The U.S. Department for Veterans Affairs announced Wednesday that it has processed a record 2.5 million disability benefits and pension claims so far this fiscal year.

VA Secretary Doug Collins highlighted the impressive statistic during an interview with Scripps News, calling it "exciting news about the VA putting the veteran first."

What changes at the VA have led up to this?

"I've always had a philosophy: what gets measured gets done," Collins said. "And for the longest time we had a backlog claim of over 125 days that was over 260,000 when I was sworn in on February 5th. We now know it's under 160,000 that's over 37%, over 100,000 because what we did is we put more time and attention on it, we put more people on it, we detailed people, we used overtime, and we're continuing that process. It's not over yet."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Secretary Doug Collins outlines a plan for 'streamlining' care at Veterans Affairs

"What was said was 'these people are waiting on a decision from VA. A veteran should not have to wait that long,'" Collins added. "And this is something that we have been prideful in looking at and saying 'we are gonna do better.'"

What percentage of these claims were approved?

"It depends," Collins told Scripps News. "And those are all dependent on what the instance is and how they go about it. Some are approved maybe not in full some are approved partially. There's other ways that we go about this, getting it. But what they're getting is an answer. And then if they don't like, or they have an issue with the decision they got let's say they were told 'no' then they can always appeal those claims and that is a process that we have in place."

"We're not the agency of just simply saying 'no,'" he added. "And I think our agency, there's times when we have to say 'no' because there's not a statutory benefit applied to that. But what we're trying to do is make sure that we give the benefit of the doubt to the veterans so that they can apply and make sure they get every possibility to be heard."

Watch Scripps News' full interview with VA Secretary Doug Collins in the video player above.

In todays Health Alert, the countdown to the first day of school is on. But along with the excitement, many kids are feeling those back-to-school jitters.

My own kids are starting school soon. Theyre excited, but a little nervous too, and thats completely normal.

So how can parents help? First of all, dont avoid anxiety or sweep it under the rug. Instead, ask your child how theyre feeling and really listen. Let them know their feelings are valid. While it might seem like a good idea to say, dont worry, this can actually make things worse and shut the conversation down.

Instead, try saying, I hear that youre feeling nervous, lets talk about what might help. You can tell them its a cope ahead plan - then have them think through small steps for handling worries at school. For example, they might take deep breaths, talk to a teacher, or reach out to a close friend.

Also, I recommend a practice run of a school day. Wake up, eat breakfast, pack their bag, and even drive to school. And, if possible, visit open houses or meet-the-teacher events. This helps make the first day feel more familiar and less overwhelming.

Lastly, dont forget to praise brave moments, even small ones like saying hi to a new classmate. It really helps build confidence.

One sign that your child is anxious is when they repeatedly ask the same questions. For example, What if I dont have friends in my class? or What if I get lost? or What if no one sits with me at lunch? This shows your child is having a hard time calming their mind.

Another sign is physical complaints with no real medical cause, such as headaches, stomachaches, or simply feeling drained and tired.

And speaking of fatigue, watch for changes in sleep patterns. Anxiety can make it hard to fall asleep or cause them to wake up in the middle of the night, worrying about school.

Also, avoidance is another signal, such as skipping school events that they would usually be excited for.

If anxiety starts keeping your child from school, interfering with friends or activities they normally enjoy, its time to reach out to a pediatrician or a child mental health professional. Getting help early can make a big difference.

For most kids, though, a little anxiety is normal and just part of getting back into the school routine.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi ShowDr. Partha Nandi discusses some of the latest techniques being used to help protect and improve eyesight. Dr. Sandeep Randhawa discusses how to slow the degenerative process of the eyes as we age. Amada Gates speaks on how the Feng Sui of a home can strengthen eyesight. Dr. Gabriel Sosne informs on a new treatment for dry eyes. And Dr. Sally Hoey talks about how to protect the eyes at an early age. Tune in this Saturday, August 16th, at 12:30 pm.

Half of Americans now say food costs are a major source of stress, according to a recent Press-NORC Center poll. With inflation lingering and sweeping tariffs taking effect against dozens of countries, many consumers say the pressure on household grocery budgets is rising.

Last week, long-delayed tariffs went into effect, ranging from 10 to 50 percent. Items like seafood, fruit, and olive oil are among the food imports most likely to see price hikes. Some experts say consumers could initially pay 7% more for fresh produce before prices stabilize, according to Budget Lab.

