Boys Basketball Top 25

Boys Basketball Top 25

by | Dec 9, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Top 25.

Written Saturday December 6th at 9:20 PM

Here is the top 25 boys basketball teams for the first week of the season.

& Will update after Farmington score with Ann Arbor Pioneer)

 

1. Clarkston 2-0: Wolves back to their dominant ways.

2. Mott 2-0: Corsairs balance has shown in their two wins.

3. Ferndale 1-1: Eden Vinyard has been a machine this early season.

4. Avondale 2-0: Yellow Jackets still rolling under new Coach Aaron Fox.

5. Pontiac 1-1: Phoenix freshmen starting to make some noise.

6. Rochester 3-0: I’ve been impressed with the development of Ben Bissett.

7. Bloomfield Hills 2-0: Black Hawks have been a scoring machine lately.

8. Lake Orion 1-1: Dragons might have found something.

9. Stoney Creek 1-1: Cougars look like a new team under new Coach Marko Tomich.

10. North Farmington 2-0: Raiders haven’t missed a beat.

11. Adams 0-2: Who is the Robin to Cannon Flynn???

& 12. Farmington 0-0: Falcons had a tough matchup with Ann Arbor Pioneer.

13. Oxford 2-0: Cade Lindamood has been a great fit for the Wildcats.

14. Groves 2-1: Falcons bounced back since loss to Oxford.

15. West Bloomfield 0-1: Where’s the defense???

16. Troy Athens 2-1: Nathan Johnson has been quite impressive for the Red Hawks.

17. Southfield Arts and Tech 1-1: Warriors toughen up schedule in a big way.

18. Troy 1-1: Get better soon Will DeArmit.

19. Seaholm 2-0: Maples off to a good start, Adams will give them a good test.

20. Royal Oak 2-0: Ravens have been taking care of business despite the schedule.

21. Kettering 1-1: Captains got a great win against North Branch but lost to Troy.

22. Berkley 0-2: Bears are very young despite playing quality opponents.

23. Ferndale University 0-2: 56 points in two games is not a good start.

24. Harper Woods 0-0: Can’t judge Pioneers yet, haven’t played.

25. Oak Park 0-0: Can’t judge Knights yet, haven’t played.

Bills to Lower Costs for Michigan National Guard Members

Bills to Lower Costs for Michigan National Guard Members

by | Dec 9, 2025 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 9, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Lower Costs for Michigan National Guard Members and Their Families

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bills 370, 540, and 542. These bills will lower the cost of health care and child care for members of the Michigan National Guard and their families. These bipartisan bills will strengthen the support systems service members rely on and ensure they can focus on their missions knowing that their families are safe and cared for. Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,539 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.

 

“These bills reaffirm our commitment to fight for those who fight for us,” said Governor Whitmer. “We are lowering the cost of health care and child care for members of the Michigan National Guard, ensuring they can carry out their missions to keep us all safe and provide for their families too. I’m proud that legislators worked across the aisle to pass these commonsense bills, building on years of bipartisan progress we have made to help our National Guard balance their service and their daily lives. Let’s keep working together to make health care and child care more affordable for everyone and stay focused on getting things done that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

 

Senate Bill 370, sponsored by state Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), will require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create and operate a Tricare premium reimbursement program, lowering the cost of health care for Michiganders who serve in the National Guard.

 

“Michigan National Guard members selflessly serve our state and nation, making sacrifices on a daily basis to keep our communities and loved ones safe. It’s incumbent upon us as elected officials to do all we can to protect them in return,” said state Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “I’m proud to see this legislation signed into law, ensuring our guardsmen and women can access the health and dental care they need, when they need it, while improving troop readiness, recruitment, and retention along the way.”

 

Senate Bill 540, sponsored by state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-Saint Clair Shores), will create the Michigan National Guard Child Care Assistance Program within the DMVA. The new program will help eligible Michigan National Guard members pay for child care costs during weekend drills or annual training.

 

“National Guard members have the same day-to-day responsibilities and costs anyone else does, including child care,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “When they take the selfless step to sign up for service, their actions deserve to be honored with our fullest support. This legislation helps us meet their needs by providing critical child care benefits to our guardsmen and women so they can serve our community with the peace of mind that their families are cared for.”

 

Senate Bill 542, sponsored by state Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), is tie-barred to SB 540 and will require the balance remaining in the Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Fund at the end of the fiscal year to be transferred to the Michigan National Guard Member Benefits Fund.

 

“Our National Guard members put their lives on hold to serve and protect our state,” said state Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe). “Providing them with tuition assistance is one way our state can give back, helping them pursue their goals, build their careers, and continue serving our communities in and out of uniform.”

