Around The OAA

Around The OAA

by | Aug 4, 2026 | News

By: Sammy Taormina, ONTV Volunteer Producer.

Week 1 Michigan High School Football Preview: Every Key Matchup for the 2026 Season

Published Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Week 1 of the Michigan high school football season is loaded with marquee matchups, rekindled rivalries, and first games for several new coaching staffs. Below is a matchup-by-matchup breakdown of the games to watch across Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Genesee, and Livingston counties as teams open the 2026 season.

Clarkston vs. South Lyon (at Ann Arbor)

Clarkston and South Lyon haven’t played often, making this an intriguing season opener. South Lyon lost a significant amount of talent from last year’s roster, while Clarkston returns plenty of experience. The last time Clarkston played in Ann Arbor, the Wolves fell 23-10 to Northville back in 2023. This is a strong early test for head coach Justin Pintar against a well-regarded South Lyon program.

Adams vs. Romeo (at Ann Arbor)

This is a rematch of Adams’ recent dominance over Romeo, including a 29-13 win in last season’s regional finals. The Highlanders have taken four straight from the Bulldogs. Both programs are proven regional powers, so the question is whether Romeo can finally solve Adams’ veer offense — or whether the Highlanders keep rolling.

Seaholm vs. Milford (at Ann Arbor)

This could be Seaholm’s toughest test in Ann Arbor yet. Milford brings a high-octane offense led by a strong quarterback, and head coach Jim DeWald’s Maples can’t afford to fall behind early. Seaholm’s best path is to control tempo and lean on physical, veer-style football.

Groves vs. North Farmington (at Wayne State)

Former OAA rivals renew acquaintances in a series that’s been dead even since 2020. The coaching pedigree here is notable: Groves’ Brendan Flaherty was recently inducted into the Michigan Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and former Harrison coach John Herrington now serves as an assistant under North Farmington’s Jon Herstein. Groves breaks in a new quarterback and has defensive question marks but returns running back Jeremiah Whitley. North Farmington counters with former Detroit Cass Tech standout Elijah Cobb at quarterback. A strong early test for a Groves program facing a proven opponent.

Royal Oak vs. St. Clair Shores Lake Shore

A rematch of last season’s 17-7 Royal Oak win in St. Clair Shores. Royal Oak must replace its starting quarterback, leaving head coach Colin Campbell with questions to answer. Lake Shore struggled last season but should be improved. Royal Oak’s lone bad loss last year cost them a postseason berth, adding extra intrigue to this one.

Berkley at Livonia Franklin

The Dan Earls era at Berkley begins on the road against a Livonia Franklin team that made the postseason last year. Franklin beat Berkley 34-7 at Hurley Field last season. Earls is known for his offense, but his defense faces an immediate stiff test against a strong Franklin attack.

Southfield Arts and Tech at East Kentwood

A brutal opener for first-year coach Antwon Robinson. East Kentwood blew out Southfield Arts and Tech 43-8 last season en route to a Division 1 State Semifinal appearance, falling to Novi Detroit Catholic Central. The Falcons return a high-powered, experienced offense, making this a tall order for the Warriors.

West Bloomfield at Dearborn Fordson

West Bloomfield heads to Dearborn after a 37-0 win over Fordson at the Swamp last season. Fordson is still working through a program transition, but head coach Zach Hilbers won’t take this game lightly.

Stoney Creek vs. Utica Eisenhower

A rematch of a 35-31 Stoney Creek win over Eisenhower in last year’s first round of the postseason. The two schools sit just five miles apart across the Oakland/Macomb county line. Stoney Creek returns a veteran roster, and Eisenhower is expected to be tough as usual — a true tone-setter for both programs.

Avondale at Walled Lake Northern

Both programs endured rough 2025 seasons. Avondale has a new coach in JayRamond Hall looking to start fresh, while Walled Lake Northern is coming off its own coaching transition. A key early game for Avondale to build momentum.