But is there a way to bypass the instability?

For shoppers like Gino Meriano, the answer is simple: buy local.

I probably save around $10 to $15 a week, Meriano, a regular at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, said. Even though its more expensive here, I get better quality. If you plan your meals, you save money.

Beyond the value, Meriano says its also about predictability. He avoids impulse buying, sticks to his shopping list, and supports local farms all while sidestepping the uncertainty of global price pressures.

If you keep, you know, sort of jacking up the prices, and you're adding tariffs, you're adding taxes, whatever, then the more times that people start to realize you've got places like this, Meriano said.

Laura Mudd, a vendor selling produce on behalf of Crooked Sky Farms, says local pricing is often more stable than what consumers find at chain grocers.

Tariffs can affect everything, but you dont have to worry about that affecting your produce bill if you're shopping at the farmers market, Mudd said.

Still, no farm no matter how local operates in a vacuum.

EverKrisp Vegetables Inc., a third-generation Arizona farm, supplies produce to grocery chains like Sprouts and Kroger. Co-owner Abbie Etchart Fraser says buying local does help consumers avoid certain costs, particularly those tied to transportation often referred to as "food miles.

When you buy something grown close to you, that product doesn't have to travel hundreds of miles, Etchart Fraser said. That saves on fuel and freight costs.

However, she says her business hasnt been immune to tariff-related challenges. EverKrisp partners with growers in Mexico to produce green onions, which need a particular climate. When tariffs were reinstated, they created confusion and financial strain.

It was nerve-wracking, Etchart Fraser said. We had to take on extra costs ourselves, to support our growers and pay for compliance.

Tariffs have also driven up operational costs.

"We have a lot of supplies that we need, from cartons to twist ties, fertilizers, Etchart Fraser said. Due to the uncertainty, their prices have been raised, whether it's directly related to tariffs or it's just the unknown costs that they see coming, we have noticed those changes with the incoming tariffs."

Jim Rounds, President of Rounds Consulting Group, explains that while companies have absorbed most of the burden so far about 64% of companies have absorbed most of the burden so far, according to Goldman Sachs the load is shifting. Economists project that by fall, two-thirds of the cost will fall on consumers.

Even local farms still buy fertilizer, tools, and packaging that may be impacted by tariffs, said Rounds. Its difficult to say whether buying local will save money in the long term.

Still, the situation could present an opportunity. Rounds notes that if domestic growers gain a competitive advantage over imports, they may be able to scale up. Thats something EverKrisp is already considering.

We certainly have land we could expand on, Fraser said. Were hoping to grow more items or increase volume on what we already sell, like cabbage.

There is an appetite for the shift.

No tariffs, no nothing. Pay that little extra and they're good to go, Meriano said.

Shopping local is something that many consumers, like Meriano, are hungry for.

This story was reported on-air by Jane Caffrey with the Scripps News Group station in Phoenix and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Southfield's third annual Rock the Block event brings community together to help homeowners in need.

Watch Meghan Daniels' video report: Volunteers build connections while beautifying Southfield homes

The focus isn't just on fixing buildings; it's about building connections. Volunteers say this year's event is about much more than pulling weeds and touching up homes; it's about hope, pride and a stronger Southfield.

"They give you that boost that you need owning a home. Especially if you are an older person, if you are a single person, it has it's challenges," Carmen Harrison said.

Harrison is a homeowner who benefited from Rock the Block. Volunteers gathered at the city building before heading out for a day of tree trimming, weeding, mowing and trash removal.

The impact runs deep for both homeowners and those who donate their time.

"Not only are we beautifying the neighborhood and helping the houses, but we're also adding value for the homeowner, we're helping them feel better about their situation," Robert Machon said.

For some participants like Shavon McCoy, it's a chance to pay it forward.

"I had a chance to even meet other awesome volunteers too like Nissan, and I was able to show my gratitude and how grateful I am to have them out and come help me build my own home," McCoy said.

Though he's been volunteering for years, Michael Evola says the mission is simple.

"They just need a helping hand," Evola said. "It makes me feel good. It's good outside. I'm getting exercise and I've been along with Habitat (for Humanity) because of the skills that I've learned."

Volunteers find the experience personally rewarding as well.

"Sometimes, it feels like you're just running through the motions, just on auto pilot, but doing something like this, it breaks you out of that and it almost transforms you into somebody who's got a higher purpose for a day," Machon said.

