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Susan J. Demas: Has Michigan bounced back? • Michigan Advance

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Susan J. Demas: Has Michigan bounced back? • Michigan Advance


There’s something happening in Michigan right now and it feels kind of like … optimism?

You could see the energy pulsing through the Motor City as the Detroit Lions stole everyone’s hearts in this year’s playoffs (and then broke them, but we don’t talk about that). And since Thursday, there’s been a sea of Honolulu Blue in the streets for the NFL draft, with the city shattering the all-time attendance record.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (who had once aspired to be a sports reporter) appeared to be having the time of her life, talking up Michigan to the media, posting earnest and slightly goofy videos and even donning buffs.

It’s a made-for-TV comeback story for a city that went through the largest municipal bankruptcy a little more than a decade ago. And as we all know, as Detroit goes, so goes Michigan.

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But I don’t think it’s just hype — or the fact that everyone loves football (except Donald Trump, as the Biden campaign claims in a snarky ad coinciding with the draft in a key swing state).

When I moved to Michigan 20 years ago in the middle of the decade-long recession (because my timing is impeccable), I got the usual racist warnings not to go to Detroit. There was no sugarcoating that the entire state was hurting — we were bleeding auto industry jobs and beloved institutions like the Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit were shuttered.

In one of my first columns, I compared the dismal state of public transit there to that of my hometown of Chicago — which has its own shortcomings, to be sure. But I recall an editor asking me to cut some of my copy lauding the Windy City because Michiganders would be “jealous.”

Over the years, I’ve also seen a lot of knee-jerk boosterism of Detroit, like a parade of economic development projects and the 2006 Super Bowl that were supposed to save the city … until they didn’t.

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It goes without saying that things aren’t perfect today. The Renaissance Center faces an uncertain future with GM set to move out, residents want more attention focused on rebuilding neighborhoods and little progress has been made to link transit in Southeast Michigan. Detroit is still losing population and Michigan is treading water (hence Whitmer appointing a commission last year to tackle the issue).

But the bottom line is that a lot more people want to be in Detroit now. The city has always had world-class museums, like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the best bookstore in America, John K. King Books, where you can easily spend an entire day wandering about (and you definitely should). But there’s a new crop of local businesses, restaurants and venues that draw in people even when the NFL draft isn’t in town.

And it’s not just our largest city. Michigan’s economy is thriving, like the nation’s, having defied all expectations since it was ravaged by sky-high unemployment at the start of the COVID pandemic. The state unemployment rate is below 4% and economists say we’re on track for continued economic growth without a recession.

Gone are the days of big budget deficits, followed by rounds of cuts to schools, state parks and local governments. When Michigan’s surplus hit an unheard-of $9.2 billion last year, I tried to explain to some newer reporters how jaw-dropping that was after covering two partial government shutdowns in 2007 and 2009. (I probably just sounded like their great-grandma spinning a yarn about the Great Depression).

Much has been made about the “vibecession,” where it just “feels” like the economy is doing far worse than it is. And I’m sure that for Republicans, it feels pretty depressing to have Democrats in charge of every branch of state government.

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Indeed, under former Chair Kristina Karamo, the Michigan Republican Party website used to greet visitors with this cheery message: “On this current path, Michigan will become the global headquarters for communist influence and power, and drive Michigan into a deeper depression.”

But facts, as they say, don’t care about your feelings. And it sure is interesting that Michigan’s economy is doing better with Whitmer than it did under her predecessor, Republican Rick Snyder, a former CEO who dubbed himself “One Tough Nerd” and was supposed to turn the state around.

But it is an election year and Republicans are itching to take back the Michigan House so they can have some veto power over Whitmer’s agenda (the state Senate and executive offices aren’t on the ballot until 2026). Most of the GOP messaging has just been mirroring Trump’s diatribes on immigration, but a couple weeks ago, leaders did release an economic plan.

So what was in it? Republicans want to bring back Right to Work, roll back regulations and slightly cut the income tax. In other words, it’s just a return to Snyder-era policies which were meh at best.

Look, unless you’re the type of person who convulses with rage every time a leather-jacket-clad Whitmer posts on Tiktok, it’s hard to deny that Michigan feels a little bit brighter and lighter these days. Why would we want to go backward?

