A new poll shows Michigan chooses the Tigers as their favorite professional sports team in the state.

Results from Public Policy Poling show: The Tigers get 29 percent of the vote; the Lions get 27 percent; the Wings get 20 percent; and the Pistons, 6 percent. 

The poll also shows there’s a significant racial divide in who voters pick as their favorite teams. Among white voters the Tigers win easily with 33 percent to 24 percent for the Lions, 22 percent for the Red Wings, and just 3 percent for the Pistons. But among black voters the Tigers take up the basement at 5 percent, trailing the Lions at 54 percent, Pistons at 23 percent, and even the Red Wings at 8 percent.

That’s just another sign that baseball has a lot of work to do to garner interest from African Americans.

It’s also notable in this highly political season that Republicans pick the Tigers over the Lions 36-27, while Democrats pick the Lions over the Tigers 32-24.

In other stats:

* 37 percent of voters in the state say they’re Michigan fans to 31 percent who side with Michigan State and 32 percent who don’t care either way. There is somewhat of an ideological divide on this question. ‘Very liberal’ Michiganders pick the Wolverines 55-26, while ‘very conservative’ ones pick the Spartans 37-30. White voters are pretty evenly split, going for Michigan 34-32, but 53-22 support from black voters pushes the Maize and Blue’s lead out to 6 points.

-Michigan State and Michigan fans are both pretty happy with their football coaches. Brady Hoke gets a 64/6 approval rating from Michigan fans, and Mark Dantonio does even better with Spartan partisans at a 68/4 approval. The Wolverine fan base has softened its opinions on Rich Rodriguez a little bit since his departure last year. He’s still unpopular, with only 26% of fans seeing him favorably to 32% with a negative opinion. But it’s an improvement from December of 2010 when his favorability breakdown was 20/38. Rodriguez’s Michigan poll numbers are certainly a lot better than in West Virginia where we found him at 15/56 last year.

-Tom Izzo has a 78/3 approval rating with the MSU fan base. Suffice it to say we don’t find many people from any walk of life hitting 78% in our polling. John Beilein’s at only 39/8 with Michigan fans, 53% of whom have no opinion about him. Getting Michigan back to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 18 years might be what he needs to get the fan base to take notice.

The full analysis is also available here.

The National Weather Service issued a severe weather alert for Thursday night and  Friday morning for the entire region. Madaus said metro Detroit should expect a few inches of snow Thursday night and into Friday morning, with at least 2-3 inches and maybe more.

And that won’t be the end.

“About 5 a.m. Friday it will let up, then 7 a.m. it will pick up again with maybe another inch or two,” Madaus said.

Madaus said commuters should expect the bad stuff to hit at 7 p.m. Thursday, the tail end of the afternoon commute, and start again in time for the Friday morning commute. Drivers should plan ahead.

The National Weather Service describes it as a strengthening low pressure system that will track across the Great Lakes and bring a widespread area of precipitation.

“This precipitation may begin as a mix of rain and snow…before transitioning,” the service said in a press release.

There’s the potential for 6 inches or more, the Weather Service said.

“It looks like four or more inches,” Madaus said. “Most of it’s going to happen overnight, so it will definitely affect the morning drive.”

Check CBS Detroit Thursday and Friday for a complete list of school closings.

“This is part of America,” said Akerson has he helped kick off the new program, with a one million dollar donation. “Detroit is a great American city. As Detroiter’s, we want to see it built back up.”

Akerson says the idea of the donation came as he and his wife Karin were trying to decide how best to celebrate their 40th anniversary. He says they came up with a better option than giving each other gifts.

“We would try to help others, as a gift to one another and this community,” he said in the ceremony at J.E. Clark Preparatory Academy in the Morningside Commons neighborhood. Just a few miles from the wealthy Grosse Pointes, this is a neighborhood filled with abandoned houses and empty lots.

“When I first came here, the only city I’ve ever seen with such destruction, when I was in the service I went to East Berlin before the wall came down,” said Akerson.

The one million dollar gift is a start toward raising $25 million for a program called “Leaders to Rebuild Detroit.” The money will be used to build new homes, as part of Habitat for Humanity, and to repair existing homes.

They will also use the money to counsel people who are trying to buy homes.

Akerson tied in the assistance that he and General Motors are giving to Detroit with the assistance the federal government gave to GM and Chrysler.

“You can debate this forever, and I’m sure it will be for some time, but facts are facts, it worked,” he said.

The proof, says Akerson, comes in the record profits posted by GM just last week.

The bailout has become a point of contention in the Michigan primary, receiving criticism from all of the Republican candidates But, Akerson pointed out that two presidents with very different philosophies agreed to help the auto industry.

Akerson says the aid given to GM and Chrysler helped save American jobs and American communities.