 

Last month, Governor Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation to establish the Michigan National Guard Benefit Fund, putting more money back into the pockets of our service members. The three bills signed today complete the four-bill package and ensure the men and women who serve Michigan in uniform save more money and get the benefits they deserve.

 

Helping Service Members & Veterans Thrive

  • Signed bipartisan bills to make it easier for military service members, veterans, and their dependents to enter a licensed profession.
  • Announced a partnership between the Michigan National Guard (MING) and Michigan Helmets to Hardhats, a program connecting veterans to skill-training opportunities and careers in the construction trades
DNR announces support for park upgrades in 11 counties

DNR announces support for park upgrades in 11 counties

by | Dec 9, 2025 | Recreation

 
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Dec. 9, 2024

Contact: Christie Bayus

DNR announces support for park upgrades in 11 counties in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced today 13 community recreation facilities projects recommended for a combined $11.9 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants.

“This year, the Land and Water Conservation Fund is directing just under $12 million in federal funds through the state of Michigan to local park improvements, acquisitions and development,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “Pathways, boardwalks, playgrounds, pools and more will be improved with this year’s Land and Water Conservation Fund grants, providing a valuable injection of funds into local communities for important recreation-related projects.”

The projects recommended for funding are in Barry, Benzie, Berrien, Houghton, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Oakland, Oceana, Van Buren, and Wayne counties. That funding will support replacing dilapidated play structures, restroom buildings, developing multi-use sport courts, outdoor community pool and much more.

The 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund recommendations are:

  • Village of Lawerence (Van Buren County) Lawrence Village Park Playground Improvements $301,200.
  • City of Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo County) Milham Park Improvements $500,000.
  • St. Joseph Charter Township (Berrien County) Eaton Park Restroom and Park Improvements $359,000.
  • City of Farmington Hills (Oakland County) Heritage Park Playground and Parking $500,000.
  • City of Ferndale (Oakland County) Martin Road Park Playground Replacement $150,000.
  • City of East Grand Rapids (Kent County) Waterfront Park Improvement Project Phase 2 $500,000.
  • Shelby Township (Oceana County) Shelby Community Pool $500,000.
  • Village of Elberta (Benzie County) Terminus Park Acquisition $5,347,600.
  • Macomb Township (Malcomb County) Lucido River Park Pathway and Boardwalk Project $500,000.
  • White Lake Township (Oakland County) Stanley Park Improvements $500,000.
  • City of Dearborn (Wayne County) Splash Pad at Camp Dearborn $500,000.
  • DNR Parks and Recreation Division (Bay County) Bay City State Park Campground Utilities Upgrades $1,250,000.
  • DNR Parks and Recreation Division (Houghton) Houghton Douglass Falls Phase 2 Development $1,000,000.

Projects were scored and selected from a field of 11 grant applications from local units of government and 2 applications from the DNR totaling $11,907,800. All eligible proposed projects received a site visit from DNR Grants Management staff, and all applications were evaluated, scored and ranked.

Check out an online list of the 2025 Rankings and Recommendations.

Program background

Funds are available to states through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program for land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities.

The DNR uses Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars to help develop public outdoor recreation facilities to give people better, broader access to quality public outdoor recreation opportunities. The program supports Native American tribes, villages, cities, townships and counties and divisions within the DNR.

Following federal appropriation, LWCF funds are apportioned to the states each fiscal year, and then, the state’s project recommendations are sent to the National Park Service for approval.

Application information

Eligible applicants include any unit of government, such as Native American tribes, school districts or any combination of units with the legal authority to provide recreation. Applicants can seek funding for a variety of projects, including development of and improvements to playgrounds, trails and walkways, skate parks, boat launches, picnic areas, sports fields and campgrounds, in addition to improved access for users of all abilities beyond Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

Application materials and information for LWCF grants will be available early in 2026 at Michigan.gov/LWCFGrants. Applications for the 2026 funding cycle are due April 1.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
AG Nessel Warns Michigan Veterans of Postcard Scam

AG Nessel Warns Michigan Veterans of Postcard Scam

by | Dec 8, 2025 | Uncategorized

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 4, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Michigan Veterans of Postcard Scam Targeting Personal Information

LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning veterans about a scam after reports that Michigan veterans have received fraudulent postcards claiming they are eligible for additional benefits. The scam involves fraudsters using a postcard that seems legitimate to have veterans call a phone number to receive benefits or rewards, only to steal their information.