Rochester vs. Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

Rochester head coach Eric Vernon likes scheduling Macomb County opponents, and L’Anse Creuse North — coming off an 0-9 season — should be improved in 2026. Rochester’s quarterback-receiver duo of Matt Dyki and Nate Tandy will be worth watching ahead of the Falcons’ Falcon Frenzy game the following week.

Bloomfield Hills vs. Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Two programs looking to bounce back from down seasons. Bloomfield Hills head coach Scott Merchant enters year two, typically a breakout point for programs in transition, but the quarterback position remains a question mark. L’Anse Creuse should be much improved, setting up a good measuring-stick game for the Black Hawks.

Waterford Kettering at Livonia Clarenceville

Bob Meyer’s return to Livonia Clarenceville, where he previously coached before taking the Avondale job, headlines this one. Kettering beat Clarenceville 14-0 in Week 5 last season — arguably the Captains’ best performance in an otherwise rough year.

Oxford at Hartland

A rematch of Oxford’s 23-7 win on the blue turf last season. Oxford is experienced across the board except at quarterback, while Hartland boasts standout lineman William Tobin. The game may be broadcast on 93.5 WHNI in Livingston County.

Waterford Mott at Troy Athens

A clash of contrasting styles: Waterford Mott is young, athletic, and quick, while Troy Athens leans on strong line play. Expect this one to come down to which coaching staff shores up its weaknesses fastest.

Pontiac vs. Detroit Community

Detroit Community made the postseason last year, giving head coach Wendell Jefferson and the Phoenix a tough season-opening assignment. Pontiac enters with a tougher overall schedule and home-field advantage.

Harper Woods at Chelsea

A difficult opener for Harper Woods against a Chelsea team coached by former Lowell coach Noelle Dean, known for running the Wing T. Harper Woods needs to settle its quarterback situation in practices and scrimmages beforehand. The Pioneers have athletes and depth, but Chelsea’s physicality makes this a tough test.

Oak Park vs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central

About as difficult a matchup as it gets for Oak Park. Grand Rapids Catholic Central is talented, well-balanced, and travels well. Oak Park has experienced skill players but questions along the line — though at least the game is played at Knight Valley.

Troy vs. Grosse Pointe North

Both programs struggled in 2025. Troy hasn’t looked the same since a stretch starting September 19 in which the Colts went 0-6 and scored just 21 points combined. Grosse Pointe North allowed 40-plus points five times last season, including 35 or more in three separate games. Whichever team wins gains valuable early-season confidence for a program trying to change its trajectory.

Ferndale vs. Madison Heights Lamphere

A rematch of last season’s 17-14 double-overtime win for Ferndale. Lamphere enters with a new head coach and a transition period ahead, while Ferndale should be extra motivated for this rematch.

Lake Orion at Northville

Two programs very familiar with each other. Northville won 14-13 at Wayne State last season after Lake Orion won 21-13 at Northville in 2024. Lake Orion has more offensive experience, but its defense faces a real test against a Northville run game — and Northville’s secondary will be tested as well. A fun early look at what could become a future OAA rivalry.

Novi at Traverse City Central

Traverse City West alumnus Logan Pawloski returns to Thirby Field as Central’s head coach. This is also a rematch after Novi blew out Traverse City Central 46-3 last season. Pawloski’s early emphasis on team bonding and this early-season trip should make for a good test in Grand Traverse County.

Clawson vs. Detroit Pershing

A familiar matchup: Clawson has won both recent meetings, though closely, over Detroit Pershing. Head coach Steve Haney returns some experience but faces depth questions. Both programs made the Division 6 postseason last year, setting up a competitive game in Clawson.

Grand Blanc vs. Belleville

Grand Blanc enters after a disappointing 42-22 loss to Clarkston in the district finals, despite an unbeaten regular season and an offense that topped 50 points five times in 2025. The Bobcats are young this year, especially at quarterback. Belleville, meanwhile, was blown out 38-7 by Clarkston in last year’s Week 1 at Wayne State and never quite looked like the same team despite reeling off seven straight wins afterward. The Tigers finished with three losses, including a 57-36 defeat to Howell in Week 9 and a 30-29 first-round upset loss to Brownstown Woodhaven — both at home. A compelling matchup for a talented, athletic Belleville squad against a Grand Blanc team replacing significant pieces.