“What can be wrong about that, regardless of what party affiliation you’re in.”

Connect with Jeff Gilbert
Email: jdgilbert@cbs.com
Twitter: @jefferygilbert
Facebook: facebook.com/carchronicles

Rick Nash wears the “C” on his jersey as captain of Columbus. These days, the letter stands more for, coveted.

The NHL trade deadline is Monday and no player has been dangled as bait like Nash, the Blue Jackets’ 27-year-old star forward, and the greatest player in franchise history. He’s done it all in Columbus — except turn the team into a winner. With the Blue Jackets floundering as the worst team in the league, the Nash era could be over in Ohio by this time next week, and the list of potential suitors seems to run as long as the list of playoff contenders.

Columbus’ visit to the Eastern Conference last week saw the trade rumors fly at light speed. Columbus general manager Scott Howson had a chat with Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren. And Nash faced a media crush in New York, with everyone curious to learn if he’d be willing to trade the leisurely life in Columbus for the bright lights and Stanley Cup expectations in the Big Apple.

Could Nash be the franchise-shifter that turns a contender into a champion?

“Right now I’m a Blue Jacket,” Nash said in New York. “And that’s what matters.”

Columbus is ready to rebuild and could restock the roster with prospects and future draft choices for Nash, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft.

Nash is signed through the 2014-15 season, and carries an annual salary cap hit of $7.8 million.

Howson refused to comment when asked if anyone on his team is untouchable.

With 18 wins and 43 points entering Wednesday night, it seems every veteran on Columbus could be available.

“Everybody’s got a good handle now. There’s only six days left on where they are, what they need,” Howson said. “There’s still some uncertainty about whether some teams are selling or buying or staying pat.”

Nash enjoys Columbus and would like to stay, but he also recognizes that the NHL is a business, and even star players get traded, or at least shopped. Potential landing spots include the improved Los Angeles Kings (needs offense; could offer goalie Jonathan Bernier), Toronto (which covets a native son who could be the face of the organization), the Flyers and Rangers.

Unlike previous seasons, when the Blue Jackets were always near the bottom of the salary cap, they are near the top this season in spending. And for that, they easily have the worst record in the NHL.

Nash is far from the only big name Blue Jacket on the block. Jeff Carter, acquired in a ballyhooed deal from the Flyers last summer, has been a bust in Columbus. He was unhappy the Flyers traded him and has missed chunks of this season with a separated shoulder and a broken foot. He could find his bliss if he’s reunited with former Philadelphia running buddy, Mike Richards, in Los Angeles.

Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter, Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn, and Anaheim forwards Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan could find new homes by the time deadline day is over, as well.

While the trade deadline is fun for fans who mix and match salary cap numbers and wish a superstar will push their team into the Stanley Cup finals, the reality is, trade rumors are just that.

Rumors.

“History tells you there’s going to be moves, but most of them will probably be depth moves,” Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. “Everybody focuses on the sexy, higher-profile names, but most of the time, nothing happens with those guys. It ends up being the veteran players who can give an organization depth that everyone is looking for because of the parity in the league.”

The Washington Capitals expected scoring punch on the blue line and needed depth for the stretch run last season when they acquired Dennis Wideman, Jason Arnott and Marco Sturm. They gave the team a lift — the Caps had a nine-game winning streak into mid-March — just not the Cup.

Capitals general manager George McPhee then went out and made other additions last summer — goaltender Tomas Vokoun among them — in the hope that Washington can snare that elusive title. But the Capitals wouldn’t have even made the playoffs, if the season ended Tuesday night.

So, clearly, McPhee’s decisions down the stretch could determine whether he keeps his job.

Owner Ted Leonsis posted on his blog recently: “hope we can add some jump via the trade markets during the next few weeks. Go Caps!”

No pressure, George.

It’s not as easy as just trading a few pieces for a star. Aside from salary cap considerations, a team like the Rangers has to decide if it’s worth surrendering a piece like Brandon Dubinsky, key in their run to the top of the East, for Nash. The Bruins are playing again like a Stanley Cup champion. Does general manager Peter Chiarelli want to mess around with a wildly successful team’s chemistry going into the trade deadline?

“I think that’s probably my priority when I look to add something. I do want to add something, and I’d like to help the team,” he said. “I’d like to add to our depth. But that’s a priority. It’s a fine balance, chemistry, and you have to be careful.”

The risk can be worth it.

The Penguins scored big last season when they acquired forward James Neal, and he’s turned into their most reliable scorer behind Evgeni Malkin. Any deal this season would be limited to providing depth. The Penguins figure no trade could be better than the return of injured captain Sidney Crosby, who hasn’t played since Dec. 5 due to a recurrence of concussion-like symptoms. Crosby is skating, but has not been cleared for contact. He remains optimistic he can play again this season and his return would far outweigh anything Pittsburgh could get in a trade.