Harrison says this act of kindness from the volunteers isn't just easy on the eyes; it's community showing up for each other.

"They kind of inspire you to do what you can on your own and what you can't do, they're just kind of like that helping neighbor, which is just a godsend I believe," Harrison said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The Detroit Pistons have announced their 2025-26 schedule, with the season kicking off on the road on Oct. 22.

According to the Detroit Pistons, they will start the season against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. The home opener will be Sunday, Oct. 26 against the Boston Celtics at 3:30 p.m.

The full schedule includes back-to-back games against the Celtics on Oct. 26 and then Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 27, and then the game in Mexico City on Nov. 1.

The Pistons will welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to town on Dec. 6, the New York Nicks on Jan. 5 and Feb. 6, and face the Celtics on MLK Day on Jan. 19.

This year, the 313 Day matchup features Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Detroit is expected to have 16 national TV games during the regular season.

The team also released theme night games for the season. Those games are:

Oct. 26 - Boston - Opening Night

Nov. 10 - Washington - Hoops for Troops

Nov. 14 - Philadelphia - Emirates NBA Cup

Nov. 28 - Orlando - Emirates NBA Cup

Dec. 6 - Milwaukee - Hooper's Birthday

Dec. 20 - Charlotte - Holiday Game

Jan. 10 - LA Clippers - Sports Betting Night

Jan. 19 - Boston - MLK Day Game

Jan. 25 - Sacramento - Kids Day

Feb. 5 - Washington - HBCU/NPHC Night

March 7 - Brooklyn - Women's Empowerment

March 13 - Memphis - 313 Day

March 26 - New Orleans - Pride Night

April 8 - Milwaukee - Fan Appreciation Night

Check out the full schedule here

A New York man has been arrested and charged with cyberstalking the family of slain UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Thompson was fatally shot outside a Midtown Manhattan building in December 2024 in what authorities say was a targeted attack. The suspected gunman, Luigi Mangione, was arrested days later and is awaiting trial.

In the days after the shooting, federal prosecutors say Shane Daley, 40, placed multiple calls to a work phone line used by a member of Thompsons family and left voicemails using threatening and harassing language. According to prosecutors, Daley said Thompsons children deserved to meet the same violent end as their father.

RELATED STORY | UnitedHealthcare killing suspect Luigi Mangione indicted on death penalty-eligible charges

Brian Thompson was gunned down in midtown Manhattan. Daley, as alleged, gleefully welcomed this tragedy and did all that he could to increase the Thompson familys pain and suffering, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said in a statement.

If convicted, Daley faces up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as $250,000, according to the Department of Justice.

"The recurrent calls and messages in the days following Brian Thompsons murder were more than callous and cold-hearted harassment they were threatening and terrified a family already suffering following the violent death of their loved one," said Christopher G. Raia, assistant director in charge of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

At least 13 people have died and 50 others required medical treatment after being poisoned by methanol-tainted alcoholic drinks in Kuwait, the country's health ministry said on Wednesday.

51 of the victims required urgent kidney dialysis, 31 patients received artificial ventilation, and 21 victims suffered permanent blindness or visual impairment as a result, according to the Kuwait Ministry of Health.

All of the victims were Asian nationals, officials said.

FROM THE ARCHIVES | 7 foreign tourists hospitalized in Fiji were not poisoned by alcohol or illicit drugs, officials say

The incident is under investigation.

The Middle Eastern country banned alcohol consumption in the 60s before later criminalizing it, resulting in the illegal production of beverages in an unregulated environment.

Unlike some of the countries in the region, there are no exceptions to the alcohol ban for tourists or non-Muslims.

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a highly toxic industrial chemical that is colorless but has a distinct odor. It's often illegally used as a substitute for ethanol in alcoholic drinks.

By Owen McCarthy, MediaNews Group

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard is cautioning against unsafe usage of drones by hobbyists at this weekend’s Woodward Dream Cruise, following “issues” law enforcement have seen with them in recent years.

Speaking at a press conference Thursday afternoon at the Sheriff’s Office in Pontiac, Bouchard said that though using drones to record videos of the Dream Cruise is a “fun hobby” for many, they can pose safety risks.

As such, Bouchard urged people to adhere to federal laws mandating drones are flown at no higher than 400 feet. At last year’s Dream Cruise, he said some drones were flying as high as 1,500 feet.

