That’s right, February is flying by, and March is right around the corner. What does that mean? St. Patrick’s Day! McDonald’s is getting ready to bring the luck with their staple, Shamrock Shake, returning to their menu.
McDonald’s announced that their festive green treat will be making a return. Starting Tuesday, February 17, the Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry will be back on the menu. The fast food chain announced Thursday the return plan for the festive drink.
“The Shamrock Shake®, made with our classic vanilla soft serve, blended with Shamrock syrup and topped with whipped cream, offers the perfect pairing,” said McDonald’s in a press release.
Both items will be available starting Tuesday nationwide. Customers can also check their mobile app to confirm and place their order ahead.
Before he became one of the biggest stars in bluegrass and country music, Billy Strings grew up in Muir, a small community located between Lansing and Grand Rapids.
The Grammy Award-winning artist is showing some hometown pride this summer with his upcoming music festival, dubbed the “Ionia Freak Fair.”
Strings shared new details and ticketing information for the event, set for Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Ionia County Fairgrounds.
He’ll be joined by an impressive lineup of other acts across the genres of bluegrass and jam bands, including fellow Michiganders Greensky Bluegrass, Leftover Salmon, Sierra Hull, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Lindsay Lou, Full Cord, Mark Lavengood, and others.
And continuing with that hometown pride, tickets are being prioritized for locals, with a presale launching Thursday on ioniafreakfair.com that is restricted to residents who live within 20 miles of the venue.
Tickets for the general public go on sale at noon on Friday, Feb. 13.
The organizers encouraged fans to book nearby campsites to attend both performances.
The Ionia County Fairgrounds are located at 317 S. Dexter St., Ionia.
Strings, 33, has brought bluegrass music to the top of the charts again thanks to his mix of traditional sounds and psychedelic rock, developing a cult-following with sets that span around three hours. He recently earned a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album with his 2024 LP Highway Prayers.
Strings last performed in the Detroit area with two back-to-back shows at Pine Knob in October 2024.
Nicole Curtis’s run on HGTV seems to have come to an end.
The network abruptly canceled the new season of the Michigan-born home renovation star’s popular show Rehab Addict on Wednesday after a leaked production clip caught her using a racial slur.
“I want to be clear: the word in question is wrong and not part of my vocabulary and never has been, and I apologize to everyone,” Curtis said in a statement to TMZ.
In the clip, which was first published by the gossip website Radar Online, Curtis is seen standing on a ladder struggling to remove a piece of metal with a pair of pliers.
“Why? It’s my last one,” she whines, adding, “Oh, fart [n-word].”
Curtis appears to immediately regret the slip, saying, “What the fuck is that I just said?”
Amid laughter from the crew, she then requests for the footage to be deleted.
Radar Online reported that the clip is believed to have been filmed about two years ago during a project in Wyoming, and suggested it surfaced due to disgruntled staff.
“When something happens, we all know about it… this footage has made it around to the [production] community she [has] screwed over,” a source told the outlet, adding, “You deserve everything you get. Treat us with dignity and respect, and quit making money off of our backs… You are a trash human.”
Metro Times reached out to Curtis for comment, who only agreed to speak to a reporter of her choosing. Metro Times is declining the request.
Curtis, who was born in Lake Orion, a suburb of Detroit, launched her show in 2010 as she embarked in a career in real estate. Her show and its spinoffs have frequently featured Michigan properties, including the historic Ransom Gillis home in Detroit’s Brush Park neighborhood.
The scrapped new season was billed as featuring a renovation of a “disgusting” squatter-filled “crackhouse” in the city.
In addition to shelving the new episodes, the Rehab Addict catalog was also removed from streaming services HBO Max and Discovery+.
“HGTV was recently made aware of an offensive racial comment made during the filming of Rehab Addict,” the network said in a statement. “Not only is language like this hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees — it does not align with the values of HGTV.”
It continued, “Accordingly, we have removed the series from all HGTV platforms. We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.”
There were also reportedly issues behind the scenes that presaged Rehab Addict’s abrupt return — and disappearance — from the air.
According to realtor.com, Curtis decided to pull the show mid-season in July 2025 to reshoot and recut the remainder of the episodes, citing a desire to spend more time with her family.
Then, in a Feb. 8 Instagram post, she announced the imminent return of Rehab Addict — months ahead of schedule.
“Straight from Detroit—the new episodes drop Wednesday … was told now or never—so you get them now,” she wrote. “And can you do me a huge show of support by sharing this. Sending it to friends, tag a friend, a stranger.”
The show was also moved to the afternoon, a perceived downgrade according to some fans considering its previous prime-time evening slot.
In response to comments from fans asking about the schedule change, Curtis hinted at drama with HGTV, writing, “Brilliant question to which I’ve received no answer that makes sense to me.”
In a statement posted Wednesday to her Instagram page, Curtis teased that she will tell her side of the story.
“There is more to this, but my family comes first and I need to be a mom right now more than anything else,” she wrote. “I will take the time to be as I’ve always been with you, transparent and honest.”
A former top Macomb County prosecutor invoked his Fifth Amendment right during sworn testimony when questioned about a controversial judicial fundraising effort, according to court records in a lawsuit filed by activist Robert Davis.
The testimony, which became testy and hostile, came in a lawsuit that Davis filed against Wayne County and county commissioners Martha Scott and Alisha Bell.
Davis, who was working as a staffer for Scott, alleges the commissioner did not renew his county contract in 2023 in retaliation for trying to get several sitting judges, including Fresard’s wife, removed from the November 2022 ballot for failing to properly disclose on their campaign filings that they had no party affiliation, as required by state law. Davis also claims he was pushed out of his job for pursuing related campaign finance complaints, which he argues is protected by the First Amendment.
The lawsuit alleges that county officials and political operatives, including Fresard, coordinated to push Davis out because of that work.
One of those judges that Davis was trying to get removed is Fresard’s wife, Patricia Perez Fresard, the chief judge of Wayne County Circuit Court. The other judges are Fresard’s judicial colleagues, Sheila Ann Gibson and Kelly Ramsey.
Davis, who represented himself in the case, conducted the deposition of Fresard, who is not a defendant in the case but was interviewed as a nonparty witness. Fresard admitted he told Scott that Davis’s county contract should not be renewed, calling him “a cancer,” and said he urged elected officials to remove Davis from his county job.
During the election, the judges were raising money for attorneys after Davis tried to get them removed from the November 2022 ballot. Fresard, the former chief assistant prosecutor under Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido, helped raise money to protect his wife and the two other Wayne County judges from being knocked off the ballot by creating a “Back the Bench” fundraising group. When asked whether the group had a separate bank account for its 2022 fundraisers, Fresard declined to answer, saying, “I’m taking the Fifth and declining to answer that.”
The questioning centered on the structure and handling of money raised by “Back the Bench.” Fresard held at least one fundraiser and distributed fundraising flyers for the judges, but he failed to register the group as required by state law and also violated a county ethics ordinance by working on the campaign during work hours, according to a complaint filed by Davis.
During the deposition, Fresard became defensive and combative. At several points, Fresard interrupted questions and accused Davis of using the deposition to harass him, objecting to inquiries about his role in campaign finance matters, and repeatedly insisting they had nothing to do with the lawsuit.
“You are harassing me,” Fresard said during the questioning, after demanding to know “what the hell” Davis’s questions about campaign finance activity had to do with the case.
Davis says Fresard’s deposition proves his lawsuit is “meritorious.”
“Obviously he feels like he has criminal culpability if he pleaded the Fifth,” Davis tells Metro Times. “Why would he plead the Fifth? Why would a sitting judge allow her husband to engage in such unlawful activities on her behalf? And the fact that he did do these unlawful things to have me terminated reflects his lack of ethics. And this is something that should be reviewed by the Attorney Grievance Commission.”
Davis alleges Fresard “used his position as the chief of staff to the Macomb County prosecutor to tortiously interfere with my contract.”
He adds, “All of this is because you had three judges who clearly violated the law and should not have been allowed to remain on the ballot. They used every favor they had to try to derail this lawsuit and to apply pressure on me and my former employer to fire me.”
Metro Times couldn’t reach Fresard for comment. When we reached out to Judge Fresard, Third Circuit Court spokesman Michael Scott said the court “does not comment on individual cases.”
“It speaks through its written orders,” Scott said in a statement.
Lucido’s office also declined to comment.
“We’re not aware of the matter you’re referencing and therefore do not have a comment to provide,” a Lucido spokesperson tells Metro Times.
When Fresard retired from the prosecutor’s office in late 2023, Lucido praised his work.
“Donn Fresard’s commitment to justice and reform has left an indelible mark on the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office,” Lucido said in a statement. “He played a pivotal role in our pursuit of justice and accountability. Donn’s unwavering dedication to implementing ethical practices and ensuring adherence to office policies contributed to the goals and direction to restore integrity to the office.”
Davis’s allegations against the judges had merit. In September 2022, Court of Claims Judge Brock Swartzle ruled that Davis was correct when he alleged the judges failed to properly file their campaign paperwork. But Swartzle said the complaint was made too late.
Paul McCartney will release a soundtrack album on Feb. 27. It accompanies the documentary Man on the Run, which tracks his work with Wings across the 1970s. Capitol Records, MPL Communications, and UMG revealed the 12-track collection. It includes three previously unreleased recordings, plus hits from that era.
The soundtrack spans McCartney’s 1970 solo debut through McCartney II in 1980. Director Morgan Neville, an Academy Award winner, created the documentary. It will hit theaters in a limited release on Feb. 19, then stream worldwide on Prime Video starting on Feb. 27.
Archival footage and Linda McCartney’s photographs drive the story. The film runs almost two hours and includes fresh interviews with the McCartney family, Sean Ono Lennon, Mick Jagger, and Chrissie Hynde.
This project arrives after recent releases: the book Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run and the Wings compilations on CD and vinyl. On McCartney’s website, he wrote, “I’m so very happy to be transported back to the time that was Wings and relive some of our madcap adventures through this book. Starting from scratch after The Beatles felt crazy at times. There were some very difficult moments, and I often questioned my decision. But as we got better, I thought, ‘OK, this is really good.’ We proved Wings could be a really good band.”