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The Spirit of Detroit is adorned with a jersey for the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, Mich. on April 25, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)



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Sherrone Moore’s former assistant sues University of Michigan over alleged FOIA violations

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Sherrone Moore’s former assistant sues University of Michigan over alleged FOIA violations


A former University of Michigan assistant whose relationship with ex-coach Sherrone Moore was under investigation is accusing university officials of refusing to provide records related to the probe.

Paige Shiver filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in Washtenaw Circuit Court, claiming that U of M “arbitrarily and capriciously” violated the Michigan Freedom of Information Act by repeatedly denying her requests. Shiver and her legal team are seeking a court order requiring the university to disclose the records.

The lawsuit also alleges that throughout Shiver’s four-year employment with U of M, she was “discriminated against and subjected to a hostile work environment on the basis of her sex, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Michigan law including Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act.”

“The lawsuit filed today demands transparency and accountability from the University of Michigan, President Grasso and the Board of Regents,” said Shiver’s attorney, Andrew M. Stroth. 

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On Wednesday, CBS News Detroit reached out to U of M, which says it has no comment.

The investigation led to Moore’s firing in December 2025. At the time, it was determined that he was in an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, who was later identified as Shiver. 

Moore was arrested hours later after authorities said he went to Shiver’s home and threatened to harm himself. He was charged with third-degree felony home invasion, as well as misdemeanor counts of stalking and of breaking and entering. Moore was sentenced to 18 months’ probation after pleading no contest to the two misdemeanor charges.

According to the lawsuit, Shiver filed a FOIA request in February 2026 for audio, video and transcripts of interviews of herself, her father, Jeff Shiver, and Moore. The lawsuit alleges that the university denied her request, citing the ongoing investigation.

The lawsuit alleges that Shiver submitted a similar request months later, in June, but was told by the university that it was “overly broad and vague” and “does not describe a ‘public record sufficiently to enable the public body to find the public record.’”

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The lawsuit claims that requests were submitted in March and May, respectively, for all emails sent to the law firm Jenner & Block (UMconcerns@jenner.com) and for recordings of Shiver’s meetings by the university through Jenner & Block. However, those requests were denied because the university cited that it had no responsive records, according to the lawsuit.

The law firm was hired by U of M to investigate Moore and Shiver’s relationship. The university later expanded the investigation to include the athletic department.

The lawsuit also claims that Shiver requested copies of emails between Moore and athletic director Warde Manuel that contained the words “affair,” “discipline,” “pregnancy,” “baby” and “abortion.” The university denied the request, citing the communication between U of M employees as “exempt information,” according to the lawsuit.

However, Shiver’s legal team argued that the university has not shown evidence that the emails are exempt.

“This public university paid Jenner & Block $12 million to investigate the Sherrone Moore scandal and the abuse, Title IX and Title VII violations within the athletic department and Schembechler Hall, yet now refuses to release the investigation’s findings. It was important for our client to file this initial FOIA lawsuit to ensure the truth and facts come out,” Stroth said.

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Shiver appeared on ABC News’ “Good Morning America” in April to discuss her relationship with Moore. In the interview, she said she became pregnant by Moore and sought an abortion after medical complications were discovered about the pregnancy.


Note: The video above previously aired on April 14, 2026.



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‘Big Brother’ season 28 to premiere this week. One guest from Michigan

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‘Big Brother’ season 28 to premiere this week. One guest from Michigan


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Doors will to the “Big Brother” house will open soon, as season 28 premieres this week — and the cast list includes one guest from northern Michigan.

At 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, “Big Brother” season 28 will premiere on CBS to introduce the new guests in a 90-minute episode.

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“This season’s cast includes an MMA fighter, rocket scientist, game show host, daughter of an ’80s pop star, and a DRAG RACE All Star, among others,” CBS said in a July 7 announcement. “This new group of Houseguests is stepping into a summer where nothing is as it seems, where every twist rewrites the rules, and where time becomes the ultimate twist.”

There is one Michigan guest, Rome Seymour, 28, who works as a professional pickleball coach from Traverse City.