Davison vs. Roseville

A rematch after Davison’s 38-21 win in Macomb County last season. Davison must replace a lot of production from a year ago, while Roseville is well-coached and disciplined but faces a long trip to Cardinal Stadium. With questions at quarterback and on defense, this is a solid early test for Davison.

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Title tag: Week 1 Michigan High School Football Preview 2026 | Matchup-by-Matchup Breakdown

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Orion Art Center: August 2026 Newsletter

Orion Art Center: August 2026 Newsletter

by | Aug 3, 2026 | News

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One thing that has remained the same over the years from our founders’ initial vision is the sense of community and belonging that members of the Orion Art Center experience. Membership is vital to our success and has helped support the arts and the community.

Click here to learn more and become an OAC member!

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Is Rubio Starting a Nuclear Arms Race in the Middle East?

Is Rubio Starting a Nuclear Arms Race in the Middle East?

by | Aug 3, 2026 | News

Is Rubio Starting a Nuclear Arms Race in the Middle East?

By Llewellyn King

 

The Trump administration has announced and appears to be crowing over an agreement with Saudi Arabia to help the kingdom not only to build nuclear power plants but also to enrich the uranium fuel.

There is no reason for the Saudis to enrich uranium. There are plenty of willing suppliers of enriched uranium and more are coming online.

Besides, it has always seemed curious that Saudi Arabia, with its huge fossil reserves and its abundant, reliable sunshine, should want to stress its industrial infrastructure with a nuclear power program when it clearly doesn’t need it. We are at war with Iran not because of nuclear power, but because it refuses to abandon its enrichment ambitions.

Enrichment raises the potency of uranium fuel by increasing the amount of the fissile isotope Uranium-235.

Today’s generation of light water reactors — the workhorses that provide about 20 percent of U.S. electricity — use uranium that has been enriched by 3 percent to 5 percent. The uranium for the new small modular reactors will be enriched by about 20 percent.

Weapons-grade enrichment is generally considered to be uranium that has been enriched by over 90 percent. But Ernie Moniz, who was secretary of energy in the Biden administration and is a nuclear physicist, told a conference organized by the Earthshot Foundation on June 8 that “you can make a pretty good bomb” with 60 percent- enriched uranium, a reference to the Iranian stockpile that we are trying to destroy.

I have been covering nuclear power — and by extension nuclear proliferation — for more than 50 years. For most of that time, Saudi Arabia has hankered for nuclear power and enrichment. The question is why.

When I began my coverage, there was great fear of nuclear proliferation — that more countries would get nuclear weapons. Those who have, in that time, are Pakistan and North Korea. China acquired a weapon in 1964.

Israel has never declared itself nuclear-armed, but the arms control community believes it has a weapon and that the United States helped it get one years ago.

The original nuclear weapons nations, the United States, Russia, Britain and France, held the technology close and were loath to see any country step in that direction.

Making civilian nuclear power available to the world has been a plank of U.S. foreign policy since President Dwight Eisenhower launched the “Atoms for Peace” program in 1953.

One of the beneficiaries of that program was Iran. In fact, before the Iranian Revolution of 1979, American companies, led by Bechtel, the giant engineering firm, were set to build reactors across Iran.

America’s global nuclear policy was, de facto, nuclear civilian power, yes, nuclear enrichment, no. It was pretty sensible and has worked well. Now it is set aside.

The U.S.-Saudi Arabia deal comes at a time when many nations would like to start down the weapons path. The wars in Ukraine and Iran are a stark inducement to go nuclear.

If Ukraine hadn’t given up its nuclear weapons, would Russia have invaded? Almost certainly not. If Iran had a proven bomb, would Israel and the United States have attacked? I think not.

Nonetheless, every nuclear weapon is a threat to world security. The danger isn’t only that desperate or ambitious countries will use them aggressively, but also that the danger of accidental detonation is ever-present.