Multiple formats launch on Feb. 27. Collectors can grab a limited-edition New York Taxi Cab Yellow Vinyl LP. A Black Vinyl LP, a one-CD edition, and digital release round out the options.
Each vinyl edition includes a Man on the Run poster. The CD version sits in a digipak with a 12-page booklet inside, while the vinyl weighs 180 grams and comes with a foldout poster.
Ten years have passed since Delrhonda Hood’s promise to God.
Having made a name for herself in Detroit’s drug game, and having become a legend in the process, her reign in the streets hit a brick wall: In prison for the third time after a 2012 conviction, she contracted an MRSA infection. Combined with another chronic health issue and unsanitary conditions at the facility, the illness nearly killed her, Hood says.
She got her hands on a bible.
“I was asking God: I said, ‘If you get me out of this I’ll never go back to the streets,’” she recalls. “I was killing people. You don’t think of drugs that way at the time — killing people. It’s the money you think about.”
Hood, still known to many as “Big Fifty,” not only lived to tell the story of her new direction; she has followed it since her release from prison in 2015. A major part of her mission has involved the 2020 launch of The Godmother’s Touch, a non-profit organization designed to support and enrich Detroit’s youth through programming like a Sunday, Feb. 15 screening of Goat at the Emagine Royal Oak theater. The free event follows a panel discussion about substance abuse, prison, and mental health, all of which have become focal points of concern for the one-time “godmother” of Detroit streets.
“I always think about my family and kids,” says Hood, whose life was the subject of a 2021 BET movie. “I just didn’t want them out there doing things to get themselves in trouble.”
Delrhonda “Big Fifty” Hood (rear, wearing sunglasses) formed The Godmother’s Touch to help enrich Detroit youth like those she addressed at Spain Elementary-Middle School. Credit: Courtesy photo
While she says much of the millions she earned from criminal operations paid her children’s private school tuition and other expenses meant to protect them from the perils of life, a low point was when she got arrested on the day of her daughter’s prom. Goat, an animated film produced by NBA superstar Steph Curry, tells the story of a young, athletic caprine in need of confidence and the kind of support Hood says Detroit’s youth need now more than ever.
About 130 children and their families are expected to attend the Goat screening, which includes free pizza, beverages, and gift bags provided by The Godmother’s Touch. The panel discussion will feature a gun violence survivor and a youth advocate who spent 60 years in prison, among others.
The program and screening are the result of a major financial contribution by an unnamed supporter of The Godmother’s Touch, Hood says. From Halloween celebrations to Christmas toy giveaways, and other efforts, most of the organization’s programming has been self-funded, she adds.
“Someone believed in my dreams,” she says. “They watched me for years, coming out of my own pocket. They decided to say, ‘We’re gonna get her some help.’”
Tamara Reason, Hood’s long-time friend and a board member of the organization, says Hood’s support is well-deserved.
“Even when she was hustling in the streets she was always trying to help the people,” Reason recalls. “I wanted to get involved, too.”
Along with event programming, which Reason says will ramp up with prom dress giveaways, a Mother’s Day celebration, and more in the coming months, Hood speaks to students at local schools.
Again, she references the return home from her last prison stint as a turning point.
“All the other times, I had a rush from feeling like I beat the police,” she says. “‘I got their ass again!’ That’s the kind of stuff I was thinking.”
But these days, Hood says, her greater rush comes from setting goals like a health awareness event and distributing 1,000 nebulizer machines for asthmatic children. For 2026 event announcements, she asks that youth, families and potential volunteers visit thegodmotherstouch.com or @therealbigfifty at Instagram.
“I feel really, really good because I don’t have to be looking out my window all the damn time, having these crazy cop dreams!” she says. “People don’t understand when you’re involved in that, they see you looking good… but they don’t know you’re always looking around to see if somebody’s following you. Oh, my God!
“I am so free from all that. I really feel bad for people who are still part of that life.”
The Wolverines were trailing for much of the game, but somehow, they found a win to earn a win.
Struggling to find its footing early, the No. 2 Michigan men’s basketball team (23-1 overall, 13-1 Big Ten) rode a strong final 12 minutes to an 87-75 victory over Northwestern (10-15, 2-12) on the road.
The first half was the sloppiest stretch of basketball the Wolverines have played since the opening games of the year. On both ends of the floor, they were out of sync, low energy, and lacked focus.
Northwestern opened the game hot, making six of its first seven shots from the floor and setting the tone. Michigan, on the other hand, couldn’t get much of anything going at all. The usually-free flowing offense was stagnant and panicked — the Wildcats were being physical despite their size disadvantage, and the Wolverines were visibly uncomfortable.
Whether it was playing off of the back foot or forcing a tough shot, Michigan was playing nervous.
As the midway point of the half came and went, the Wolverines still hadn’t settled in, and with just under nine minutes to play in the period, Northwestern led 31-19. This was uncharted territory Michigan, as this was its largest deficit it had faced all season.
The Wolverines probably could’ve been down by more, too, but their size and athleticism kept the game within reach. Due to their 11 offensive rebounds that led to 13 second-chance points, they shot 40 times in the first half compared to the Wildcats’ 31 attempts,
The biggest discrepancy came in the efficiency department. With Michigan shooting 35% from the floor to Northwestern’s 51.6%, even the nine shot discrepancy couldn’t make up for the Wolverines’ poor shoot making.
Regardless of its poor performance, Michigan only entered the break down 44-35, and it had a fresh 20 minutes to flip the score on its head.
But the halftime break didn’t clear the slate. The Wolverines came out of the gates in the second just as flat as they did in the first. They opened up play with three turnovers in four minutes, and shot 2-for-9 from the field in that span. Instead of closing the gap, Michigan’s deficit opened up to 54-41.
The Wolverines settled in a little bit, but they needed to do more than simply settle in, they needed to erase a 15-point deficit in the second half. Trading buckets kept the deficit surmountable, but made no headway in actually surmounting it.
Out of the under-12 minute timeout, however, the Wolverines finally made their move. Northwestern was whistled for a hook-and-hold flagrant foul, and while junior center Aday Mara missed both free throws, it sparked a big 11-2 run that pulled Michigan back within two points at 60-58.
The Wolverines looked much more like themselves, using their defense to run in transition and get easy looks at the rim. Sophomore guard L.J. Cason was at the center of it all, as his 11 points in a four-minute span propelled Michigan right back into the game. With just under eight minutes to play, the deficit was 67-65.
Then the Wolverines broke through for good. Freshman guard Trey McKenney gave Michigan its first lead since it was 10-8 in the first half, knocking in a right-wing triple to make the score 68-67.
That was the single shot that put the Wolverines in front, but from the midway point of the first half, Michigan was absolutely dominant. It was as if the first 30 minutes hadn’t happened and the Wolverines of week’s past came back out to play.
Michigan ended the game on a 36-15 run, leaving Northwestern stunned. The 87-75 final score doesn’t tell the full story, but the Wolverines will take the road win any way they can get it.
American skier Breezy Johnson told CBS News she’s been treating her replacement gold medal with care after the original, which she won in the women’s downhill event at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy on Saturday, broke.
“I think that because they were so heavy, the ribbons couldn’t really hold them,” Johnson said, calling it “a little disappointing” that Olympic medal winners had to be careful about celebrating too enthusiastically, as it’s “all anybody wants to do.”
Johnson said she was initially told she wouldn’t get her original medal back, but it has been fixed, and she plans to keep it and trade in the replacement. She also plans to knit a special pouch to keep it safe.
“I am an avid knitter,” Johnson told CBS News correspondent Seth Doane on Wednesday. “I knit a new hat or headband for every race. It’s a big superstition of mine.”
She only wears her special handknit race accessories once, for their respective race, after which they are retired.
“They’re piling up in my bags, but I’ve been wanting for a long time to, like, auction some of them off and, like, have people buy them and donate the proceeds to charity,” she said. “I don’t have anything else to do with them.”
Team USA’s Breezy Johnson shows her gold medal in the alpine ski women’s downhill race on Feb. 8, 2026.
Andy Wong / AP
Johnson dedicated the gold medal to her father.
“He found out that he can never ski again,” she told CBS News. “You know, he taught me to ski. I thought that the best thing that I could do was try to ski as fast as I could.”
Asked about her views on representing the United States, given political debate around the Games, Johnson declined to go down that slope.
“There’s been a lot of rhetoric. I personally prefer to focus on my skiing. I personally don’t know anybody who has changed their political affiliation because of something that any celebrity or person said. So, I personally prefer to focus on my skiing and donate the money that I make to charities that I feel are actually doing the work that I support.”
Despite winning the first gold medal for Team USA in Italy, the Milano-Cortina Winter Games haven’t been a total success story for Johnson.
She failed to make the podium after skiing with teammate Mikaela Shiffrin in the team slalom event Tuesday. After the race, Johnson could be seen speaking with Shiffrin, delivering what looked like a pep talk.
“I said, ‘I know you tried your best and it’s gonna be OK,’” Johnson told CBS News of the private chat. “I don’t, like, hold any of that against anyone because I know this sport. There’s so many variables, and there were variables yesterday, too. They weren’t necessarily in our favor, and we went out and we both gave it our all, and it didn’t happen, but that’s OK.”
Johnson said she’s generally pretty good at coping with the pressure of competing at the highest level of her sport — and she understands that such competition, and such extreme speeds, come with extreme danger.
After Team USA’s Lindsey Vonn was injured in a fall in the downhill race Saturday, which Johnson went on to win, she said her 41-year-old world champion teammate texted her.
“She said, ‘congratulations,’” Johnson said. “You know, I know what she’s going through is hard, and I think she’s dealing with a lot. So, we haven’t spoken, like, on the phone or anything, but I wish her the best.”
Johnson said she also understands what drove Vonn to compete in these Games just a week after rupturing her ACL.
