Detroit, MI
A newspaper seller with a giving nature is David Woods’ legacy
Angelette Green has sold newspapers in Detroit for many years. But lately the news she has shared has focused on one person, the late David Woods, who sold papers for Woods at an iconic location.
The story of the late David Woods lives on through Angelette Green
Angelette Green says the late David Woods was a dependable hawker of the Sunday Detroit Free Press and a dear friend who always delivered.
In today’s world, where most Americans and people around the globe get their news from digital devices, Detroiter Angelette Green represents something much different.
And in the process, she’s providing living proof that old school printed newspapers still have a dedicated audience.
On most weekdays, often during odd hours, while working for an independent contractor, Green plays an important role in making printed newspapers — including the Detroit Free Press — available in the Detroit market by delivering papers to area gas stations and other businesses that sell the papers.
Then on Sundays, Green can be found outdoors across the Detroit area, at newsstands that primarily sell the Sunday Free Press, which each have “hawkers” (salespeople) that work for Green, who drives her team members to their locations in a van.
Green provides chairs for her hawkers at each newsstand, but says sitting is not exactly a recipe for success when it comes to selling Sunday newspapers.
“If I come by and see one of my people just sitting, I’ll say: ‘If I was a lion, huntin’, I wouldn’t miss my meal, because you’re not moving,” stated Green, a 1974 Mackenzie High School graduate who worked in the electronics department for Texas Instruments in two Texas towns for 19 years before returning to Detroit in 2002, which set the stage for her newspaper journey.
Green continued: “Mostly, people work for the tips. I pay them, but they make more money with the tips, especially if you’ve been at a spot for a long time. That’s why you need to move around so the people can see you.”
But it’s what (or rather, who) folks didn’t see Sunday, May 24, on the corner of Seven Mile Road and Livernois, in the heart of the Avenue of Fashion, that had folks talking.
David Woods, the gentle giant hawker who worked for Green, stood watch over the newsstand on that corner for years. He died May 13 at the age of 37.
“Dave was a giving person and a quality human being,” Green said fondly of her friend, who became a part of her Sunday newspaper hawking team around 2009 and later became a familiar face and presence for drivers, bikers and pedestrians alike. “Dave didn’t wave the papers around, but he built up a clientele here on this corner because customers always knew that he would be here — through rain, sleet, snow and any other kind of weather.
“We could always count on Dave every Sunday. And he was the same way when it came to his family and friends. Dave’s mother passed when he was 14 and he was kind of incorporated into another family. Dave became like a father figure to the younger children, and when that mother passed, Dave stepped all the way up for the younger kids. He was just an awesome man and I’m going to miss the heck out of him — Dave, Dave, Dave.”
Green’s respect for Woods drove her to take on yet another responsibility on May 24 as she stood in for Woods at the newsstand, informing everyone she knew with a connection to Woods about his funeral service, which was scheduled to take place on May 27 at the Hutchinson Funeral Home in Detroit.
In one instance, the person Green informed was as close to Woods as she was.
“Big Dave was like family and we were cool from Day 1,” Green’s brother, Orlando, recalled about the impression Woods made on him, his sister and their late father David Green, when Woods joined the Green’s family newspaper business.
“Big Dave was just a loyal, cool, giving, gentle giant. The people loved Big Dave. And once he settled in at Seven Mile and Livernois, nothing bad ever happened at that corner.”
It was at that corner, which decades ago was the home to two former anchor businesses on the Avenue of Fashion — Revco drugstore and B. Siegel Department Store — where a Detroiter, who wished to be known only as Dexter F., learned from Angelette Green that Woods had died.
“I met Dave about seven or eight years ago, right at this corner, as he was giving out papers and he received me,” said Dexter F., whose Detroit Tigers cap featured a miniature Dexter Avenue street sign attached to it. “Dave was a giver, a good spirit and a love spirit. And I’m going to miss him.”
As Dexter F. spoke during the morning of May 24, the voice of Misty Taylor could be heard in the background when drivers made quick stops at the corner to purchase newspapers.
Taylor said she was more than happy to give her cousin, Angelette Green, a hand with selling papers. And when the traffic near the corner became less busy, Taylor also was happy to share her thoughts about Woods.
“I’ve been around David several times through the years dealing with these papers and he was a wonderful, spiritual young man,” the 64-year-old Taylor recalled. “He was warm at heart with an intelligent mind. David was just an outward good person.
“I’m happy to come back and fill in, but he will be missed.”
Later in the morning, Taylor was in need of a restroom break, so she borrowed some of the goodwill that Woods had established somewhat recently with Lily’s & Elise Tea House, at 19037 Livernois, where retired Detroit fireman and Vietnam Navy veteran John Miller would bring water out to Woods on Sundays when Miller was helping out at his granddaughter’s business.