The United States and the Soviet Union were so concerned about this that they shared safety technology. For example, when we developed an insensitive TNT for the trigger of a nuclear device, we shared this with the Russians. Neither side wanted a thermonuclear war triggered by someone dropping a weapon off a forklift.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio would seem to be so busy that he hasn’t had time to read up on the history of proliferation.

Rubio, declared about the U.S.-Saudi Arabia deal, “Suffice it to say that any agreement that we are going to make with any country in the world on civil nuclear is going to be one that will have safeguards in place to ensure that it can’t be turned into a weapons program.”

Rubio might want to take a few minutes to ponder these three things: How it is that we came to be at war with Iran, how Iran started with civilian power and went on to weapons, and how safeguards were bypassed.

Saudi Arabia’s neighbors in that volatile region will soon be at Rubio’s door looking for nuclear power — and enrichment. First up, expect Turkey, then Egypt.

If Congress approves Rubio’s deal, then a nuclear arms race in the Middle East is more or less assured. Is there a worse place to have that happen?

On X: @llewellynking2

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Llewellyn King is executive producer and host of “White House Chronicle” on PBS.
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Under the Capitol Dome: News from Michigan’s Senate Republicans

Under the Capitol Dome: News from Michigan’s Senate Republicans

by | Aug 3, 2026 | News

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Guardianship reforms signed into law

New laws to reform Michigan’s guardianship system and better protect vulnerable individuals and their homes have been signed into law.

Public Act 69 requires court approval before a guardian can change an incapacitated person’s residence after demonstrating to the court that the move is necessary and appropriate for the individual’s needs. Public Act 68 requires a licensed appraisal before a protected person’s home may be sold.

The new reforms strengthen oversight and accountability in Michigan’s guardianship system.

Cyclosporiasis update

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues to investigate the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan. The state typically identifies 50 cases a year. This year, more than 8,000 cases have been reported.

Previous outbreaks in the U.S. and Canada have been linked to bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions. Although the exact source of this outbreak has not been identified, MDHHS recommends the following lettuce safety tips:

▪ Buy whole heads of lettuce instead of prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad kits.
▪ Discard the outer two or three layers of leaves before preparing the lettuce.
▪ Wash the remaining inner leaves thoroughly under clean running water.
▪ Cook greens when possible. The parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection, and washing alone can’t guarantee its removal. Cooking to an internal temperature of at least 158 F (70 C) is the safest option.

To reduce the risk when eating other fruits and vegetables, cook the produce when possible. For produce with removable skin, wash it under clean running water before peeling. Prewashed lettuce is not guaranteed to be safe, and rewashing bagged lettuce is unlikely to remove the parasite.

Click here for the latest information on the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan.

Stronger protections for missing children become law

New laws expanding protections for missing children in Michigan have been signed into law.

Public Acts 55 and 56 expand Michigan’s child alert system by allowing public broadcasts for missing children who are not believed to have been abducted. The laws also authorize the use of social media to distribute information and alert the public about missing children.

In addition, the laws require the Michigan State Police to issue an Amber Alert for a missing child with special needs or any missing child determined to be in danger following a preliminary investigation.

The changes expand Michigan’s child alert system and address gaps in the Amber Alert process.

2026 primary election

Michigan’s 2026 primary election will be held on Aug. 4.

Michigan voters will nominate candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, the Michigan Senate and Michigan House. Voters may also decide local races and ballot proposals, including county, city and township elections.

Statewide early voting began July 25, giving voters the option to cast a ballot in person before the Aug. 2 deadline. Early voting locations and hours can be verified through the Michigan Voter Information Center.

Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to check your voter registration, view a sample ballot or find your polling place.

New laws allow paid military leave

New laws have been signed to better support firefighters and police officers who also serve in the National Guard or reserves.

Public Acts 57 and 58 ensure eligible first responders receive at least 26 days of paid military leave each year, allowing them to fulfill military training and deployment obligations without using vacation time or taking unpaid leave.

The new acts help ensure first responders can meet their military obligations without losing income.