“Part of what breaks your heart is that you’re used to defying the odds. You’re used to writing fairytale endings. And the reality is that those things get made into movies because they’re so unlikely. And unfortunately, you can’t always — it’s not always like the movies,” she said.
“It’s difficult to understand what moves people to do it, but when you’re doing it well, it’s a pretty incredible feeling,” Johnson said, describing the sport of downhill as “counterintuitive” and saying that spectators can share in the rush.
“Eighty-five miles an hour, nothing to protect you except spandex, combining in gigantic blades on your feet, which people sometimes seem to forget,” she said. “It’s like Formula One on ice, with giant knives, who doesn’t want to watch that?”
Finding the best online casino Malaysia players love can be tough, but safe options do exist. We tested dozens of platforms to find the ones that accept Ringgit (RM) and offer convenient local banking methods.
Several top sites earn our top recommendation for 2026 thanks to their massive “MegaGames” library and generous welcome packages.
Whether you prefer live baccarat or high-RTP slots, these sites deliver a secure, premium experience.
Best Online Casinos in Malaysia for 2026: First Look
Not every international casino works smoothly for Malaysian players. The casinos on this list were selected after testing deposits, withdrawals, and gameplay from Malaysia to ensure they provide the seamless experience local players expect.
1. Megapari — Best Overall Online Casino for Malaysia
Megapari has built a strong presence across Asian markets since its 2019 launch, and Malaysia is no exception.
The casino operates under a Curacao license and has become known for accepting virtually every payment method imaginable — including Malaysian bank transfers, local e-wallets, and a comprehensive list of cryptocurrencies.
For Malaysian players specifically, Megapari delivers where it matters. The site supports RM as a currency option, eliminating conversion fees that eat into your bankroll at other international casinos.
The game library exceeds 10,000 titles from providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and Asia-focused studios that offer games familiar to Malaysian players.
The Essentials:
Welcome Bonus: up to RM7,160 + 150 Free Spins
Wagering: 35x on bonus
Games: 10,000+
Live Dealer: Yes (Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live, Asia Gaming)
Sports Betting: Yes (comprehensive)
Minimum Deposit: RM20
Payment Methods: Local bank transfer, Touch ‘n Go, GrabPay, crypto, cards
License: Curacao
What Works:
RM support: deposit, play & withdraw in ringgit
Huge game library: 10,000+ titles, Asia‑focused options included
Local payments: Touch n Go & bank transfers work smoothly
Sportsbook included: football, badminton & more alongside casino
24/7 live chat: fast support, familiar with common player needs
What Doesn’t:
Overwhelming interface: sheer volume of options feels cluttered for newcomers
Verification sometimes required: large withdrawals may trigger KYC check
My First Week at Megapari
I created my Megapari account specifically to test the Malaysian player experience, depositing RM500 via local bank transfer to start.
The registration process took about three minutes — standard details, no document uploads required at signup.
I selected RM as my currency and was pleased to see my exact deposit amount reflected without any conversion applied. The bank transfer processed within 30 minutes during business hours, faster than I expected for a first deposit.
The game lobby was almost overwhelming. Ten thousand games sounds impressive until you’re trying to find something specific. I eventually discovered the filtering system, which let me narrow down by provider and game type.
The Asian games section caught my attention: Sic Bo, Dragon Tiger, and Fan Tan alongside the standard Western casino offerings. For a Malaysian player who grew up around these games, having them available online felt like coming home.
I spent most of my first session on live dealer games. The Evolution Gaming tables were professionally run with HD streams that loaded instantly on my fibre connection.
I also tested the Asia Gaming tables, which cater more specifically to the Asian market with dealers who spoke Mandarin. The cultural familiarity added something that purely Western casinos can’t match.
After four days of play, I requested a withdrawal of RM800 to my bank account. The casino processed it within six hours, and the funds appeared the next business day.
No verification requested at this amount, no delays, no excuses. For a first withdrawal experience, Megapari delivered exactly what they promised.
Dafabet is one of the most recognized gambling brands in Asia. Operating since 2004, the company has sponsored Premier League football clubs, Formula 1 teams, and major snooker events.
For Malaysian players who want both sports betting and casino gaming under one roof, Dafabet’s two-decade track record provides reassurance that newer operators can’t match.
The sportsbook is Dafabet’s crown jewel, offering comprehensive coverage of football (including Malaysian Super League), badminton, esports, and international events.
But the casino side holds its own with a curated selection of slots, table games, and live dealer options from top-tier providers.
The Essentials:
Welcome Bonus: 100% match up to RM1,200 (Casino First Deposit)
Wagering: 30x on casino bonus
Games: 500+
Live Dealer: Yes (Evolution, Playtech)
Sports Betting: Yes (industry-leading)
Minimum Deposit: RM30
Payment Methods: Local banks, e-wallets, crypto
License: Isle of Man, Philippines (PAGCOR)
What Works:
20 years of reliability: trusted payouts for Asian players
Dual licensing: Isle of Man + PAGCOR oversight
Premier League sponsorships: they show financial stability & legitimacy
Best‑in‑class sportsbook: unmatched for football betting + casino play
Lower wagering: 30x beats industry average
What Doesn’t:
Smaller casino library: 500 games vs. Megapari’s vast selection
Sports‑first focus: casino feels secondary in overall experience
Trusting a Brand I’ve Seen on TV
I’d seen Dafabet’s name on Premier League broadcasts for years before actually signing up. There’s something reassuring about a gambling site that can afford stadium advertising — it suggests they’re not planning to disappear with your money.
My RM300 deposit via local bank transfer was processed in about 20 minutes. The welcome bonus applied automatically, giving me RM300 extra to play with at 30x wagering — more achievable than most competitors.
The casino interface showed its age. Navigation worked fine, but the design felt like it hadn’t been updated since 2018.
I found the games I wanted easily enough, but the experience lacked the polish of newer sites. That said, sometimes boring and reliable beats flashy and questionable.
I split my time between the casino and sportsbook. Dafabet’s football coverage is genuinely excellent; markets for Malaysian Super League matches alongside Premier League, La Liga, and international competitions.
The odds were competitive with what I’d seen at other Asian bookmakers.
The live casino provided the session’s highlight. Playtech’s tables complemented Evolution’s offerings, giving me more variety than single-provider casinos.
I played a decent amount of live blackjack and found the stream quality consistent, even when my connection dipped during peak evening hours.
Withdrawal was straightforward. RM400 to my bank account, processed overnight, funds available the next morning. No drama, no delays – exactly what two decades of operation should deliver.
BC.Game emerged in 2017 as a crypto-native casino and has grown into one of the most respected names in cryptocurrency gambling.
For Malaysian players who prefer Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any of the 150+ other cryptocurrencies BC.Game accepts, no competitor offers the same depth of crypto integration.
The casino operates under a Curacao license and has built a community-focused platform with features like rain (random crypto drops in chat), staking, and provably fair games that let you verify every result.
For tech-savvy Malaysian players comfortable with crypto, BC.Game offers advantages traditional casinos can’t match.
The Essentials:
Welcome Bonus: 120% + 100 free spins
Wagering: Varies by promotion
Games: 8,000+
Live Dealer: Yes (Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live)
Sports Betting: Yes
Minimum Deposit: ~RM5 equivalent in crypto
Payment Methods: 150+ cryptocurrencies
License: Curacao
What Works:
True crypto-native experience: Built for crypto users, not a casino that added Bitcoin as an afterthought.
Provably fair games: Verify results cryptographically; trust math, not promises.
150+ cryptocurrencies: If a coin exists, BC.Game probably accepts it.
Instant withdrawals: Crypto payouts process in minutes, not days.
Community features: Rain, chat games, and staking create engagement beyond just gambling.
What Doesn’t:
Crypto-only: No fiat options for players who don’t use cryptocurrency.
Complexity for beginners: The platform assumes crypto familiarity.
Bonus structure can be confusing: Multiple promotions with varying terms.
Crypto Gambling Done Right
I’d used Bitcoin at other casinos, but BC.Game was my first experience at a truly crypto-native platform. The difference was immediately apparent.
Depositing was seamless: I sent 0.005 BTC from my wallet, and it was credited to my account after two confirmations (about 20 minutes). No conversion, no fees beyond the standard network transaction cost. The amount I sent was the amount I had to play with.
The provably fair games were BC.Game’s revelation. Before each round, the site shows a hashed seed. After the round, you can verify the seed and mathematically confirm the result wasn’t manipulated.
I tested this with their in-house dice game, checking a dozen results against the verification system. Every single one matched. It’s the kind of transparency that traditional casinos can’t offer.
The community features surprised me. The chat was active with players from around the world, and random “rain” drops distributed small amounts of crypto to active chatters throughout my sessions. It created a social atmosphere that most online casinos lack entirely.
Live dealer worked exactly like any other casino — the crypto backend didn’t affect the Evolution Gaming experience.
I played blackjack at stakes denominated in BTC, which creates an interesting dynamic when Bitcoin’s value fluctuates. A winning session means more than just chips; your actual wealth increases if BTC rises afterward.
Withdrawal was the standout experience. I requested 0.008 BTC, and it arrived in my wallet in under 15 minutes. No verification, no processing delay, just crypto doing what crypto does best.
Kingdom Casino positions itself as a premium destination for players who want royal treatment from their first deposit.
The welcome package stands out as one of the most generous available to Malaysian players, spreading bonus value across multiple deposits rather than front-loading everything on day one.
Operating under a Curacao license, Kingdom Casino offers a polished experience with games from providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Pragmatic Play.
The medieval theme extends throughout the interface, creating a cohesive aesthetic that differentiates it from generic competitors.
The Essentials:
Welcome Bonus: 200% first deposit bonus up to RM500 (20% cashback)
Wagering: 45x on bonus
Games: 3,000+
Live Dealer: Yes (Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live)
Sports Betting: Limited
Minimum Deposit: RM50
Payment Methods: Cards, e-wallets, crypto, bank transfer
Multi-deposit structure: Spread casino bonuses encourage return visits, not just hit-and-run.
Quality game providers: NetEnt, Microgaming, and Pragmatic Play ensure legitimate software.