But for teams like New York, Philadelphia and others, the chance to land Nash could make all the difference between finishing in April or June.

____

AP Sports Writers Rusty Miller in Columbus, Ohio, Larry Lage in Detroit, Joseph White in Washington, Jimmy Golen in Boston, and Will Graves in Pittsburgh contributed to this report.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Swimp also said that Detroit needs to fix its own corruption and inefficiency, break the union strongholds, and must promote public safety, families and education.

Listen to the full interview here:

Swimp: Part 1

Swimp: Part 2

With five players agreeing to terms today, the Tigers now have 29 players on the club’s 40-man roster under contract for the 2012 season.

Angie’s List, the nation’s premier provider of consumer reviews, surveyed contractors across the country to determine what the common home aches and pains are, and how to remedy them before you have to seek emergency care.

“Your home really can tell you where it hurts,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “You just need to understand what it’s saying.”

Paying attention to the basics of home care is a lot like brushing your teeth or exercising and eating well, Hicks said.  “Taking care of the basics will save you stress, time and money. Neglecting them won’t just cost you more down the road, it could actually put your family in danger,” she said.

7 Signs Your House Needs Professional Care

1.    Up on the Roof: A small issue with your roof doesn’t mean you need to replace the whole thing. But letting the little things go only means you’re in for big bills later. If you notice loose shingles, have attic leaks, suspect chimney issues or see other signs of damage up high, call in a reputable roofer, gutter or chimney expert or a handyman to give you great advice about what you need done.

2.    Leaks don’t fix themselves: Leaky faucets and running toilets will just get worse, so do yourself a favor and get those fixed before major damage occurs. If you notice a jump in your water bill but haven’t increased your usage, you likely have a hidden leak, which left undetected could lead to mold, wood rot and severe water damage. Don’t work with anyone who isn’t happy to show you his or her plumbing license.

3.    Caulk it up: The caulking around your tub and shower prevents moisture penetration, which can lead to mold, tile and wall damage and warped cabinetry. Keeping everything watertight will save you a bundle, so be sure to repair any caulking failures. But don’t stop there. All homes get cracks and voids in their outside walls over time. Look closely at where two boards come together, because cracks often start there. Also look for damage from animals that are looking for a way in. Caulk any cracks you see to avoid water penetration, subsequent wood rot and to keep the critters out.

4.    Sparks fly: Lights that dim on their own schedule aren’t just annoying: they’re a clear signal that you have an electrical problem. Experts say too many homeowners tolerate this situation for too long, which puts their homes at risk for electrical fire. Another often tolerated-too-long issue is when using one device causes another to switch off because you’ve blown a fuse. This is a sign you have a capacity or circuit box issue. Less dangerous but still signal-worthy are springy outlets that don’t hold plugs. If you have any of these issues, call in a licensed, reputable electrician.

5.    Drafty doors and windows: Improperly sealed windows and doors will bring cold air inside during the winter and let cooled air out in the summer, costing you big bucks on your energy bill. An energy audit can tell you where your leaks are and how to seal them up.

6.    Filter it out: HVAC experts say 60 percent of their service calls result from systems stressed by dirty air filters. Changing air filters regularly (every quarter or so; more if you have pets) can save you up to $100 each year on your energy bill, and will keep you from needing emergency repair. Many highly reputable heating and air conditioning companies offer maintenance plans that include an annual inspection. Doing this will give you an early alert to any issues you have with your entire HVAC system so you can stave off breakdowns.

7.    Pump it up: Take a look at your sump pump from time to time. If it’s in good shape and its batteries are good, it could save you thousands of dollars in flood damage. But you don’t want to find out it needs repairs after the water starts rising. Get an annual inspection and check the batteries at least quarterly.

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This article originally appeared on Angie’s List.

Consider using this seasoning to help with:

Restoring enamel fixtures:  Salt can be mixed with turpentine to create a cleaning paste that will restore enamel fixtures around the house. This mixture can help whiten older surfaces that have turned yellow with age, such as sinks, bathtubs and toilets. Apply to the damaged area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Afterward, wipe the surface clean with a damp sponge. A mixture of salt and baking soda can also act as a cleaner that is good for stovetops and silverware.

Removing carpet stains: Spilled liquids on the carpet, such as wine and gravy, can be difficult to soak up without pushing some of the liquid further into the carpet fibers. After soaking up the majority of the liquid with a dry towel, pour salt on the area to absorb the remainder of the liquid. You also can mix one part salt with four parts rubbing alcohol to remove grease stains by rubbing the mixture in the same direction as the carpet fibers. After rubbing, thoroughly rinse the area with water. As with any carpet cleaning solution, test first on an inconspicuous area to ensure the solution doesn’t cause damage.

