
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district. Ferndale should play Detroit Renaissance in the district final. Early edge has to be to the Phoenix.
District 21 at Troy
TROY vs ROYAL OAK
TROY ATHENS vs BERKLEY
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is oddly a tough district, anyone can take this district. All four teams have a legit shot of getting to the regional.
District 22 at Romeo
ROCHESTER vs Romeo
ROCHESTER/Romeo vs Utica Eisenhower
ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK
EARLY THOUGHTS: The good news is that Lake Orion is not in the district. Stoney Creek is still loaded despite losing some proven talent. Rochester could be a sleeper. I think the Cougars have the early edge but don’t count out Adams or Romeo.
District 25 at Avondale
AVONDALE vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
GROVES vs SEAHOLM
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a tough district, Bloomfield Hills should be the early favorite but Groves and Seaholm will be there. Avondale is the wildcard. Anyone could win this district.
District 26 at Farmington Hills Mercy
NORTH FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
EARLY THOUGHTS: This has the makings of a North Farmington/Farmington Hills Mercy district finals but even still no one is touching the Marlins.
District 30 at Walled Lake Northern
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Lakeland
Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Northern
EARLY THOUGHTS: West Bloomfield is going to have a really tough time in this district especially if Lakeland and Walled Lake Northern get their way. One of the Bougie Lake schools has the early edge in this district.
District 31 at Oxford
LAKE ORION vs Waterford Kettering
LAKE ORION/Waterford Kettering vs Waterford Mott
CLARKSTON vs OXFORD
EARLY THOUGHTS: Clarkston has a new coaching staff but they have to go through a transition period. Oxford should be improved but this district runs through Dragon Country. I don’t see any of these teams touching Lake Orion.
District 54 at Livonia Clarenceville
Districts will be updated once matches come out.
Livonia Clarenceville
OAK PARK
Detroit Lincoln King
Hazel Park
Redford Union
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district. Livonia Clarenceville is the early favorite with home field. Hazel Park and Detroit Lincoln King Academy could be challengers. Overall not a really strong district as mentioned.
District 56 at TBD
Districts will be updated once matches come out.
HARPER WOODS
Detroit Denby Tech
Detroit Martin Luther King
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a strong district but the MHSAA moved Harper Woods further south into Detroit. The Pioneers could have a really tough time with Detroit Denby Tech who has beaten them earlier in the season. It won’t be easy for Harper Woods.
by orionontv | May 14, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Baseball Districts-2025
Written Wednesday March 12th at 3:55 PM
District 14 at West Bloomfield
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Central
NORTH FARMINGTON vs Walled Lake Western
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks really interesting. West Bloomfield is the favorite to come out of this district because of home field but North Farmington should challenge them.
District 15 at Northville
Northville vs Livonia Stevenson
Northville/Livonia Stevenson vs FARMINGTON
Novi vs Novi Detroit Catholic Central
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a tough district, anyone can win this district. There is a ton of proven teams. It’s too bad one team will come out of this district, this has too much quality programs.
District 23 at Southfield Arts and Tech
FERNDALE vs Detroit Renaissance
FERNDALE/Detroit Renaissance vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Detroit Mumford
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district, when in doubt trust Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit.
District 24 at Groves
GROVES vs Warren Mott
BERKLEY vs ROYAL OAK
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district, three teams have a shot to win this district. I would say Groves is early favorite but Berkley and Royal Oak aren’t that far behind.
District 25 at Seaholm
TROY vs Birmingham Brother Rice
TROY/Birmingham Brother Rice vs SEAHOLM
AVONDALE vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
EARLY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Brother Rice looks to be the favorite with their experience but Seaholm could have a say being at home. Bloomfield Hills is the wildcard. This looks like this is the Warriors district to lose.
District 26 at Utica
TROY ATHENS vs Sterling Heights
TROY ATHENS/Sterling Heights vs Utica
Utica Ford II vs Sterling Heights Stevenson
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district. Utica and Troy Athens look to be the favorites in this district. Sterling Heights Stevenson looks to be the wildcard. This is either an orange and black or red and gold district all over it.
District 30 at Rochester
ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK
ADAMS/STONEY CREEK vs Utica Eisenhower
ROCHESTER vs LAKE ORION
EARLY THOUGHTS: Rochester had a special run last season and will look to repeat but keep an eye on Adams, Stoney Creek, and Lake Orion. All three are more than capable of dethroning the Falcons. This should be a fun district.