Residents can protect themselves by being cautious when receiving such offers. Attorney General Nessel urges residents to verify the legitimacy of postcards regarding veteran resources before providing any personal information – such as a Social Security number, veteran ID number, or bank details – by reaching out to their veteran service officer, their county veterans affairs office or by calling the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s (MVAA) Michigan Veterans Resource Service Center at 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838).

“Fraudsters are always looking for ways to steal your personal information,” Nessel said. “If veterans receive a postcard in the mail, they should trust their instincts, remain cautious, and verify any claims with their veteran service officer or the MVAA to avoid falling victim to scammers.”

“Michigan is home to more than 486,000 veterans and their families,” said Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Director Brian L. Love. “It is crucial that we protect those who took an oath to serve our nation. MVAA is dedicated to connecting Michigan veterans to the federal, state and local benefits and resources they earned.”

Veterans are encouraged to visit the MVAA website or call their Michigan Veterans Resource Service Center at 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) to locate resources in their community, learn about federal and state benefits and learn how to connect to a veteran service officer.

Veterans who believe they have been a victim of the scam can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Attorney General. To file a complaint, you may reach the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
MDHHS to invest $37.5 million in opioid settlement

MDHHS to invest $37.5 million in opioid settlement

by | Dec 8, 2025 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 8, 2025

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov   

MDHHS to invest $37.5 million in opioid settlement
funds to further expand recovery housing across Michigan
More than 200 new recovery beds created in past two years

LANSING, Mich. – As part of a statewide strategy designed to save lives and reduce overdose deaths, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) plans to invest $37.5 million into stable housing to help Michigan residents recover from substance use disorder (SUD). This funding is part of the FY 2026 state budget that includes $131.75 million for SUD prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services.

“Ensuring someone has a safe place to live is one of the most powerful resources we can provide to prevent setbacks in recovery,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “These investments provide people in recovery with the security, structure and dignity they need to thrive. By directing opioid settlement funds to stable housing, we are creating meaningful, lasting change in communities across the state.”

A recent analysis by MDHHS found that more than 7,500 discharges from publicly funded SUD treatment annually resulted in people leaving treatment without stable housing. To address this gap, the department has set a goal to create 3,467 new recovery housing beds by 2028, an increase of 40%.

Michigan is slated to receive more than $1.8 billion from national opioid settlements by 2040, with half being distributed to the State of Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund and the other half being distributed directly to county, city and township governments. Over the last several years, MDHHS has distributed settlement funds in support of the state strategy addressing prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. This allowed the state to expand recovery housing by more than 200 beds in the last two years through $8 million in investments.

“We know that the transition out of treatment is one of the most critical times for individuals with substance use disorder,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive and Michigan Opioids Task Force co-chair. “It’s a time when individuals face an increased risk of returning to substance use. Without safe and stable housing, the risk of overdose increases dramatically. Recovery housing is a medically informed, evidence-based solution that offers individuals the stability and support needed to maintain their recovery and rebuild their lives.”

According to a Michigan Association of Recovery Residences (MARR) survey, recovery housing assists individuals in successfully obtaining and maintaining employment. Upon entering a MARR-certified recovery house, about 17% of individuals indicated needing employment assistance. This statistic decreases during their stay to about 8% at the 90-day mark.

Recent recovery housing investments include:

  • $1.5 million to support a new recovery housing project by Wellspring in Southfield in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Oakland County government. Construction will soon begin on 60 new recovery housing units.
  • $3 million for The McDaniel Apartments at Andy’s Place in Jackson, 26 affordable apartments and vital recovery services designed to serve expectant families overcoming opioid addiction.
  •  $3.8 million through the Recovery Housing Investment Program to purchase or lease homes across the state dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery, adding more than 110 new beds to the state’s total capacity.

“This is a matter of both equity and urgency,” said MDHHS senior advisor Tommy Stallworth. “Black and low-income communities are disproportionately impacted by housing instability and the heightened risk of overdose. Our investment in recovery housing reflects a strategic, data-informed commitment to ensuring every Michigan resident has a real opportunity for sustained recovery. Additionally, these projects demonstrate how state and local governments can work together to advance Governor Whitmer’s goal of expanding access to affordable housing.”

Recovery housing initiatives are supported by ongoing collaboration with local governments, community-based organizations and peer-led programs, ensuring that the needs of individuals in recovery are met with compassion, evidence-based practices and strong local partnerships.

For more information about SUD resources, visit Michigan.gov/SUD.

Additional information regarding proposed programming under Michigan’s Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund is provided on the opioids settlement website.