“I would describe myself as bashful, extroverted and extremely excitable. To be on ‘Big Brother’ is a dream. I’ve never felt anything as exiting as this before,” Seymour said in the “Big Brother” July 7 live cast announcement video.

Seymour said he will use his inner nerdiness to befriend and protect guests who are perhaps similar.

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“I see myself as hero, but I think a lot of people in the house are going to see me as a villain just because I’m so competitive that I want to win,” Seymour said.

After the 14 guests were revealed by CBS, the cast was said to be joined by long-time “Survivor” contestant Rick Devens, according to a July 7 Entertainment Weekly article.

Here’s more on the cast and how to tune in this week:

What is ‘Big Brother’ about? What is the theme for season 28?

“Big Brother,” is a reality TV show that follows a group of people living in a large house surrounded by 112 cameras and 113 microphones as an unfiltered 24-hour live feed to capture every interaction, strategic move and challenge.

A guest will be voted off each week, and the last remaining guest will win the grand prize of $750,000, according to CBS.

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The theme for season 28 is called, “Time Trip,” according to Sneak Peak from Paramount+.

Is anyone from Michigan on ‘Big Brother’ season 28?

Yes. There is one guest from Michigan on season 28 of “Big Brother:” Rome Seymour, 28, is a professional pickleball coach from Traverse City, located in the northwest Lower Peninsula.

Full ‘Big Brother’ season 28 cast list

Here is the full guest list for “Big Brother” season 28:

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  • Rick Devens, 42: TV journalist and long-time “Survivor” contestant from Blacksburg, Virginia.
  • Jason De Puy, 35: Drag Queen and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum from San Francisco, California.
  • Ashley Trail, 24: Bartender from Alton, Illinois.
  • Barrett Pfeiffer, 27: Jumbotron Engineer from Benton, Arkansas.
  • Chuk Anyanwu, 27: Supply Chain Analyst from Dallas, Texas.
  • Drew Campbell, 22: Surgical Dental Assistant from Temecula, California.
  • Haley Thogmartin, 29: Telemedicine Executive from Neosho, Missouri.
  • Rome Seymour, 28: Pickleball Coach from Traverse City, Michigan.
  • Kamuela “Kamu” Kirk, 32: MMA Fighter from Phoenix, Arizona.
  • LaTrice Verrett, 57: Boutique Salesperson from Kankakee, Illinois.
  • Lyric Medeiros, 25: Attorney from Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • Mallory Aurichio, 24: Rocket Scientist from Township of Washington, New Jersey.
  • Melody Morris, 24: Corporate Game Show Host from Thornton, Colorado.
  • Taylor Brown, 27: Elementary School Counselor from Deerfield Beach, Florida.
  • Yash Patel, 24: Financial Analyst from Monroe Township, New Jersey.

What time does ‘Big Brother’ season 28 premiere?

The 90-minute “Big Brother” season 28 premiere is set to air at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 9.

“Big Brother: Unlocked,” will air at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, July 10, and a 90-minute episode will air at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 12.

Where can I stream the ‘Big Brother’ premiere this week?

“Big Brother” Season 28 will air on CBS and will be available on Paramount+ Premium, priced at $13.99 per month.

Paramount+ Essential subscribers will be able to catch the episode the day after it airs.

Following the season premiere this week, the series will air Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET, followed by hour-long shows on Thursdays, featuring live evictions, and Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.

USA TODAY contributed.

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Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com



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Michigan Supreme Court rules rape admission invalid due to LSD use

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Michigan Supreme Court rules rape admission invalid due to LSD use


A man who took a large quantity of LSD before allegedly sexually assaulting his friend was too dazed to legally confess to the incident when deputies questioned him about it hours later, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

In a 6-1 decision in which the dissenting justice agreed that the case should be retried, the high court sent the case against Zebadiah J. Soriano, 24, back to the trial.

Soriano’s attorney argued that not only was his client high on the hallucinogenic drug when he admitted to being a rapist after being read his Miranda rights, he also was sleep-deprived, hungry and unfamiliar with law enforcement procedures.