Polished interface: The royal theme is executed well without being obnoxious.
What Doesn’t:
Limited sports betting: Not ideal for players who want a comprehensive sportsbook.
Newer brand: Less track record than established operators.
Claiming the Crown at Kingdom Casino
Kingdom Casino’s welcome bonus was too generous to ignore. I signed up to test how the welcome offers work in practice. The bonus applied smoothly after my first deposit, and the terms were clearly listed before I opted in.
High wagering, but the bonus amount provided significant playing time to attempt it.
The game library impressed me with its curation. Rather than throwing 10,000 random titles at players, Kingdom Casino’s 3,000 slot games and tables felt selected for quality.
I recognized most of the top-tier jackpot slots from NetEnt and Microgaming, and the selection of progressive jackpots offered prize pools that were ticking upward in real-time. The new releases section stayed current with recent launches, making the catalog never felt stale.
The medieval theme permeated everything without becoming annoying.
Loyalty levels were named after royal titles, promotions referenced kingdoms and treasures, and the overall aesthetic felt cohesive rather than slapped-together. Small touch, but it showed someone cared about the experience.
Live dealer offerings met expectations: Evolution tables at various stakes, professional dealers, reliable streams. Nothing groundbreaking, but consistently solid.
My withdrawal test went smoothly. After meeting a portion of the wagering requirements and cashing out my remaining real-money balance (RM350), the funds were processed within 24 hours to my e wallet. Kingdom Casino delivered on its promises without drama.
Gxmble takes the “more is more” approach to online casino gaming.
With partnerships spanning dozens of software providers, the game library covers virtually every slot, table game, and live dealer variant a Malaysian player could want. If your priority is never running out of new games to try, Gxmble delivers.
The casino operates under a Curacao license and has built a modern, intuitive platform that handles its massive game library without becoming overwhelming. Strong filtering tools let you navigate thousands of titles efficiently.
The Essentials:
Welcome Bonus: 400% up to RM2,500 (20% Cashback)
Wagering: 40x on bonus
Games: 7,000+
Live Dealer: Yes (multiple providers)
Sports Betting: Yes
Minimum Deposit: RM40
Payment Methods: Cards, e-wallets, crypto, local options
License: Curacao
What Works:
Enormous game library: 7,000+ games from dozens of providers covers every taste.
Excellent filtering: Find specific games, providers, or types without endless scrolling.
Multi-provider live dealer: Access tables from Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Ezugi, and more.
Modern interface: Clean design handles the massive catalog without clutter.
What Doesn’t:
Quantity over curation: Not every game in 7,000 is worth playing.
Newer operator: Still building long-term reputation.
Swimming in the Game Ocean
Seven thousand games is a meaningless number until you’re actually browsing them. Gxmble’s library felt infinite — and that’s both the appeal and the challenge.
I deposited RM400 and claimed the welcome bonus, then spent my first hour just exploring. The filtering system saved me from drowning in options.
I could narrow by provider (found all the Pragmatic Play slots I recognized), by type (jumped straight to blackjack), or by feature (filtered for Megaways slots specifically). Without these tools, the library would be unnavigable.
The variety extended beyond mainstream Western providers. I found games from Asian studios I’d never encountered, including several that felt specifically designed for the Malaysian market.
Testing these alongside household names like NetEnt and Microgaming provided contrast — some were excellent, others felt cheap, but the option to explore was valuable.
Live dealer variety matched the slot selection. Rather than relying on a single provider, Gxmble’s tables came from Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live, Ezugi, and others.
Each provider has different strengths — Evolution’s production quality, Pragmatic’s engaging game shows, Ezugi’s budget-friendly minimums. Having access to all of them under one account simplified my playing life.
The withdrawal was processed in about 18 hours to my bank account. No issues, no surprises.
TenoBet was built for the mobile-first world that Malaysia’s online population inhabits. With smartphone penetration exceeding desktop usage across Southeast Asia, TenoBet’s mobile-optimized approach makes sense for how most Malaysian players actually access online casinos.
The platform works seamlessly on iOS and Android devices, with touch controls designed for thumbs rather than mouse clicks. Games load quickly on mobile connections, and the interface scales intelligently across screen sizes.
The Essentials:
Welcome Bonus: 400% up to RM5,000 (Slots Package)
Wagering: 35x on bonus
Games: 4,000+
Live Dealer: Yes
Sports Betting: Yes
Minimum Deposit: RM25
Payment Methods: Cards, e-wallets, crypto, local bank transfer
License: Curacao
What Works:
Mobile-first design: Built for phones, not adapted from desktop as an afterthought.
Fast loading on mobile data: Optimized for Malaysian 4G/5G speeds.
Touch-optimized controls: Bet placement and navigation feel natural on touchscreens.
Lower wagering: 35x beats most competitors.
Low minimum deposit: RM25 entry point is accessible for casual players.
What Doesn’t:
Desktop feels secondary: If you primarily play on computer, you’re not getting the optimized experience.
Smaller brand recognition: Not as established as legacy operators.
Casino in My Pocket
I tested TenoBet exclusively on mobile — primarily my iPhone, with some sessions on an older Android device to check compatibility.
The mobile experience was immediately different from other casinos’ “mobile-compatible” offerings. Buttons were sized for thumbs, not mouse cursors. Navigation used gestures that felt native to smartphone use. The site loaded in seconds even on 4G during my commute.
I deposited RM200 via Touch ‘n Go, which processed almost instantly. The e-wallet integration felt seamless — scan, confirm, done. The bonus applied automatically, and I was playing within five minutes of deciding to sign up.
Slot gameplay on mobile matched desktop quality at other casinos. The games scaled correctly, spin buttons were easily reachable, and I never felt like I was fighting the interface. Live dealer was even more impressive — streams adapted to my connection quality, and the betting interface worked smoothly on my 6.1-inch screen.
The real test was live blackjack on cellular during evening commute hours. The stream maintained decent quality despite variable connection, automatically dropping resolution when bandwidth dipped rather than buffering endlessly. The betting timer gave enough time to act even with occasional lag.
Withdrawal to my bank account took about 12 hours. Not instant, but perfectly reasonable.
How We Ranked the Best Online Casino Malaysia Sites
To ensure we only recommend Malaysia’s best online casino sites, we evaluated every Malaysian casino against these six critical performance benchmarks.
Local Payment Methods
Malaysian players need casinos that accept local banks, e-wallets like Touch ‘n Go and GrabPay, and process transactions in RM. We prioritize secure banking options and tested actual deposits and withdrawals to verify these methods work, not just that they’re listed.
Game Selection
Beyond total game count, we evaluated whether the library includes Asian-focused titles alongside Western standards. Malaysian players often want Sic Bo, Dragon Tiger, and other regional games that purely Western casinos don’t offer.
Live Dealer Quality
Live casino is popular in Malaysia. We tested stream quality on local internet connections, checked for Asian-focused live dealer options, and evaluated table availability during peak Malaysian playing hours.
Bonus Terms
Large bonus numbers mean nothing if wagering requirements make them impossible to clear. We calculated the effective value of welcome offers, while also checking for the consistency of daily promotions and the fairness of loyalty rewards for active players.
Mobile Performance
With high smartphone usage in Malaysia, mobile experience is critical. We tested on both iOS and Android, on WiFi and mobile data, evaluating load times, interface design, and live dealer streaming.
Withdrawal Reliability
We deposited and withdrew real money at each casino, timing the process and noting any verification requirements or delays. Casinos that paid promptly ranked higher than those with excuses.
Reputation and Licensing
Track record matters. We evaluated each casino’s history in Asian markets, licensing legitimacy, and any complaints from Malaysian players in forums and review sites. We used a similar ranking methodology in this Wisconsin online casino review.
Why Is Megapari the Best Online Casino for Malaysia?
Megapari earns the top spot as the best online slot casino Malaysia players love. Here’s why:
Seamless RM Banking & Local Methods
The biggest advantage Megapari holds over international competitors is full support for the Malaysian Ringgit (RM).
While other sites force currency conversion—often skimming 2-3% on every transaction—Megapari lets you deposit, play, and withdraw directly in Ringgit. Over a year of regular play, this saves a meaningful amount of money.
Furthermore, the local payment methods actually function. We tested Touch ‘n Go, local bank transfers, and e-wallet options during our review. All processed successfully, which is not always guaranteed at casinos that list Malaysian methods but fail to properly support them technically.
Extensive Asian-Focused Game Library
Beyond a massive count of 10,000+ total games, the library is curated for the local market. Megapari features Asian-focused titles from providers like Asia Gaming.
Players looking for regional favorites like Dragon Tiger and Sic Bo can easily find them here alongside Western slots and classic table games.
Sportsbook Integration
For Malaysian players, interest in football, badminton, and esports often goes hand-in-hand with casino gaming.
Megapari’s sports betting section competes with dedicated bookmakers, offering competitive odds and seamless integration. You can switch from spinning slots to betting on the Premier League without needing separate accounts or wallets.
Reliability
Trust is paramount. In our tests, withdrawals were processed as promised, reaching our bank account within the stated timeframes without drama or excessive verification demands.
While Dafabet offers more brand recognition and BC.Game is superior for pure crypto users, whereas Megapari provides the most complete package. For the typical Malaysian player who wants RM banking, diverse games, and reliable service, it is the clear #1 choice.
Popular Casino Games for Malaysian Players
From high-RTP slots to regional favorites like Sic Bo, these are the most popular game categories available to Malaysian players.
Slots
Online slots dominate casino libraries and player time worldwide, and Malaysia is no exception. Top providers like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Microgaming offer thousands of themes, features, and volatility levels.
Sites like Kingdom Casino are particularly known for their massive slot libraries, where Megaways titles offer massive win potential while classic three-reel games appeal to traditionalists.
Live Blackjack
Blackjack’s combination of strategy and social interaction translates perfectly to live dealer format.
Malaysian players can join online blackjack tables with professional dealers, chat with other players, and experience authentic casino atmosphere from home. Stakes range from RM5 to RM50,000+ at VIP tables found on platforms like TenoBet.