Those who knew Woods well say it was only fitting that Miller helped to take care of Woods’ hydration needs on Sundays because giving was something that Woods specialized in — particularly away from his appointed newsstand.
“When it came to taking care of people with food, Dave always came through,” said Ron Goss, who sells Sunday newspapers at the corner of Curtis and Myers in northwest Detroit and also is Woods’ cousin. “Even if there wasn’t enough food to make an extra plate for someone, he would find enough.”
Like Goss, Detroiter Tiara Boyette had a longtime relationship with Woods that spanned more than 20 years. During that time, Woods no doubt shared his food with Boyette on many occasions. But on Memorial Day evening, Boyette wanted to talk about another form of nourishment that Woods, a proud father of two, provided.
“Though we did not share blood, we shared a bond built on love, loyalty, and years of memories that I will cherish forever,” Boyette said. “David was someone who protected the people he loved, showed up when it mattered, and made those around him feel cared for.
“Losing him has been heartbreaking, especially knowing there were still so many plans, conversations, and moments ahead of us that will never come. I will always be grateful for the time we shared and for the love he gave so freely. David will forever hold a special place in my heart and will never be forgotten.”
Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and a lifelong lover of Detroit culture in its diverse forms. In his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited and humbled to cover the city’s neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define its various communities. Contact him at stalley@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @STalleyfreep. Read more of Scott’s stories at www.freep.com/mosaic/detroit-is/. Please help us grow great community-focused journalism by becoming a subscriber.
Anna Segedi and Mellissa Channell-Watkins on PWHL game at LCA
Anna Segedi, left, and Mellissa Channell-Watkins will play for Vancouver in Saturday’s PWHL game at LCA.
PWHL Detroit added another local player to the roster for the inaugural season in 2026-2027.
Plymouth’s Mellissa Channell-Watkins (Vancouver Goldeneyes) was one of three defensemen signed to the team on Sunday along with Stephanie Markowski (Ottawa Charge) and Mia Biotti (Boston Fleet).
Channell-Watkins joins Macomb’s Taylor Girard, Brighton’s Shiann Darkangelo and Port Huron’s Casey Borgiel as Michigan-area players in the lineup.
Channell-Watkins played with the expansion Goldeneyes last year after two previous seasons with the Minnesota Frost where she won back-to-back Walter Cup titles.
In 30 games in 2025-26, the 31-year-old recorded two assists and tied for fifth among defenders with 44 hits.
In 83 career regular-season games, she has 11 points (1G, 10A), while her nine career playoff points (1G, 8A) in 18 games is tied for third all-time among defenders.
Prior to turning pro, the Little Caesars graduate played at the University of Wisconsin, scoring the game-winning goal in the 2017 NCAA Frozen Four semifinal.
Markowski entered the PWHL as the 20th overall selection by Ottawa in the fourth round of the 2024 Draft.
The 24-year-old finished third on the team with a plus-6 rating in 2025-26 and has recorded 10 points (2G, 8A) in 58 career regular-season games.
Collegiately, the Edmonton native played four seasons at Clarkson University (2019-23), serving as an alternate captain in 2022-23.
She transferred to Ohio State where she won a national championship with the Buckeyes in 2024.
Biotti spent her rookie season with Boston Fleet, making her PWHL debut at Little Caesars Arena on Jan. 3 and went on to record two assists in 13 regular-season games and saw action in two playoff contests.
The 23-year-old from Cambridge, Massachusetts, played four seasons at Harvard University, serving as captain in her senior year, and earned Second-Team All-Ivy League honors.
PWHL Detroit roster
Forwards
▶ Daryl Watts, Detroit’s first signing, Canadian Olympian, Toronto Sceptres
▶ Hannah Bilka, U.S. Olympian, Seattle Torrent
▶ Britta Curl-Salemme, U.S. Olympian, Minnesota Frost
▶ Jesse Compher, Sister of Red Wings forward J.T. Compher, Toronto Sceptres
▶ Taylor Girard, Macomb native, New York Sirens
▶ Shiann Darkangelo, Brighton, Montreal Victoire
▶ Hilary Knight, U.S. Olympian, Seattle Torrent
Defensemen
▶ Cayla Barnes, U.S. Olympian, Seattle Torrent
▶ Sydney Bard, Vancouver Goldeneyes
▶ Nina Jobst-Smith, German Olympian, Vancouver Goldeneyes
Detroit’s draft picks
▶ No. 15 (Second round): Andrea Brandli, G, Switzerland
▶ No. 22 (second round): Casey Borgiel, D, Colgate
▶ No. 34 (third round): MaryKate O’Brien, F, Minnesota-Duluth
▶ No. 39 (fourth round): Kyle Josifovic, F, Connecticut.