“Everything you can imagine will be out there,” Bouchard said. “Cameras, drones, helicopters, dogs, cars, motorcycles, horses, bikes, pedestrian controls.”

Thousands are expected to descend on Oakland County over the next few days for the Dream Cruise, an annual summer showcase of vintage cars. Billed as the largest one-day automotive event in North America, Saturday marks its 30th anniversary.

Bouchard also reiterated federal laws requiring that drones remain in the operator’s line of sight and that they aren’t flown over large crowds. Bouchard recommended people fly drones over buildings lining the Dream Cruise route, so that if it malfunctions, it falls on a roof rather than people.

Though it’s not a legal requirement, Bouchard requested that people fly drones around 200 feet, so as to avoid interfering with the law enforcement’s drones, used to monitor crowds and maintain “situational awareness” along the 20-mile Dream Cruise route.

One new approach law enforcement will be taking this year is the creation of a “multi-agency” center that will be based in Royal Oak during the cruise. Bouchard said the different agencies involved have always had “great communication,” but “not necessarily all in the same spot.”

The center will allow the communication to be “seamless,” he said.

Though the event can be a “challenge to police” because it includes nine Oakland County communities, Bouchard said law enforcement is prepared because of better coordination among agencies and the fact that police have been handling the event now for 30 years.

“It’s like a ballet,” he said, adding that some law enforcement stay posted at intersections along Woodward to clear the way for emergency vehicles in the event they need to cross the busy road.

For spectators, Bouchard urged people to limit alcohol consumption, and for participants to refrain from doing burnouts.

Many years ago, Bouchard said a driver at the Dream Cruise was tempted to do a burnout by spectators. The driver erred, lost control to the left, “hit the curb and flipped.” If the car lost control to the right, “people would have died.”

“This is not a place to show off your car’s capabilities,” he said. “It’s a place to show off how pretty it is, and how much work you put into it, and have a fun day.”

By NADIA LATHAN and SOPHIA TAREEN, Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — Texas Democrats on Thursday moved closer to ending a nearly two-week walkout that has blocked the GOP’s redrawing of U.S. House maps before the 2026 election and put them under escalating threats by Republicans back home.

The Democrats announced they will return so long as Texas Republicans end a special session and California releases its own redrawn map proposal, both of which were expected to happen Friday.

Democrats did not say what day they might return.

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott still intends to push through new maps that would give the GOP five more winnable seats before next year’s midterm elections.

Texas House Democrats said in a statement that under the advice of legal counsel, they needed to return to the state to “build a strong public legislative record” for an upcoming legal battle against a new map.

“Now, as Democrats across the nation join our fight to cause these maps to fail their political purpose, we’re prepared to bring this battle back to Texas under the right conditions and to take this fight to the courts,” said state Rep. Gene Wu, the House Democratic leader.

Lathan reported from Austin.

Washington, D.C.'s police chief has issued a directive to boost collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities as part of President Donald Trump's federal crackdown on crime and homelessness in the nation's capital.

The Executive Order, signed by Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, was announced on Thursday. It permits MPD officers to exchange information with immigration officials regarding individuals not in custody, potentially affecting people stopped during routine traffic checks or checkpoints.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump places DC police under federal control, activates National Guard amid crime concerns

It comes just days after President Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard to Washington D.C., and took control of the local police. Officials have indicated that as many as 800 National Guard troops could be stationed in D.C. to aid law enforcement efforts.

The White House reports that there have already been multiple arrests under this new initiative. A defense official informed Scripps News that the National Guard will remain in place until the "mission is complete" which is a fairly amorphous objective.

President Trump said he will seek cooperation from Republican lawmakers to extend the Guard's deployment as he deems necessary.

"We're going to need a crime bill that we're going to be putting in. It's going to pertain initially to D.C. It's almost we're going to use it as a very positive example. And we're going to be asking for extensions on that long term extensions, because you can't have 30 days," President Trump said. "I don't want to call a national emergency. If I have to, I will. But I think the Republicans in Congress will approve this pretty much unanimously."

RELATED STORY | Trump's DC police maneuver contradicted by crime statistics

It is not clear if there is enough support in Congress to secure an extension, which may require Democratic support to pass.

Washington. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, meanwhile, has so far struck a somewhat conciliatory tone with President Trump, but has commented that his actions are unprecedented and a breach of governmental norms. Scripps News learned that Bowser has briefly left the city for a "family commitment" but is planning to return on Friday.