Baccarat
Baccarat’s popularity across Asia extends to Malaysia. The simple betting structure (Player, Banker, Tie) and fast pace make it ideal for both new and experienced players. Live baccarat tables at Dafabet often include squeeze variants and lightning versions with multiplied payouts.
Roulette
European roulette (single zero) offers better odds than American (double zero), and both are widely available. Lightning Roulette adds random multipliers for players seeking higher variance.
Live roulette tables run around the clock at all casinos on this list, with BC.Game offering particularly fast-paced crypto variants.
Sic Bo
This traditional dice game has deep roots in Asian gambling culture. Online versions faithfully recreate the land-based experience, and live Sic Bo at Megapari adds authenticity with Mandarin-speaking dealers and high-definition streaming.
Dragon Tiger
Often called “two-card baccarat,” Dragon Tiger’s simplicity makes it perfect for quick sessions. One card to Dragon, one to Tiger, bet on the higher value. Live versions stream from studios designed for Asian audiences, making it a staple game at Megapari.
Poker
Casino poker games like Casino Hold’em, Three Card Poker, and Caribbean Stud are available in both RNG and live dealer formats. These house-banked games, readily available at Gxmble, differ from player-vs-player poker but offer similar strategic elements.
Highest Paying Games at the Finest Online Casinos in Malaysia
If you want the best chance of winning, these titles offer the highest Return to Player (RTP) percentages and massive jackpot potential at the best Malaysian gambling sites.
Live Dealer: Super Sic Bo (Megapari)
This enhanced version of the Asian classic adds random multipliers up to 1,000x to specific dice combinations. It combines traditional gameplay with the potential for massive payouts on small wagers.
A favorite among Malaysian players, this progressive jackpot slot features a prosperity theme and an RTP that often exceeds 97%. The “Gold Pot” feature can trigger life-changing wins at any bet level.
With optimal strategy, this variant offers one of the lowest house edges in the industry at just 0.26%. It is the perfect choice for disciplined players looking to grind out consistent profits.
Famous for its exceptionally high 98% RTP, this vampire-themed slot is the go-to game for clearing bonus wagering requirements. Frequent small wins keep your bankroll steady while you hunt for the bonus round.
Unlike American tables, this variant uses the “La Partage” rule, which returns half your bet if the ball lands on zero. This reduces the house edge to a razor-thin 1.35% on even-money wagers.
This colorful wheel game offers four distinct bonus rounds, with the “Crazy Time” world offering multipliers up to 20,000x. It is perfectly optimized for mobile play, delivering high-volatility action on the go.
Banking Options for Malaysian Online Casino Players
From instant e-wallets like Touch ‘n Go to anonymous crypto transactions, these are the most reliable payment methods for Malaysian players.
E-Wallets
Touch ‘n Go and GrabPay have become essential payment methods for Malaysian online activity, including casino deposits. Transactions process almost instantly, and the familiarity of these apps reduces friction for new players.
Local Bank Transfers
Direct transfers from Malaysian bank accounts work at most casinos on this list. Processing takes longer than e-wallets (typically 30 minutes to a few hours) but handles larger amounts without the limits e-wallets impose.
Credit/Debit Cards
Visa and Mastercard deposits work at international casinos, though some Malaysian banks block gambling transactions. Success varies by card and bank — have a backup method ready.
Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies bypass banking restrictions entirely. BC.Game specializes in crypto, while Megapari and others accept it alongside fiat options. Crypto provides the fastest withdrawals and most privacy.
Withdrawal Timing
Method
Typical Deposit
Typical Withdrawal
Touch ‘n Go
Instant
1-24 hours
Bank Transfer
30 min – 2 hours
1-3 business days
Credit/Debit Cards
Instant
Not usually available
Cryptocurrency
10-60 minutes
10 minutes – 2 hours
Comparison of the Top Malaysian Online Casinos
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the welcome bonuses, currency support, and primary strengths of our top-rated Malaysian casino sites.
Casino
Welcome Bonus
Games
Live Dealer
RM Support
Best For
Megapari
Up to RM7,160
10,000+
Yes
Yes
Overall Experience
Dafabet
100% up to RM1,200
500+
Yes
Yes
Sports & Casino
BC.Game
120%
8,000+
Yes
No (Crypto)
Crypto Players
Kingdom Casino
Up to RM500
3,000+
Yes
No (Euro)
Huge Bonuses
Gxmble
Up to RM2,500
7,000+
Yes
No (Euro)
Game Variety
TenoBet
Up to RM5,000
4,000+
Yes
No (Euro)
Mobile Players
Rewarding Casino Bonuses at Malaysian Online Sites
To help you maximize your bankroll, we identified the most lucrative promotion types available at trusted Malaysian casinos.
Bonus Type
Description
Pros
Cons
Where to Find the Best One
Weekly Reload
A recurring deposit match available to existing players on a specific day of the week.
Keep your account topped up without needing a new account.
Strict time limits (must wager 30x within 48 hours).
Getting started takes just a few minutes. Here’s the process using Megapari as an example:
Step 1: Visit the Casino
Navigate to Megapari using your browser on mobile or desktop. The site automatically detects your location and may suggest relevant language or currency options.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Click the registration button and enter your details: email, password, and basic personal information. Select RM as your currency if prompted. The process takes 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Verify Your Email
Check your inbox for a confirmation email and click the verification link. This activates your account for deposits and play.
Step 4: Make Your First Deposit
Navigate to the cashier, select your preferred payment method (Touch ‘n Go, bank transfer, crypto, etc.), and enter your deposit amount. Apply any bonus codes if you’re claiming the welcome offer.
Step 5: Start Playing
Browse the game lobby, pick your preferred category, and start playing. Slots, live dealer, table games, and sports betting are all accessible from the main navigation.
Tips for Malaysian Online Casino Players
Online gambling can be tricky, so a few solid tips go a long way. Here’s what to keep in mind when using top Malaysian online sites:
Start with e-wallet deposits. Touch ‘n Go and GrabPay offer the fastest, most reliable deposits for Malaysian players. Save bank transfers for larger amounts where limits matter.
Claim bonuses strategically. Calculate whether bonus wagering requirements are achievable before accepting. A smaller bonus with 30x wagering beats a massive bonus with 50x that you’ll never clear.
Test customer support before depositing. Send a question via live chat and evaluate the response. Good support before you need help predicts good support when you actually do.
Set deposit limits in your account settings. Most casinos offer responsible gambling tools. Use them proactively rather than relying on self-control during extended sessions.
Try games in demo mode first. Most slots offer free play versions. Learn the features and volatility before committing real money.
Keep records for yourself. Track deposits, withdrawals, wins, and losses. Understanding your actual results over time is valuable regardless of tax implications.
FAQs: Best Online Casino Malaysia
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Malaysian online sites:
What Is the Best Online Casino in Malaysia?
The best casino online Malaysia site is currently Megapari, thanks to its seamless support for Ringgit (RM) deposits and massive game library. It offers the most complete experience, combining reliable local banking methods with over 10,000 gaming titles.
Which Online Casino Is Trusted in Malaysia?
A trusted online casino in Malaysia is one that holds valid offshore licenses and uses audited RNG software, such as Dafabet. These platforms ensure fair play and have a long track record of reliable, transparent payouts for Malaysian players.
Can Malaysians Play at Overseas Online Casinos?
Yes, Malaysians can play at overseas online casinos that specifically accept players from the region and support local currencies. We recommend sticking to reputable offshore sites that have been rigorously tested for safety and withdrawal reliability to ensure a secure session.
Do I Need a VPN to Access Online Casinos in Malaysia?
You typically do not need a VPN to access online casinos in Malaysia if you choose sites optimized for the market like Megapari. However, keeping a secure VPN handy can be useful for accessing specific crypto-only platforms like BC Game.
Which Online Casino Malaysia Has the Fastest Withdrawal?
The online casino in Malaysia with the fastest withdrawal is generally BC.Game due to its instant automated crypto processing. For fiat currency users, Megapari is the quickest option, often processing Touch ‘n Go payouts within just a few hours.
How Do I Choose the Best Online Casino for Me?
To choose the best casino online site for you, prioritize sites that accept RM and offer your favorite games, whether that is slots or live dealer baccarat. Based on these factors, we feel that Megapari is the top choice for most players.
Start Playing at the Best Online Casino Sites in Malaysia
The casinos above represent the best online casino Malaysia options in 2026. Megapari leads with comprehensive RM support, local payment methods, and the largest game library.
Dafabet offers decades of reliability for sports bettors. BC.Game provides the best crypto experience. Kingdom Casino’s bonus package rewards new players generously. Gxmble never runs out of games. TenoBet delivers the smoothest mobile experience.
Pick the casino that matches your priorities, make a deposit using your preferred method, and start playing. Whether you prefer slots, live dealer, or sports betting, quality options are available from wherever you’re reading this in Malaysia.
Thinking of trying online gambling? Please consider the following information.
Age Requirement
You must be of legal gambling age in Malaysia to participate.
Know the Risks
Gambling involves financial risk and can be addictive. Set firm limits and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
Check the Rules
Make sure online gambling is legal in your location and understand the local rules before signing up.
Need Help?
Support is available. If gambling is becoming a problem, consider reaching out to local support services or a qualified health professional. More resources: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
The FBI conducted searches along several Tucson roadways on Wednesday in its search for Nancy Guthrie. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
Justin Verlander, wearing a Detroit Tigers uniform again, still feels surreal. After years of speculation, hope, and “what if?” conversations, Tigers fans are finally back in a place they once knew well, waiting to see when Verlander will take the mound to start a season in Detroit.
The big question now isn’t if he’ll pitch meaningful games for the Tigers in 2026. It’s when that first start will come.
The Road-Heavy Start to the 2026 Season
The Tigers’ 2026 schedule opens with six straight games on the road, immediately complicating the Verlander conversation. Detroit begins the season in San Diego on March 26, a game that Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal has already been named as the starter.
That part is locked in.
Skubal has earned Opening Day status after establishing himself as the unquestioned ace of the staff. While Verlander spent years owning that honor, this is a different Tigers era, and a different role for the future Hall of Famer.