E-biking on Michigan’s roads and trails

An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with a rechargeable electric motor that assists while pedaling or can power the bike on its own. Some e-bikes may be used on DNR-managed trails and other paths within state parks and recreation areas.

Michigan classifies e-bikes into three categories that determine where they can be ridden:

▪ Class 1: Pedal-assisted up to 20 mph. Allowed on DNR-managed trails where traditional bikes are permitted, except in state game and wildlife areas, the North Country Trail, High Country, Shingle Mill and Pickerel Lake pathways in Pigeon River Country.
▪ Class 2: Throttle- and pedal-assisted up to 20 mph. Allowed only for mobility use with a free DNR-issued permit on DNR-managed trails.
▪ Class 3: Pedal-assisted up to 28 mph. Not permitted on state-managed trails.

E-motos, such as electric mopeds, motorcycles and dirt bikes, are not considered e-bikes and are not allowed on DNR-managed trails.

Digital kill tags available for deer season

The Department of Natural Resources is offering eHarvest as an optional digital tagging system for deer hunters this fall. Hunters may use the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to electronically tag harvested deer instead of using a paper kill tag. Hunters may continue using paper tags if they prefer.

The system allows hunters to validate their harvest directly after the animal is taken and works without a cellular connection. Once validated, the tag is recorded and time-stamped on the hunter’s device.

Celebrating Michigan’s cherry industry

Michigan is the nation’s leading producer of tart cherries, growing about 75% of the U.S. supply. Cherry orchards stretch along Lake Michigan from Benton Harbor to Elk Rapids.

Michigan’s first commercial tart cherry orchards were planted in 1893. By the early 1900s, the industry was firmly established. Today, cherry production contributes tens of millions of dollars annually to the state’s economy.

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Helpful Resources

State government resources
Michigan Senate Republicans: www.MISenateGOP.com
Michigan Senate website: www.senate.michigan.gov

Oakland County, Michigan Daily Digest

Oakland County, Michigan Daily Digest

by | Aug 3, 2026 | News

Explore the night sky at Meteors & More!
07/31/2026

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Make a ‘plan-et’ to join us for Meteors & More

Bring a blanket or camping chair and join Oakland County Parks and the Oakland Astronomy Club for a Perseid meteor shower viewing and fun activities during Meteors & More from 6:30 p.m.-midnight Friday, Aug. 14 at Addison Oaks County Park.

Enjoy free kid-friendly activities from 6:30-8:30 p.m. including train rides, an inflatable bouncer (socks required), airbrush tattoos with glow-in-the-dark glitter and free glow bracelets. Family-friendly festivities from 6:30-8:45 p.m. include self-led Solar System Trail walks, sound stage and DJ and s’mores around the fire.

At 9 p.m., enjoy a 30-minute presentation by Oakland Astronomy Club volunteers followed by the opportunity to share the club’s telescopes to view Saturn, the Andromeda Galaxy and star clusters in the night sky. Participants can take in peak views of the Perseid meteor shower from 9:30 p.m.-midnight.

There is no cost for the event activities. Insect repellant is suggested. Registration is not required but the event is limited to the first 400 attendees and subject to cancellation in case of inclement weather (call if weather is questionable).

For more information, call 248-693-2432 or email AddisonOaks@oakgov.com.

Meteors & More Information
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Addison Oaks County Park

Addison Oaks County Park & Campground is a 1,140-acre natural oasis close to home where visitors can recreate for the day, camp under the stars or explore the park’s rich history. Campers can stay on individual sites or in group camping areas, yurts or cabins. Activities include a 20+ mile trail system for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and winter fat tire biking; boat/kayak and bike rentals, 18-hole disc golf course, fishing, geocaching, picnicking, playgrounds and group picnic shelters. A 2.5-mile connector trail connects the main park to Addison Oaks-East Nature Park and other nearby recreation areas. The Solar System Trail, located along the popular Buhl Lake Loop, features two scale model displays of the solar system and can be enjoyed by both campers and day-use guests. The Historic Tudor-style Buhl Estate hosts weddings, banquets, receptions and business meetings, with food service by Oak Management and can be reached at 248-693-8305.
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