By ASHRAF KHALIL, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington, D.C., police chief ordered more cooperation between her officers and federal immigration officials as President Donald Trump’s law enforcement takeover of the nation’s capital took root Thursday. National Guard troops watched over some of the world’s most renowned landmarks and Humvees took up position in front of the busy main train station.

In a city tense from days of ramp-up toward federal law enforcement intervention, volunteers helped homeless people leave long-standing encampments — to where, exactly, was often unclear. The mayor, meanwhile, left town for a family commitment. And the president told reporters that he was pleased at how the operation — and, now, its direct link with his immigration-control efforts — was unfolding.

“That’s a very positive thing, I have heard that just happened,” Trump said of Police Chief Pamela Smith’s order. “That’s a great step. That’s a great step if they’re doing that.”

The police chief’s order establishes that Metropolitan Police Department officers may now share information with immigration agencies regarding people not in custody — such as someone involved in a traffic stop or checkpoint. MPD officers may also provide “transportation for federal immigration employees and detained subject,” the order states.

The changes, which raise collaboration between the two forces in notable ways, are effective immediately. Mayor Muriel Bowser, walking a tightrope between the Republican White House and the constituency of her largely Democratic city, was out of town Thursday for a family commitment in Martha’s Vineyard but would be back Friday, her office said.

A boost in police activity, federal and otherwise

For an already wary Washington, Thursday marked a notable — and highly visible — uptick in presence from the previous two days. The visibility of federal forces around the city, including in many high-traffic areas, was striking to residents going about their lives. Trump has the power to take over federal law enforcement for 30 days before his actions must be reviewed by Congress, though he has said he’ll re-evaluate as that deadline approaches.

The response before Thursday had been gradual and, by all appearances, low key. But on Wednesday night, officers set up a checkpoint in one of D.C.’s popular nightlife areas, drawing protests. The White House said 45 arrests were made Wednesday night, including 29 arrests of people living in the country illegally, including for distribution or possession of drugs, carrying a concealed weapon and assaulting a federal officer.

Troops were stationed outside the Union Station transportation hub as the 800 Guard members who have been activated by Trump start in on missions that include monument security, community safety patrols and beautification efforts, the Pentagon said.

“They will remain until law and order has been restored in the District as determined by the president, standing as the gatekeepers of our great nation’s capital,” Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said. “The National Guard is uniquely qualified for this mission as a community-based force with strong local ties and disciplined training.”

Wilson said the troops won’t be armed and declined to give more details on what the safety patrols or beautification efforts would entail or how many Guard members have already been sent out on the streets.

National Guard Major Micah Maxwell said troops will assist law enforcement in a variety of roles, including traffic control posts and crowd control. The Guard members have been trained in de-escalation tactics and crowd control equipment, Maxwell said.

The White House said Thursday that Guard members aren’t making arrests but are “protecting federal assets, providing a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests, and deterring violent crime with a visible law enforcement presence.”

For homeless residents, an uncertain time is at hand

Meanwhile, about a dozen homeless residents in Washington packed up their belongings with help from volunteers from some city agencies. Items largely were not forcibly thrown out by law enforcement, but a garbage truck idled nearby.

Several protesters held signs close by, some critical of the Trump administration. Once the residents had left, a construction vehicle from a city agency cleared through the remains of the tents.

Advocates expected law enforcement officers to fan out across D.C. later Thursday to take down — or supervise the takedown of — any remaining homeless encampments.

For two days, small groups of federal officers have been visible in scattered parts of the city. But more were present in high-profile locations Wednesday night, and troops were expected to start doing more missions Thursday.

Agents from Homeland Security Investigations have patrolled the popular U Street corridor, while Drug Enforcement Administration officers were seen on the National Mall, with Guard members parked nearby. DEA agents also joined MPD officers on patrol in the Navy Yard neighborhood, while FBI agents stood along the heavily trafficked Massachusetts Avenue.

Associated Press journalists Jacquelyn Martin, Mike Pesoli and David Klepper contributed to this report.

By AMANDA SEITZ and KIMBERLY KINDY, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge ordered the nation’s health department to stop giving deportation officials access to the personal information — including home addresses — of all 79 million Medicaid enrollees.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services first handed over the personal data on millions of Medicaid enrollees in a handful of states in June. After an Associated Press report identified the new policy, 20 states filed a lawsuit to stop its implementation.