With Skubal starting Opening Day, Detroit suddenly has flexibility. And flexibility is something this front office values.
Why Detroit Can Afford to Be Patient
One of the quiet advantages of the Tigers’ current roster construction is rotation depth. Detroit no longer needs Verlander to carry the staff or set the tone every fifth day. Instead, they can manage his workload carefully, especially early in the season.
That opens the door to a strategic decision: Do you roll Verlander out during the opening road trip? Or do you wait and make his first start an event?
From a baseball standpoint, easing him in makes sense. From a business standpoint, it might make even more sense.
The Home Opener Factor
Detroit’s home opener is scheduled for Friday, April 3, against the St. Louis Cardinals.
That date jumps off the page.
Opening Day in Detroit is already an unofficial holiday. Now imagine adding Justin Verlander—back where it all started—as the announced starting pitcher. Comerica Park would be electric. The buzz would stretch far beyond the city limits, turning a single regular-season game into a national moment.
For fans who waited years to see this reunion happen, that would feel like the proper payoff.
Verlander, Detroit, and Doing It the Right Way
Justin Verlander isn’t just another pitcher returning from a long career elsewhere. He’s one of the most iconic athletes in franchise history. His legacy is intertwined with the Tigers’ modern identity, from MVP seasons to playoff runs that defined an era.
This reunion was always about more than innings pitched.
Starting Verlander in the Detroit home opener would be a symbolic gesture—one that acknowledges the past while embracing the present. It sends a message to the fanbase that this return matters.
Prediction: Verlander Starts the Home Opener
All signs point toward Detroit leaning into the moment.
Prediction: Justin Verlander will make his first start of the 2026 season on April 3, at Comerica Park, against the St. Louis Cardinals.
It’s the right baseball decision. It’s the right business decision. And most importantly, it’s the right move for the fans who have been waiting for this day.
Hello from La Ventana in Detroit’s Eastern Market! It’s a modern-feeling coffeeshop on Gratiot that’s become a hub for creatives and caffeine lovers.
Fortunately, it’s open later than a lot of places — until 7p. So if you need a waystation between meetings, or a place to catch up with a friend, it’s a great spot.
Time is short for me today, so let’s get right into it with stories you should know about around town.
💰 Just treading water while the federal government is drowning you is a major challenge when it comes to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s final state budget. [The Balanced Sheet]
One of the best pieces of advice I got from a mentor is to “know where your sidewalk ends,” meaning, know what you’re best at.
So I’m going to quote a post from an expert on government finance, Steve Watson. He’s in private practice now, but is a former Budget Director & Deputy CFO for the city of Detroit. He’s also been a guest on our Daily Detroit podcast.
The Governor proposes several tax increases to help balance the budget and offset reductions in federal funding for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act enacted by Congress last summer. She also relies on a $400 million draw from the State’s Rainy Day Fund and various State department efficiencies and cost savings.
The debate in Lansing around the $88.1 billion budget starts now.
🇨🇦 The number of Canadians traveling to Michigan and the United States fell by more than 15% last year. [WXYZ]
🧖 If you’ve ever wanted to escape the Midwest winter without leaving the city, Detroit’s newest outdoor destination might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Islandview Sauna Club just opened on the city’s east side, tucked into a wooded lot at 1000 Beaufait, between Lafayette and St. Paul.
It’s the kind of place that shouldn’t exist in an industrial corridor — and that’s exactly what makes it interesting. It’s a slice of Northern Michigan vibes right around the corner.
The setup is simple but intentional. Three wood-fired saunas of different intensity, a cold plunge tub (with a larger communal plunge coming soon), and a canvas tent that doubles as a changing area and hangout space.
Unlike indoor facilities, Islandview keeps you outside between sessions—embracing winter rather than hiding from it. Think bonfire breaks and brisk air instead of climate-controlled lobbies.
The saunas themselves were built in Minneapolis after co-owners Jacques and Christine Driscoll (of Green Dot Stables, Johnny Noodle King, Kiesling Detroit, and Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts fame) spent time researching the Midwest’s growing sauna culture and its Nordic origins.
Right now, Islandview is open Friday evenings (4p–8p) and weekends (1p–5p). Sessions cost $25 per hour and require advance booking through their website. Space is limited, so you’ll want to plan ahead.
Bring a bathing suit, towel, flip-flops, and water bottle. A sauna hat is optional but recommended. After your session, you’re welcome to hang out by the fire or in the basecamp tent.
Expect Islandview’s hours and amenities to expand over time, with updates shared on Instagram.
It’s a small operation with big ambitions… and a reminder that sometimes the best escapes are hiding in plain sight, even in the middle of February.
Pączki Season Hits High Gear with the Return of Detroit City Distillery’s Beloved Pączki Day Party on Saturday, Feb. 14
Ah, Pączki Season in metro Detroit — a time of freezing temperatures, intermittent snow, and delightfully buttery, crispy-creamy pastries known as pączki. Detroit City Distillery, known for its cult-favorite Pączki Day Vodka — a limited-release spirit distilled with real pączki sourced from Hamtramck — will once again host its annual Pączki Day Party on Saturday, February 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This year’s celebration will be bigger than ever, featuring expanded activities and vendors made possible by the move to the distillery’s brand-new event space, 100 Proof, located at 1000 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit. Admission is free and open to the public.
Note: Guests must be 21 or older to purchase or consume alcohol.
Party highlights include:
Live music by Crampton Brothers (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Polish ice luge
Ice carving
Shotski
Pączki Day Spirits for Sale – Original Raspberry, Orange Cream, Poland X Detroit, Polish Daisy Bottled Cocktail and Jeżynówka Bourbon
New Pączki Day merchandise
Appearances by Mr. Pączki Head
Food by Srodek’s Campau Quality Sausage Co. and other Polish favorites
How Pączki Day Vodka Is Made
Pączki Day Vodka is created by distilling pączki in a blend of 100 percent Michigan and Polish potato vodka, using a 500-gallon copper pot still. The result is a crystal-clear, one-of-a-kind spirit that is smooth, buttery, and finishes with unmistakable pączki character.
Free of artificial ingredients, flavors, or sweeteners, PDV is designed to showcase the authentic taste of handmade, glazed raspberry pączki from Hamtramck. It can be enjoyed chilled, over ice, mixed into cocktails, or as a traditional pączki chaser.
📊 Mayor Sheffield named Winnie Liao as Detroit’s new Chief Operating Officer.
Liao’s mission is to reimagine how residents and businesses interact with city government, from basic services to permits and licensing.
According to a news release, she’s previously transformed Michigan’s Secretary of State offices, turning long wait times into streamlined experiences across 131 branches statewide. More recently, she was at Mastercard leading enterprise operations.
Liao will oversee 17 city departments and is taking a large pay cut from her Mastercard role to do this work.
The Mayor wants Liao to initiate a “City-wide Operations Improvement Plan” during the first quarter of this year, with a focus on service departments. She starts February 16.
🧱 Southwest Detroit’s Bagley–West Vernor corridor, long the commercial heart of Mexicantown, is now on the National Register of Historic Places. [Outlier Media]
🎥 Check out the livestream replay of our Daily Detroit podcast! Norris Howard is in and we hit a ton of chat topics that didn’t make it on the main show. Where our show is set up to be 20-25 minutes long for drivetime, this is the uncut version that sits. The conversation is always lively, and you can join in on Tuesday afternoons on YouTube.
That’s it for today. Thanks so much to our newest members! Alex, Soona, and Laura. Will you step up to support all-local coverage? Join our Patreon!
On today’s Daily Detroit, Jer and Norris talk about three big changes in the city: a loved restaurant closing, a historic building maybe turning into a hotel, and a new business district along the river.
First, Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles is closing after more than a decade on the Avenue of Fashion. Norris shares memories of hosting events there and why Kuzzo’s helped make Livernois feel like a place where the whole city could come together.
Jer and Norris talk about how costs have gone up for restaurants since COVID and how other favorites like New Center Eatery and Parks’ have also closed, even while some nearby spots are still doing well.
Next, they move downtown to the Park Avenue Building by Grand Circus Park. Developer Rino Soave now wants to turn it into a hotel with more than 100 rooms, a restaurant, and other amenities instead of apartments.
We get into why more projects are choosing hotels, what the coming renovation at the Renaissance Center Marriott could mean, and why Norris still wants more full‑time residents downtown, not just weekend visitors and staycations.
Finally, the show heads to the riverfront to talk about Rivertown’s new Business Improvement Zone.
The new BIZ will cover nearly 300 commercial properties and could raise about $850,000 a year — almost 10 million over 10 years — for extra trash pickup, cleaning, and other services, working with the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
Norris explains why these public‑private partnerships can help neighborhoods grow, and how tools like BIZ-es might free up the city to fix up more parks and blocks across Detroit. Plus, Norris called it with his prediction that you’d see more of these in the city.
Feedback as always, dailydetroit – at – gmail – dot – com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211.
Dr. Saraí Aboites Nuñez didn’t have the traditional start in classical music.
While many professional orchestra performers typically begin training at a very young age, she says she didn’t touch a violin until she was 17, after taking lessons in recorder, guitar, choir, and piano. However, Aboites Nuñez says she showed an appreciation for music even as a baby, and her grandfather loved to listen to opera and salsa music. “My parents used to tell me that the first thing when I first started moving, it was because of music,” she says. “And there was always music around me.”
She says she was drawn to orchestral instruments from her love of rock bands inspired by classical music, like Rasputina and Apocalyptica, that she listened to growing up as a teenager in Hermosillo, Mexico. Her first lesson came from a friend, who offered her tutorials during recess in exchange for cans of Coca-Cola.
“From there, I was like, ‘Oh, I think I like this,’” Aboites Nuñez recalls. In high school, she later picked up the viola, an instrument similar to the violin with a deeper sound.
Her career has since taken her to Michigan, where she has performed with organizations including the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, as well as others in Lansing, Traverse City, Jackson, and Midland. She was recently promoted to education manager for the Sphinx Organization, a Detroit-based nonprofit that promotes diversity in classical music by teaching Black and Latino youths.