Revitalizing furniture: If a wooden surface in your home has been marred by a hot dish or water, remove the mark by applying a thick paste composed of salt and salad oil. Simply spread the paste over the affected area and buff the surface slightly with a soft cloth.
Cleaning dishes: White or lighter colored tea cups, coffee cups and other dishes can easily become stained after continual use. To remove these stains, sprinkle salt on the affected area of the dish and use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the stains away. Use circular motions when scrubbing for effective results.

Washing clothes: When treating stubborn perspiration stains in clothing, mix 4 tablespoons of salt and 1 liter of water for an effective cleaning solution. Sponge the shirt with the mixture until the stain is completely removed. Rust and mildew stains on clothing can be removed by soaking the clothing in a mixture of lemon juice and salt for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, lay the clothing out in the sun for a few hours then rinse and dry.
Although salt can be an effective cleaning material for certain surfaces and household items, it is not a cure-all solution for every area of the home. If you are unsure of how certain areas should be cleaned, contact a professional.

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This article originally appeared on Angie’s List.

Though cleaning a mattress doesn’t come with the same simplicity of other bedding items, that doesn’t mean the mattress shouldn’t deserve equal attention. Cleaning your mattress can be effective and efficient with the right approach. Follow these steps so that you and your family can sleep on fresher bedding by nightfall.

Vacuum: When cleaning your mattress, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to tackle dust, dander and dust mites that can build on the surface. Repeat this process every six months, or more frequently if the mattress is used by a person with allergies.

Shampoo: After vacuuming, apply an upholstery shampoo to the surface of the mattress to fully remove dirt and soil. If you don’t have upholstery shampoo, apply a solution of water and mild detergent to the entire area of the mattress. Wipe the shampoo or detergent solution clean by using a sponge that has had warm water wrung from it. Turn on the ceiling fan and portable fans to allow the area to dry quickly.

Cleaning spills: When cleaning spills and stains from your mattress, start by soaking up all liquid using dry towels. Once the stain has been completely soaked up, immediately toss the towels into the washing machine on a hot water setting to kill all bacteria. After doing so, lightly spray vinegar on the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes to fully disinfect the mattress and eliminate odor. Afterward, sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit for 12 hours to soak up the rest. After the 12-hour period, vacuum the remaining baking soda.

Drying stains:  Place the mattress outside in the sun for a few hours to speed up the drying process and allow the mattress to fully air out, or pull back the blinds or drapes in the bedroom and open the window to expose the mattress to the maximum amount of sunlight and outside heat. When you replace the mattress, make sure to place the stain side down to prevent concentrating multiple stains onto one region.

In addition to cleaning your mattress, you can prolong its life by flipping and turning it every six months to ensure even wear. Use a mattress cover to ensure protection in between cleanings. To prevent dust mites, choose a mattress cover that is specifically designed to protect against the invasion of these tiny critters.

It’s also important to replace your mattress after about seven years of use, according to The Better Sleep Council, a nonprofit agency that represents the mattress industry. With repeated use over time, a mattress can gradually lose its ability to fully support you. This can lead to sleepless nights as well as the feeling of cramps and stiffness upon awakening.

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This article originally appeared on Angie’s List.

Deon Taylor

MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ) A 38-year-old Eastpointe man and a 20-year-old woman face life in prison on charges of conspiring to kill two children and the woman’s half-sister — who was a witness in the criminal sexual case against him.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham reported his detectives are still unraveling the details of the solicitation of murder case that originated out of the Macomb County Jail.

The suspect, Deon Lamont Taylor, 38, of Eastpointe, along with the intended victim’s 20-year-old half-sister, Kenisha Latori Faison of Detroit, made specific plans and provided detailed information for the execution of the intended murder, police said.

Taylor and Faison are both charged with three counts of homicide, solicitation of murder; and one count of conspiracy to commit homicide/murder in the first degree.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the incident involves the solicitation for the murder of a 31 year old Eastpointe resident along with her two children, 12 and 9 years old.

Court records also show that Taylor will be sentenced March 22nd after he pled guilty to two counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a child under 13 years old.

Macomb County sheriff’s deputies told WWJ Newsradio 950 the intended adult victim was a witness in Taylor’s CSC case. Deputies would not discuss if the young intended victims play a role in the case.

But the death plot was serious, police said, with the suspect providing specific details as to the location, means and financial details of the murder-for-hire transaction.

Taylor was arraigned Wednesday at the 41-B District Court with bond set at $1 million cash; Faison was also arraigned, with her bond set at $500,000 cash. Each of the charges carries a possible penalty of life in prison.