District 31 at Oxford
CLARKSTON vs Grand Blanc
CLARKSTON/Grand Blanc vs Holly
OXFORD vs Fenton
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a tough district. Grand Blanc stands out but Oxford and Clarkston could have strong says. Holly and Fenton are both wildcards. The Bobcats are the early favorite.
District 60 at Harper Woods
* This district will be updated once we get the matches.
HARPER WOODS
Detroit Southeastern
Eastpointe
Harper Woods Chandler Park
St. Clair Shores South Lake
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district. St. Clair Shores South Lake looks to be the favorite with Eastpointe not too far off. Harper Woods looks to be the wildcard. This should be a really interesting district.
by orionontv | May 14, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Girls Soccer Districts-2025
Written Wednesday March 12th at 4:10 PM
District 6 at Oxford
- OXFORD vs 4. Davison
- OXFORD/4. Davison vs 1. LAKE ORION
- CLARKSTON vs 2. Grand Blanc
- Lapeer vs 3. Flushing
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a fun district. Davison, Lake Orion, and Oxford have strong cases to win this district. Grand Blanc is the wildcard and could make a run themselves but Clarkston will pose a strong challenge. Overall five teams have a shot to win this district. SAM PICK: LAKE ORION.
ANT THOUGHTS: This will be a very interesting district. Usually when it comes to these northern districts, the OAA (Lake Orion, Oxford, and Clarkston) do fairly well and are better tested compared to the Saginaw Valley (Grand Blanc, Lapeer, and Davison) and the Flint Metro League (Flushing.) Davison who is the one of the favorites in the district and was the number one seed until recently and Oxford who played in the OAA Red and is the host team in the district will be a very interesting matchup. Whoever wins the district will play Lake Orion who won the OAA White, beat Davison in the district final (last season), and has wins over Oxford, Clarkston, and Grand Blanc. Grand Blanc and Clarkston will be another interesting match up as both teams match each other very well despite Clarkston having more losses. Flushing should beat Lapeer. Overall Lake Orion is the favorite and should come out of the district.
District 7 at Hartland
- WEST BLOOMFIELD vs 1. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
- Walled Lake Central vs 4. Waterford Mott
- Milford vs 3. Walled Lake Northern
- Lakeland vs 2. Hartland
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district. Hartland is the early favorite but Bloomfield Hills has been here before. Waterford Mott could pose some problems as well. Walled Lake Northern and Lakeland are the wildcards. Either way this district should come to the Eagles and the Blackhawks. SAM PICK: HARTLAND.
ANT THOUGHTS: Bloomfield Hills and Hartland will be an interesting district final. Last year, Hartland eliminated Bloomfield Hills in the Regional Final. This year, they will most likely play each other in the district final. It could go either way. Hartland is the home team but Bloomfield Hills plays in the better division. (The OAA Red) and is undefeated. Going with the Blackhawks.
District 8 at Farmington
- Novi vs 4. NORTH FARMINGTON
- Novi/4. NORTH FARMINGTON vs 1. Northville
- FARMINGTON vs 2. South Lyon East
- South Lyon vs 3. Livonia Stevenson
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is going to be a tough district for the Farmington schools. Novi and Northville are loaded teams. Livonia Stevenson is the wildcard but all three are on one side of the district. This is a perfect opportunity for South Lyon East to do some damage. SAM PICK: NORTHVILLE.
ANT THOUGHTS: Northville is the favorite. Livonia Stevenson could challenge South Lyon East but Northville is the odds on favorite here.
District 13 at Berkley
- Detroit Renaissance vs 4. GROVES
- Detroit Renaissance/4. GROVES vs 1. BERKLEY
- FERNDALE vs 2. SEAHOLM
- SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs 3. ROYAL OAK
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district is still very challenging despite the Troy schools not being in this district. Berkley, Seaholm, and Royal Oak have great shots to win this district. Groves is a wildcard and can make a ton of noise. SAM PICK: SEAHOLM.
ANT THOUGHTS: Berkley being the number one seed in this district despite being on a little losing streak and having home field is quite remarkable. Groves however, holds a win over Berkley which could make the semifinals a little interesting. Seaholm however, is on a roll having strong performances over OAA Red teams and has a win at Lake Orion. Despite Berkley beating Seaholm twice in the regular season. It is hard to beat a team three times. Berkley has that opportunity along with home field but Seaholm is rolling right now.