Next month, an ensemble of young performers led by Aboites Nuñez called Violines Cromáticos will head to New York City to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. The group started several years ago as an afterschool program at Southwest Detroit’s Cesar Chavez Academy with students as young as eight years old.
Dr. Ana Abrantes, director of education at the Sphinx Organization, praises Aboites Nuñez for her “deep commitment to equitable music education.”
“Saraí is an exceptional arts leader and an essential partner in advancing the work of both the Overture and the Sphinx Performance Academy programs, playing a critical role in advancing local and nationally recognized programs for gifted young musicians,” she says, adding, “She has distinguished herself as an indispensable member of our team, strengthening program operations, supporting teaching artists, and mentoring our students. We are thrilled to have her in this leadership role and excited for the impact she will continue to make!”
Aboites Nuñez says she aims to achieve a balance between teaching and performing, adding that working with youths from minority backgrounds is particularly rewarding for her. She says she aims to demystify classical music by meeting her students where they’re at by referencing music from their own cultures.
“This is a way to make music more organic, more natural to your lifestyle, rather than something that is apart,” she says. “For some people, classical music can be something elitist, and hard to understand. But I think a lot of orchestras and a lot of people are trying to make this music more accessible to the audiences.”
She adds, “Some of them are first-generation born here of parents that migrated to the States. Every culture has weaknesses and strengths, so why can’t we use those things in our favor? It’s something that I’m trying to explore.”
The NBA has officially handed down discipline following Monday night’s heated Pistons–Hornets altercation, and Detroit forward-centerIsaiah Stewart is facing the steepest penalty.
On Wednesday, the league announced that Stewart has been suspended seven games for leaving the bench area, aggressively entering an on-court altercation, and fighting during the incident late in Detroit’s win over Charlotte.
According to the NBA, the length of Stewart’s suspension was influenced not only by his role in the fight, but also by what the league described as his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.”
What Happened
The incident occurred with 7:09 remaining in the third quarter of the Pistons’ 110–104 victory at Spectrum Center on Feb. 9. The situation escalated after Hornets forward Moussa Diabaté committed a defensive foul on Pistons center Jalen Duren, leading to a physical confrontation between multiple players.
Stewart left the bench area and entered the fray, which significantly increased the severity of the league’s discipline.
Additional Suspensions
The NBA also issued the following penalties:
Miles Bridges (Hornets): 4-game suspension for fighting and escalating the altercation
Moussa Diabaté (Hornets): 4-game suspension for fighting and escalating the altercation
Jalen Duren (Pistons): 2-game suspension for initiating the altercation and fighting
All four players were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game.
When the Suspensions Begin
Stewart and Duren will begin serving their suspensions Wednesday when the Pistons visit the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
Bridges and Diabaté will also begin serving their suspensions Wednesday when Charlotte hosts the Atlanta Hawks.
Impact on the Pistons
Stewart’s absence is a significant blow for a Pistons team already navigating lineup instability. Known for his physicality, defensive toughness, and emotional edge, Stewart has long walked the fine line between intensity and discipline — a balance that once again came under scrutiny with this ruling.
Detroit will now need to reshuffle its frontcourt rotation for an extended stretch as Stewart serves one of the longest suspensions of his NBA career.
For better or worse, Isaiah Stewart’s reputation continues to follow him, and the league made it clear this time that prior incidents mattered when determining punishment.
An outdoor sauna has opened in a wooded area in Detroit.
Islandview Sauna Club recently launched at 1000 Beaufait St. on the city’s east side. The land, part of the old Iron Belle Railroad, boasts multiple wood-fired saunas custom-built in Minneapolis, outdoor cold plunge tubs, a canvas tent, repurposed trailers, and bonfires.
“We wanted to make sure that when guests cross into the sauna grounds, they feel like they are in a Northern Michigan camp with wood smoke in the air, a fire crackling at the entrance, and heat rising from our handcrafted saunas,” co-owner Jacques Driscoll said in a statement.
“Unlike traditional indoor sauna facilities, Islandview intentionally places guests outdoors between sessions, embracing winter rather than shielding visitors from it,” the sauna says, adding, “The result is an experience that blends Detroit’s industrial landscape with a growing movement toward outdoor winter ritual and resilience.”
Guests can book a reservation online for $25 per hour and are asked to bring a bathing suit, robe or towel, flip flops, and water bottle.
Co-owners Jacques and Christine Driscoll are also behind popular spots Green Dot Stables, Johnny Noodle King, Kiesling Detroit, and Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts.
The sauna is open from 4-8 p.m. on Fridays and 1-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. More information is available at islandviewsauna.com or on Instagram @islandview_sauna_club.
The Islandview Sauna Club in Detroit. Credit: Courtesy photoThe Islandview Sauna Club in Detroit. Credit: Courtesy photoThe Islandview Sauna Club in Detroit. Credit: Courtesy photo
It’s only Tuesday and it already feels like Friday over here.
Today has echoes of the mid-2000s in Detroit sports and politics. Justin Verlander is back in a Tigers uniform. There was an altercation between the Pistons and the Hornets last night (reminding me of the “Malice at the Palace”). And, the people who own the Ambassador Bridge are in the local news.
Let’s get into a rundown of what to know today, a little ‘Eye Spy’ on an upcoming opening, and a look inside the now mostly empty Renaissance Center.
🌉 The billionaire owner of the Ambassador Bridge reportedly met with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick just hours before President Trump said he would block the opening of the new Gordie Howe bridge connecting Detroit to Canada. [New York Times]
The family has used lawsuits, lobbying, and political pressure for years to protect their private bridge from public competition. [99% Invisible]
🚙 Ford had a rough quarter, with profit from its main business cut about in half to $1 billion and earnings coming in below what Wall Street expected. [CNBC][Reuters]
A fire at a key aluminum supplier and unexpected tariff costs added up to nearly $900 million in extra hits.
On paper, Ford showed an $11.1 billion loss, largely from earlier write-downs on its EV bets, and it expects to pay about $2 billion in tariffs this year.
Looking past what was its worst miss in four years, CEO Jim Farley is pushing investors to focus on 2025 and 2026, promising tighter costs and a pivot to cheaper, more practical EVs to compete with both Detroit rivals and rising Chinese automakers.
🛎️ The historic Park Avenue Building in downtown Detroit — at the edge of Grand Circus Park — might become a hotel with more than 100 rooms. [Crain’s Detroit Business]
🌎 Only 1% of Michigan’s historic lake plain wet prairies still exist, and one is under threat. The Michigan Land Conservancy is racing to raise $6 million by year’s end to save the 440-acre Sibley Prairie in Brownstown Township in Wayne County from development. [The News Herald]
Much of southeast Michigan used to be prairie. It hosts endangered bees, rare butterflies, and native wildflowers you won’t find anywhere else.
If you care about this kind of thing, the conservancy is taking donations and sharing volunteer opportunities on the Save Sibley Prairie site. [Save Sibley Prairie]
🎭 The Detroit Opera just scored a major win: a $3 million grant from the Fred & Barbara Erb Family Foundation. The funding will support operations and help reimagine the Opera House for modern audiences, expanding the range of performances, artists, and experiences. [Detroit Opera]
🚏 SMART, the suburban transit authority, just launched free WiFi on buses, starting with the FAST routes along Michigan, Woodward, and Gratiot. About 50 buses getting T-Mobile connectivity so riders can work, stream, stay connected during their commute.
There’s also a Valentine’s Day shuttle service called “SMART After Dark” this Saturday. [SMART]
Pączki Season Hits High Gear with the Return of Detroit City Distillery’s Beloved Pączki Day Party on Saturday, Feb. 14
Ah, Pączki Season in metro Detroit — a time of freezing temperatures, intermittent snow, and delightfully buttery, crispy-creamy pastries known as pączki. Detroit City Distillery, known for its cult-favorite Pączki Day Vodka — a limited-release spirit distilled with real pączki sourced from Hamtramck — will once again host its annual Pączki Day Party on Saturday, February 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This year’s celebration will be bigger than ever, featuring expanded activities and vendors made possible by the move to the distillery’s brand-new event space, 100 Proof, located at 1000 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit. Admission is free and open to the public.
Note: Guests must be 21 or older to purchase or consume alcohol.
Party highlights include:
Live music by Crampton Brothers (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Polish ice luge
Ice carving
Shotski
Pączki Day Spirits for Sale – Original Raspberry, Orange Cream, Poland X Detroit, Polish Daisy Bottled Cocktail and Jeżynówka Bourbon
New Pączki Day merchandise
Appearances by Mr. Pączki Head
Food by Srodek’s Campau Quality Sausage Co. and other Polish favorites
How Pączki Day Vodka Is Made
Pączki Day Vodka is created by distilling pączki in a blend of 100 percent Michigan and Polish potato vodka, using a 500-gallon copper pot still. The result is a crystal-clear, one-of-a-kind spirit that is smooth, buttery, and finishes with unmistakable pączki character.
Free of artificial ingredients, flavors, or sweeteners, PDV is designed to showcase the authentic taste of handmade, glazed raspberry pączki from Hamtramck. It can be enjoyed chilled, over ice, mixed into cocktails, or as a traditional pączki chaser.
🍔 I saw that a new “Just Smash It!” location is coming together near Mack and Lenox on the city’s east side. There are currently three spots; one in Detroit on Jefferson Avenue, one in Warren, and one in Ford Field.
It’s expected to open in the coming weeks. It’s in the former long-standing Maison’s Fine Food that closed about three years ago, and you’ll see it on the left, next to a building that has a giant cow head.
👔 The Office Coffee Shop in downtown Royal Oak is closing after 11 years.[FB]
The final day of service is Thursday, March 5. Cheers to a place I’ve been to a bunch of times when I needed to have a coffee meeting in the suburbs.
I’ve been fielding more requests lately for coffee shops that are laptop-friendly, and that’s a list I’ll need to work on soon.