▶ No. 51 (fifth round): Sena Catterall, F, Clarkson
▶ No. 63 (sixth round): Georgia Schiff, F, Cornell
Detroit added six new players in the PWHL Draft, including Swiss goalie star Andrea Brändli.
Detroit added six players in the PWHL Draft, including Swiss goalie star Andrea Brändli.
The Detroit Pistons have put Isaiah Stewart on the trade block with multiple offers swirling around the ever-changing rumor mill.
Several teams would benefit from having Stewart, who averaged 10 points, five rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season, on a solid 55% from the floor. However, despite linking up well with Jalen Duren, Stewart earning a total of $30 million over the next two years simply doesn’t fit with their future outlook.
Stewart has been linked to the blockbuster three-team trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo; however, if we set that aside, who else could use his talents ahead of the upcoming season?
Stewart embracing the north?
A possible swap involving the Toronto Raptors could be on the cards. The Raptors have been desperate for frontcourt depth, and the Pistons could definitely use more playmaking and shooting options on their roster.
For Detroit, trading Stewart for youngsters Gradey Dick and Jamal Shead makes perfect sense, with the Pistons able to mould them into backups for Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson.
While Shead provided relief for Immanuel Quickley, Dick fell out of the rotation and will be eager for a second chance in the Motor City.
Bringing a much-needed wing player to Detroit, via Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers could bring a talented wing player to Detroit in the shape of Max Strus, whose presence would really help the Pistons.
What they’re short on is two-way wings who can ease the pressure off their stars, and Strus can fit perfectly into that gaping hole.
Beyond his floor-spacing ability, he can also create offense by attacking closeouts, addressing another area where Detroit has struggled.
Look no further than their playoff meeting, which the Cavs won with Strus averaging around 10 points per game in the series, capped with a 20-point showing off the bench in Game 5 that helped swing momentum in the Cavaliers’ favor.
Stewart’s salary and defense helps Denver
One issue that plagued the Denver Nuggets this season was their rim protection, and defense in the paint.
With Stewart, who posted just under two blocks per game last season, his defensive style would really help the Nuggets, but he would be in a similar position to the one he is currently in Detroit: A backup to Nikola Jokic.
Why does this move make sense for both parties? Well, look no further than the money involved. If Denver shipped Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun, who are both on the trade block, it would save the Nuggets money and give Detroit two strong players with championship pedigree.
Stewart is under contract for $15 million in 2026-27, with a team option for the same amount in 2027-28, bringing his total value to $30 million. Johnson’s set to make $23 million, and Braun’s is on $21.5 million. This works better for Denver than it would for the Pistons, but having Johnson and Braun only boosts Detroit’s championship credentials.
Follow
A Metro Detroit church is giving back to the youth. In an age of heightened peer pressures, such as teen takeovers, leaders tell CBS News Detroit that good old-fashioned fun is the way to bring all ages together.
“It’s been a vision of mine and my late husband forever,” said Divine Restoration Ministries Pastor Dr. Tenisia Evans.
Divine Restoration Ministries hosted a Legacy in Action Day on Saturday in the gym of Eastpointe High School in Eastpointe, Michigan. The church says its focus is showing up for communities, especially the future generation.
“So many things going on in the world right now and the youth has been the center of our focus,” said Evans.
Evans says with the help of other church leaders and businesses, including AT&T, they were able to secure food, games and experiences for kids of all ages.
And when it comes to creating an event kids would actually like, Detroit teen Martrail Mullen says they were spot on.
“Kids, we like to move around and still have cardio, and while still having fun at my age, most churches don’t do that,” said Mullen.
Mullen says he has been invited to teen takeovers in the past. While he says he’s never gone to one, he wishes kids would use their time more wisely.
“Kids my age, they are doing a lot of things,” said Mullen.
That’s why Evans says now is the time they open their arms to anyone in need of support.
“We’re here. We’re here for you and we want to pour back and let you know that if you need anything, come to us and we will be here as a resource,” said Evans.
-
Business4 minutes agoNewsom and L.A. declare state of emergency as Boyle Heights fire continues spewing smoke across region
-
Entertainment6 minutes agoPuppets, performers and politics filled the streets at LACMA’s first-ever Art Parade
-
Lifestyle9 minutes agoExclusive | Penthouse to outhouse: ‘Poor’ Ilhan Omar now claims erstwhile-millionaire hubby made as little as $200 last year
-
Politics19 minutes agoCommentary: Federal probe of Newsom creates lots of smoke. Is there any fire?
-
Sports27 minutes agoNneka Ogwumike’s buzzer-beater lifts Sparks on Liberty in 30th anniversary game
-
World37 minutes ago
Newsletter: A Commissioner's secret trip to Israel
-
News1 hour ago
US strike on an alleged drug boat kills 2, leaves 6 survivors, in the eastern Pacific Ocean
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoL.A. heat advisory issued as temps expected to surge through midweek