“Voluntary intoxication does not make a Miranda waiver per se invalid,” Justice Kimberly Thomas wrote in the opinion. ” … However, the circumstances here undermined Soriano’s ability to make a knowing and intelligent waiver.”

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Defense attorney Ali Nathaniel Wright called the decision “a victory for Michiganders and our right to be protected from self-incrimination.”

“The decision serves as a reminder to our lower courts and law enforcement that confessions elicited from hospitalized teenagers who cannot fully appreciate their rights because they are intoxicated and sleep deprived have no place in a court of law,” Wright said in a statement.

‘I am a rapist’

Soriano was 18 years old on the night of Nov. 20, 2020, when he used LSD with a platonic friend, identified in court documents as “AC,” at her home in Grand Traverse County. Records show that Soriano had made romantic advances toward AC in the past, which she had rebuffed.

AC allegedly took one acid tablet while Soriano has claimed that he took six.

AC later told investigators that, a short time later, Soriano disrobed, forced himself on top of her and groped her, according to court documents. When she got away from him, Soriano allegedly caught her and put his arms around her throat. The alleged victim again was able to escape from Soriano, who eventually fell down a flight of stairs and ran out of the house.

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Police were called to the scene and found Soriano around two hours after the alleged assault, in a wooded area about a quarter-mile from AC’s home, court documents show. He was acting strangely and making nonsensical statements, so officers transported him to a hospital, where they read him his Miranda rights before he made the incriminating statement that lies at the heart of the case:

“I am a rapist. I am f***ed,” he allegedly told a Grand Traverse sheriff’s deputy.

Convicted of criminal sexual conduct

Soriano was charged in Grand Traverse Circuit Court with assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct involving penetration, as well as assault by strangulation, records show.

Before his trial, Soriano filed a motion seeking to suppress the damning statement he made at the hospital, arguing that because he was high on LSD, he was unable to legally waive his constitutional right to remain silent.

The court denied the motion and, in September 2021, a jury convicted Soriano on the criminal sexual conduct charge while acquitting him of assault by strangulation. He was sentenced to three years of probation, six months in jail and ordered to register as a sex offender for life, according to court records.

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The suspect later filed a motion seeking a new trial, arguing that his defense failed to support his motion to suppress with expert testimony, records show.

The trial court denied the motion and, in May 2024, an appeals court affirmed Soriano’s conviction in a 2-1 decision, opining that any alleged errors were harmless and unsupported.

“AC’s testimony, particularly when corroborated by other witness testimony, makes it is clear beyond a reasonable doubt that a rational jury would have found defendant guilty absent any potential error in the admission of his statements made while in the hospital,” the Appeals Court judges wrote.

In September 2025, Soriano appealed the decision to the Michigan Supreme Court. Wright wrote in a brief that two hours after Soriano had been interrogated, a deputy told his parents that he was “too out of it” to speak to them.

“If Zebadiah was not sober enough to hold a basic conversation with his parents two hours after his interrogation, then he was not sober enough to knowingly and intelligently waive his constitutional rights or give a voluntary confession,” Wright wrote. “The State should not be permitted to reap the benefits of (the deputy’s) exploitation of a vulnerable teenager.”

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Too high to confess?

In a decision filed Tuesday, the Michigan Supreme sided with the defense.

Thomas, writing for the 6-1 majority in a 24-page opinion, said Soriano did not fully understand the rights he was giving up when he told law enforcement that he was a rapist.

“The short period of time between defendant’s erratic behaviors and being advised of his Miranda rights supports the conclusion that defendant was not able to understand his rights at the time of waiver,” Thomas wrote.

The high court also rejected the Court of Appeals’ conclusion that other evidence made the error harmless, determining that Soriano’s hospital statement was an important part of the prosecution’s effort to prove his intent.

“Given the other evidence concerning defendant’s intent, the average jury would have found the prosecution’s case significantly less persuasive without the erroneously admitted statement,” Thomas wrote.

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The dissenting justice, Richard Bernstein, disagreed with his colleagues about the legal reason Soriano’s waiver was invalid, but agreed a new trial was warranted.

The ruling reverses the Appeals Court decision, vacates Soriano’s conviction and sends the case back to the trial court for further proceedings.

mreinhart@detroitnews.com



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