📸 via James Oliver
☕️ James Oliver is expanding their cafe locations yet again, this time Trenton. Now in “soft opening” phase daily from 8a-3p at 2360 West Jefferson. [FB]
They offer specialty coffee, bagels, pastries and more, with three open locations in the city and one in Wyandotte. Their flagship location is in Detroit’s Corktown at Michigan and the Lodge.
🧇 It’s the end of the line for the restaurant version of Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles on Livernois on the Avenue of Fashion. They’re hanging up the griddle after 11 years. They say to stay tuned for what’s next, without sharing more details. [Instagram]
Norris will be sharing some of his favorite memories from the spot on tomorrow’s Daily Detroit podcast.
☕️ Kitab Cafe and Bookstore is taking over the old Starbucks at the Detroit Medical Center. They already have locations in Hamtramck on Holbrook and in Detroit on Willis in a former Avalon Cafe location.
They serve coffee, pastries, and halal sandwiches, with a focus on being a welcoming third space. [Instagram]
👻 I’m going to leave you tonight not with music, but a kind of eerie look at the now (mostly) closed Renaissance Center. This walking tour was taken at the end of last month — and what stands out to me is the fact the cars are all gone from their displays.
I have a ton of memories of this place over the years, all the way back to when there was an active movie theatre inside and I’d go regularly.
Plans call for demolishing two of the riverfront towers, keeping the hotel, turning one remaining tower into offices, and another into residential.
It’s been 24+ hours of work in two days with so much happening. So if you want to support the momentum we’re building here — and help us keep doing this local reporting daily — join us a member on Patreon.
Get a sticker pack, access to our member-only Discord, and a whole lot more.
That timeline is even more up in the air now. A few hours after I uploaded that episode, the President of the United States posted a long list of grievances to his Truth Social account, threatening to withhold permission to open the bridge.
As someone who’s been following this bridge project for nearly a decade, I want to add context and color to what’s happening and what was said.
It’s also important to get the facts right as there are millions of jobs on both sides impacted by this, as the crossing is responsible for a quarter of all truck trade between the two countries.
Let’s walk through line-by-line. I’m writing this about two hours after it posted, and much of this is off the top of my head.
Here’s a podcast version of this post:
As everyone knows, the Country of Canada has treated the United States very unfairly for decades.
The United States and Canada have worked together in the auto industry for more than six decades. Canada benefits more proportionally because its economy is smaller and so integrated with our consumer demand.
However, the United States has the advantage in total value and strategic control because of our much larger size and corporate footprint.
For instance, there hasn’t been a major Canadian automaker in about a century. There is no Ford or GM equivalent over there, currently.
Millions of jobs are now tied to cross‑border supply chains in autos, agriculture, and manufacturing, and the “hurt” of trade disruption falls harder on Canada, an economy that’s about 12 times smaller than ours.
Now, things are turning around for the U.S.A., and FAST! But imagine, Canada is building a massive bridge between Ontario and Michigan. They own both the Canada and the United States side and, of course, built it with virtually no U.S. content.
The Canadian government put up almost the entire $6.4 billion (up from an original estimate of $5.7 billion) of the final cost to build the bridge, as to get the deal done Canada needed to pay for it. I’m sure many wouldn’t argue that developers and investors paying for a project get to make decisions about it.
President Barack Hussein Obama stupidly gave them a waiver so they could get around the BUY AMERICAN Act, and not use any American products, including our Steel.
The waiver didn’t ban American steel. It allowed the use of either Canadian or American iron and steel. The requirement was that all iron and steel come from one of the two countries, not from third parties. As at that time, we were close economic allies.
There isn’t a breakdown that I can find, yet, of how much came from each country. It’s worth looking into. But I do know thousands of Americans worked on the bridge.
I’ll note here the bridge started construction in July 2018 — during the Trump administration — and Trump’s administration listed it as a priority infrastructure project in 2017.
In December 2019, Trump himself signed into law the first U.S. funding for the bridge — allocating up to $15 million for customs and border protection.
Now, the Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to PERMIT them to just “take advantage of America!” What does the United States of America get — Absolutely NOTHING! Ontario won’t even put U.S. spirits, beverages, and other alcoholic products, on their shelves, they are absolutely prohibited from doing so and now,
This refers to Ontario’s recent decision to pull U.S. alcohol products from LCBO shelves in retaliation against Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. The products weren’t ‘absolutely prohibited.’ Ontario chose to remove them in response to the current trade dispute.
on top of everything else, Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China — which will eat Canada alive. We’ll just get the leftovers! I don’t think so.
It turns out Canada is swimming in a global sea of sharks, because their closest ally turned on them and demanded they become the 51st state.
So they — and almost all of our allies at this point — are realizing they’re going to have to take their chances in a new world order where they can’t trust America. Not that we shouldn’t have our own interests, but diplomacy through impulsive tweet isn’t a sustainable way to run anything.
The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha no.
The Tariffs Canada charges us for our Dairy products have, for many years, been unacceptable, putting our Farmers at great financial risk.
This is the part that makes the most sense out of this whole thing, but only partially.
Canada does impose extremely high dairy tariffs — over 200% — but only on imports that exceed quota limits.
Under the USMCA, a trade deal Trump himself negotiated and signed, U.S. dairy products enter Canada duty-free within set quotas. But American exporters have filled only about 42% of those available quotas, leaving more than half unused.
The U.S. also maintains roughly a 2-to-1 dairy trade surplus with Canada, exporting nearly $900 million while importing about $360 million.
I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve. We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset. The revenues generated because of the U.S. Market will be astronomical. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
So we’re asking for half of a bridge we didn’t pay for. I don’t care your political persuasion, just sit with that for a second.
Who knows where this will land in the end. We now live in a country that deals with erratic policy by pronouncement, like that done by an absolute monarch. And much like Greenland, it could all unwind in a few days. Or not. Who knows.
Whether it’s this news, or rising costs at the grocery store, to health care expenses skyrocketing, to housing going up, “uncertainty” is the word of the year for most Americans in 2026.
On today’s Daily Detroit from the floor of the Detroit Policy Conference, we’re digging into what it really took to get the Gordie Howe International Bridge this close to the finish line — and what it’s going to mean for everyday life on both sides of the river later this year.
I’m joined at the table by Michael Griffie, Detroit market leader for AECOM, one of the key firms behind the massive project.
We get into the nuts and bolts of a more than $4.5 billion, decade-in-the-making effort that doesn’t just include the record-setting cable‑stayed span, but also the new U.S. and Canadian ports of entry and a rebuilt I‑75 interchange designed to keep trucks moving and out of neighborhoods.
Griffie explains how engineers from two countries had to literally “meet in the middle,” navigating different regulatory systems, a frozen global supply chain, and a pandemic — and still kept the delay to about a year.
We talk about what makes a cable‑stayed bridge different, why the 1.2‑mile span and 770‑foot pylons matter, and how much trade will roll across once it opens.
There also will be a multimodal path that will let you bike or walk across the border — passport in hand — and the subtle design tribute to “Mr. Hockey” himself, with pylons that echo Gordie Howe’s iconic stance on the ice.
Plus, we touch on how Canada ended up fronting the money, why toll booths will all be on one side, and more.
Feedback as always – dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211.
Sports in February include the NBA and NHL seasons. There is also the Super Bowl, the NBA All-Star game, college basketball tournaments, spring training for the MLB, NASCAR’s Daytona 500, Formula E, some PGA Tour Events and the Winter Olympics. Over the years, Feb. 9 has witnessed many notable moments and stories involving sporting legends. Here are some of them.
Unforgettable Games and Remarkable Records
Great moments in sports history from Feb. 9 included:
1900: Dwight Davis donated a new tennis trophy. It was for the winner of the International Lawn Tennis Challenge. It would later be renamed the Davis Cup after Davis’ death in 1945.
1935: Figure skater Maribel Vinson won the United States Female Figure Skating Championship.
1940: Boxer Joe Louis beat Arturo Godoy in 15 rounds and won the heavyweight boxing title.
1951: The St. Louis Browns signed pitcher Satchel Paige at the age of 45.
1968: A rare three-way tie happened for the silver medal in the women’s 500-meter speed skating at the Grenoble Winter Olympics.
1974: Figure skater Dorothy Hamill won the United States Female Figure Skating Championship.
1980: Rick Barry became the first player in NBA history to make eight 3-pointers in a game.
1982: In the 34th NHL All-Star game, the Wales Conference beat the Campbell Conference, 4-2. The New York Islanders’ right winger Mike Bossy won the MVP for the game.
1986: In the 36th NBA All-Star game, the East beat the West 139-132. The MVP of the game was Detroit Pistons guard Isiah Thomas.
1989: NBA player Kevin Johnson’s free throw streak of 57 games comes to an end.
1991: Boxer Terry Norris knocked down Sugar Ray Leonard twice, went on to win the fight, and defended his WBC Super Welterweight title.
1992: Swimmer Jani Sievinen swam a world record time of 4:07.10 in the 400-meter medley race.
1998: In the sixth ESPY Awards, Ken Griffey Jr. and Mia Hamm won the athlete of the year award.
2002: In the NFL Pro Bowl, the AFC beat the NFC 38-30. The MVP of the game was Oakland Raiders’ quarterback Rich Gannon.
2006: Al Michaels joined John Madden on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.”
2014: The Olympic’s team figure skating event made its debut. Russia took home the gold medal.
2014: The Slopestyle snowboarding event made its Olympic debut. American Jamie Anderson was the first women’s gold medalist.
2025: The Philadelphia Eagles beat the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in Super Bowl LIX. The MVP of the game was Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Three athletes who stood out on Feb. 9 were Rick Barry, Terry Norris, and Jalen Hurts.
Barry is a 12-time All-Star, the 1975 NBA Champion with the Golden State Warriors, and renowned for his signature underhand “granny-style” free throw technique and fierce competitiveness. Norris was a dominant three-time super-welterweight champion during the late 1980s and 1990s. He is best known for his speed, power, and high-profile victories over some boxing legends. Hurts is known for his exceptional dual-threat ability, (passing/rushing), and resilience. He was ranked among the 2025 TIME100 most influential people.