District 14 at Troy Athens
- Fraser vs 4. Warren Cousino
- Fraser/4. Warren Cousino vs 1. TROY ATHENS
- Warren Mott vs 2. TROY
- Sterling Heights vs 3. Sterling Heights Stevenson
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it will be a Troy/Troy Athens district final with both teams not seeing Berkley, Seaholm, Groves, Royal Oak, or even the Rochester schools until the regionals. This should be a really interesting district. SAM PICK: TROY ATHENS.
ANT THOUGHTS: Troy Athens/Troy round two. Athens won the regular season matchup. With home field, they look poised to advance to Regionals.
District 15 at Adams
- STONEY CREEK vs 4. Utica Eisenhower
- STONEY CREEK/4. Utica Eisenhower vs 1. ROCHESTER
- Utica Ford II vs 2. ADAMS
- Utica vs 3. Romeo
EARLY THOUGHTS: Whoever wins this district has usually had a deep postseason run. All three Rochester schools are more than capable. Utica Eisenhower and Utica are as well. This will be a really tough district to say the least. Something tells me this could be Rochester’s year to overcome their demons. SAM PICK: ROCHESTER.
ANT THOUGHTS: Once again, one of the toughest districts in the state. Every team in this district is consistency solid. The possible Rochester/Utica Eisenhower matchup should be a lot of fun as both teams have been state ranked throughout the season. Adams/Romeo looks to be great as well. Rochester did beat Adams earlier in the season. Think Rochester will survive and advance.
District 27 at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
- Saginaw vs 1. Holly
- Waterford Kettering vs 4. Lake Fenton
- AVONDALE vs 2. Fenton
- Linden vs 3. Orchard Lake St. Marys
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really even district on the red turf in Orchard Lake. Lake Fenton is solid and is the early favorite. Holly could make some noise as well Fenton and Waterford Kettering. Avondale is the wildcard. This is anyone’s district to take. SAM PICK: HOLLY.
ANT THOUGHTS: This is anyone’s district. OL St. Marys probably stands out as the favorite being at home and going through a tough Catholic League Schedule but this district looks ultra-competitive. Holly/Kettering should it happen will be fun but a Holly/Lake Fenton matchup looks great also. OLSM/Linden will be interesting as does Fenton/Avondale. Anything can happen.
District 29 at Grosse Pointe North
- Hamtramck vs 1. Warren Woods Tower
- Grosse Pointe North vs 4. St. Clair Shores LakeShore
- HARPER WOODS vs 2. Madison Heights Lamphere
- Warren Fitzgerald vs 3. Center Line
EARLY THOUGHTS: This will be a tough district for Harper Woods. Grosse Pointe North, Warren Woods Tower, and Center Line are really tough teams and could be in line to take this district. SAM PICK: WARREN WOODS TOWER.
ANT THOUGHTS: Harper Woods is in for a tough district. Enough said.
District 30 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
- Walled Lake Western vs 4. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
- Walled Lake Western/4. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood vs 1. Birmingham Marian
- OAK PARK vs 2. Farmington Hills Mercy
- Redford Thurston vs 3. Garden City
EARLY THOUGHTS: No one is touching Birmingham Marian in this district. Garden City and Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood might but no one is touching the Mustangs. SAM PICK: BIRMINGHAM MARIAN.
ANT THOUGHTS: Same as Harper Woods when it comes to Oak Park.
by orionontv | May 14, 2025 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Increasing Transparency for Candidates and Elected Officials, Supporting Free and Fair Elections in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills that will increase transparency and good governance in Michigan by clarifying and expanding reporting requirements for candidates and elected officials. These bills bolster Governor Whitmer’s commitment to increasing transparency in Michigan’s government by ensuring elected officials disclose conflicts of interest to the public. Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,504 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.
“Michiganders deserve to know how their government is working for them,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to sign Senate Bills 99 and 100, so we can cut confusing red tape, help more Michiganders run for office, and increase transparency in our government. By getting this done, we can keep building on the progress we’ve made to fix the damn roads, improve education, build affordable housing, and more. Together, let’s keep making a real difference for people across the state.”