In July, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services entered into a new agreement that gave the Department of Homeland Security daily access to view the personal data — including Social Security numbers and home address — of all the nation’s 79 million Medicaid enrollees. Neither agreement was announced publicly.

The extraordinary disclosure of such personal health data to deportation officials in the Trump administration’s far-reaching immigration crackdown immediately prompted the lawsuit over privacy concerns.

The Medicaid data sharing is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to provide DHS with more data on migrants. In May, for example, a federal judge refused to block the Internal Revenue Service from sharing immigrants’ tax data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help agents locate and detain people living without legal status in the U.S.

The order, issued by federal Judge Vince Chhabria in California, temporarily halts the health department from sharing personal data of enrollees in those 20 states, which include California, Arizona, Washington and New York.

“Using CMS data for immigration enforcement threatens to significantly disrupt the operation of Medicaid—a program that Congress has deemed critical for the provision of health coverage to the nation’s most vulnerable residents,” Chhabria wrote in his decision, issued on Tuesday.

Chhabria, an appointee of President Barack Obama, said that the order will remain in effect until the health department outlines “reasoned decisionmaking” for its new policy of sharing data with deportation officials.

A spokesperson for the federal health department declined to directly answer whether the agency would stop sharing its data with DHS. HHS has maintained that its agreement with DHS is legal.

Immigrants who are not living in the U.S. legally, as well as some lawfully present immigrants, are not allowed to enroll in the Medicaid program that provides nearly free coverage for health services. But federal law requires all states to offer emergency Medicaid, a temporary coverage that pays only for lifesaving services in emergency rooms to anyone, including non-U.S. citizens. Medicaid is a jointly funded program between states and the federal government.

Immigration advocates have said the disclosure of personal data could cause alarm among people seeking emergency medical help for themselves or their children. Other efforts to crack down on illegal immigration have made schools, churches, courthouses and other everyday places feel perilous to immigrants and even U.S. citizens who fear getting caught up in a raid.

“Protecting people’s private health information is vitally important,” Washington state’s Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “And everyone should be able to seek medical care without fear of what the federal government may do with that information.”

Maroon 5 will be wrapping its upcoming Love Is Like fall tour on Nov. 25 at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena. But guitarist James Valentine promises that fans will see anything but a road-weary band at that date.

“Oh, no, the last show … those are always special,” Valentine says via Zoom from his home in Toluca Lake, California. “There’s a real excitement, plus all the kinks have been worked out, so I would encourage everybody to come out ’cause they’re usually pretty great.”

Enter to win 2 tickets to Maroon 5’s Nov. 25 Detroit show

Maroon 5's 23-date tour, which begins Oct. 6 in Phoenix, comes in support of "Love Is Like," the group's eighth studio album — the latest entry in a career of more than 135 million records sold worldwide, three Grammy Awards and 20 Top 20 hits, including "This Love," "She Will Be Loved," "Moves Like Jagger," "Payphone" and "One More Night." Frontman Adam Levine, meanwhile, has achieved solo fame acting ("Begin Again," "American Horror Story: Asylum") and also appeared as a coach in "The Voice," which he co-produces.

The group's last album, "Jordi," came out in 2021. Valentine said the band "knew in the future a new album was going to be worked on at some point." The process began in January 2024 when Levine sent his bandmates the idea for a song that became "Priceless," the first single from "Love Is Like," which features a guest vocal by Lisa from the K-pop group Blackpink.

"(Levine) was like: 'Hey, guys, I'm fired up. I want to write. Let's go!'" recalls Valentine. "And with that song, it was off to the races. We knew it was time because Adam felt inspired."

"Love Is Like" features nine more tracks, with Lil Wayne guesting on the title track and Sexxy Red on "I Feel Like." And in Valentine's estimation, the new album, for the most part, hearkens back to Maroon 5's early days, such as the multi-platinum 2002 debut "Songs About Jane."

"Each record we've done has sort of gone in such different directions," Valentine notes. "I think there's been a constant evolution. But ('Priceless') felt like it was going back to some of the sounds that we were making early in our career. I think it was time to go back to some of those early influences, like '70s soul and funk.

"So this album, at least more than the most recent albums, has more of those elements. About half the record has that sort of feeling."