Senate Bill 99, sponsored by state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), increases transparency in Michigan’s government by requiring public officers to report the source of unearned incomes, including gift, travel, and charity payments. Specifically, this bill clarifies that public officers must disclose gifts that are required to be reported by lobbyists and lobbying firms. The bill also extends the deadline to file disclosures to June 13. By increasing transparency in lawmaking, this bill will ensure Michiganders’ interests are prioritized over external influences.
“Voters demanded more openness and transparency in state government by passing Proposal 1 in 2022 and we led the charge in the Senate to implement Michigan’s first-ever financial disclosure report for state officials last year,” said state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “This year, we’re building on that progress by adding further required disclosures while making it easier for filers to submit the form and for the public to access it. This new law continues to deliver on the promise of Proposal 1.”
Senate Bill 100, sponsored by state Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan), supports free and fair elections in Michigan by ensuring reporting requirements for candidates are clear, cutting unnecessary red tape within our election system. Specifically, the bill modifies and clarifies the process for financial disclosure, ensuring the Secretary of State’s office can properly submit the reports required to verify a candidate for office. The bill also extends the deadline to file disclosures to June 13. This bill will address past user errors, ensuring more Michiganders can run for office in our state.
“The citizens rightly demanded more accountability of their elected representatives, but bureaucracy has been making it very difficult and expensive,” said state Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan). “I thank my colleagues and the Governor for supporting these simple fixes.”
Supporting Transparency and Good Governance in Michigan
Governor Whitmer is committed to ensuring that Michiganders have a transparent, responsive state government, and can make their voices heard at the ballot box. Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has:
- Voluntarily disclosed public calendars, federal income tax returns, and personal financial information.
- Signed executive directives to:
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by orionontv | May 14, 2025 | Environmental
MEDIA ADVISORY
May 14, 2025
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304
Environmental summit puts Michigan middle- and
high-schoolers in the spotlight
Media invited to May 20 event that also recognizes Michigan Green Schools, Green Ribbon Schools, Environmental Service Awards
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is inviting news media to cover the 2025 Michigan Student Sustainability Summit. The one-day educational experience in East Lansing May 20 will bring together middle school and high school student leaders from across Michigan. More than 300 students and teachers have registered. (A list of more than 30 participating schools, districts, and organizations is available through the media contact listed above).
Students will learn about Michigan environmental sustainability efforts; discover environmental career pathways; network with peers, state leaders, and community partners; and celebrate the impact of youth-led stewardship projects. The day will include interactive breakout sessions, field experiences, exhibits, and projects. The agenda is online.
Reporters may have limited opportunities to talk about the summit with EGLE Director Phil Roos around the lunch hour and EGLE Environmental Education Manager Eileen Boekestein throughout the day.
- WHAT: 2025 Michigan Student Sustainability Summit
- WHERE: Michigan State University’s Minskoff Pavilion, North Shaw Lane, East Lansing
- WHEN: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. is recommended for media visits. The recognition program for Michigan Green Schools and Environmental Service Award winners is between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
- HOW: Media should check in at the registration tent at the Pavilion upon arrival.
Director Roos will present the Environmental Service Awards, which recognize outstanding projects completed from February 2024-February 2025 by students, groups, or classes in grades 6-8 and 9-12. Eligible projects show results and benefits for Michigan’s environment, such as protecting the Great Lakes, restoring ecosystems, improving air or water quality, or conserving energy and resources.
This year’s grade 6-8 winner is Grand Rapids Montessori Academy’s E2 class for its “Lifelong Stewardship of the Great Lakes” project.
The grade 9-12 winner is Buchanan High School’s Environmental Science classes for their “Restored Prairie Habitat: Creating a Lifelong Environmental Impact” project.
EGLE Michigan Green Schools Coordinator Samantha Lichtenwald will recognize attendees from schools that are among the state’s more than 350 certified Green Schools, along with the Green Ribbon honorees. The new Michigan Green Ribbon Schools program recognizes whole-school sustainability efforts such as cost savings, health promotion, and performance improvements.
Michigan Green Schools recognizes pre-K through 12th grade schools protecting the state’s air, land, water, and ecosystems through activities promoting environmental education and stewardship. Based on the number of activities completed, schools achieve a status of Green (10-14 activities), Emerald (15-19), or Evergreen (20 or more).
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