Valentine predicts the tour shows will be "really special," especially since the production is being helmed by the company that worked with Maroon 5 on its Las Vegas residency at the Park MGM. "We might bring some elements of that, yeah," he says. "We haven't toured in the U.S. much for the last couple of years because of the Vegas residence — which we really loved, but I also missed being out there and seeing the country. So we're excited to be doing that again."

Maroon 5, Claire and Claire Rosinkranz perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 25 at Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit.  313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com. 

Enter below for a chance to win two tickets to the Nov. 25 Maroon 5 performance at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

The contest runs from Aug. 14-25. One entry per email address and/or phone number. The winner will be selected Aug. 29.

For complete rules and regulations, click here.

Maroon 5 to end fall tour with stop in Detroit

The post The Metro: What our museums offer — and why the White House is clamping down on them appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Airbnb is launching a new payment option that allows travelers to book accommodations without paying the full amount upfront.

"Reserve Now, Pay Later" is now available to customers in the U.S. booking eligible domestic stays on the Airbnb website or app.

The company said you can use this payment option for listings with flexible or moderate cancellation policies. The full rental amount won't be due until shortly before the end of the listing's free cancellation period.

No credit check is required to use the feature.

RELATED STORY | Airbnb initially denies claim after guests left almost $8,000 in stolen property and damages

Host cancellation policies remain unchanged, and Airbnb said, because the payment from guests is always due before the free cancellation period ends, hosts have time to secure another booking even if a guest cancels.

Airbnb said it hopes this new payment option will generate more reservations for U.S.-based hosts by making bookings more accessible to travelers.

RELATED STORY | 'Coolcations' are the latest travel trend but what are they?

The company recently partnered with Focaldata to survey U.S. travelers and found that 60% of the respondents said having flexible payment options is important when it comes to booking a vacation.

One in 10 survey participants said they always use a flexible payment option when it is available.

The new feature will be available alongside Airbnb's other payment options like "Pay Part Now, Part Later" and "Pay Over Time with Klarna."

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

President Donald Trumps highly anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is being closely supported by the American intelligence community.

President Trump initiated the talks in an effort to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which have been at war since 2022, when Russia launched its invasion.

A former National Security Council official told Scripps News that President Trump was likely briefed on the meeting during his presidential daily briefing on Thursday. That report typically provides U.S. analysis on what to expect from the summit, what Putin is likely to request, and assessments of the Russian leaders aims and objectives. The official noted that such briefings do not include policy recommendations, only information and analysis.

Ned Price, a former CIA analyst and senior State Department official during the Biden administration, spoke about the unusual nature of the meeting. It has been described as more of a listening session, and Price noted that meetings of this nature rarely occur unless both sides believe a viable solution is within reach. He echoed concerns voiced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying it is a victory for Putin simply to be invited, especially after President Trump didn't follow through with additional sanctions and tariffs on Russia last week.

RELATED STORY | Inside the Putin-Trump Alaska summit: Arctic power and Ukraine's future

The White House said President Trump and Putin will meet one-on-one. A Secret Service agent confirmed they will remain outside the room if both countries agree, with Russian security doing the same. Price warned that such arrangements create risks, as intelligence agencies will lack a clear record of what was discussed. Typically, a memcon or memorandum of conversation is shared afterward with intelligence leadership.

Price also raised security concerns about Putins plane being on the ground in Alaska, citing Russias aggressive intelligence operations. He said it is safe to assume they will attempt to collect as much information as possible while on U.S. soil. That could pose challenges for the U.S. military base hosting the talks, though measures such as disabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi could help mitigate risks. Still, he said, senior White House staff will be prime targets for Russian intelligence gathering during the summit.

He added that intelligence services worldwide will seek clues about the meetings outcome by targeting emails, phone calls, faxes and other communications. The stakes are high, he said, not only for Europe as it grapples with a land war but also for Taiwan, where leaders are watching for signs of how the conflict might influence Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The post The Metro: How opioid settlement money will help Michiganders with substance abuse issues appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD and TRÂN NGUYỄN, Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling for a Nov. 4 special election on new U.S. House maps designed to win more Democratic seats.

His move is in response to Republican efforts to pick up five seats in Texas. Newsom released a campaign ad on social media Thursday as Democrats kicked off a press conference.

State lawmakers technically need to declare the special election and they plan to do so next week.

Democrats have not yet released their draft maps, but they aim to pick up five more seats.

The maps need voter approval. That’s because voters previously granted the power to draw maps to an independent commission instead of lawmakers.