MITCH ALBOM

Will financial crisis be our defining moment?

As the financial markets tumble and America stands on the brink of a depression, people want to know how on Earth we can fix this. I know the answer. But you may not like it. We're gonna have to be nicer to each other.

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MICHAEL ROSENBERG

Orlovsky is best bet; Stanton needs more time to develop

There is an old saying that the two most popular men in any good sports town are the backup quarterback and the backup goalie. After Chris Osgood's performance in last year's Stanley Cup playoffs, Detroit isn't clamoring for its backup goalie. Instead, fans are calling for two backup quarterbacks.

DREW SHARP

Ex-Lion and Spartan Charles Rogers provides lesson in excess

This is a time when everyone should root for the Lions.

GEORGEA KOVANIS

Target's star designer is leaving, but other retailers are stepping in with low-cost high-fashion labels

There is a bright side for shoppers who crave designer-influenced fashion at low prices: Mass retailers, keen to capture some of the success Target has had, are signing exclusive deals with big name designers.

TOM WALSH

2 propose sane fixes to housing meltdown

Watching stock markets plunge last week after Congress passed the $700-billion bailout bill, watching panic spread anew every time President George W.

MARK PHELAN

Deal likely wouldn't profit Chrysler community much

Cui bono? It's Latin for "who benefits?" It was one of the principles the Romans used to rule Europe for a millennium, and it's the question to ask as General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC consider merging.

RON DZWONKOWSKI

Unknown factors make accurate presidential campaign polling a challenge

The polls are showing that it's pretty much over for John McCain. I would not be so sure.

MARK PHELAN

Ford Ka hot in Paris but will it sell in the U.S.?

PARIS-- Ford's Ka sub-subcompact hatchback was the talk of the Paris auto show, and for good reason. Since the little Ka debuted there 10 days ago, there's also been a lot of buzz about bringing it to the United States. That may not make as much sense.

BRIAN DICKERSON

Do allegations of massive voter purge hold water?

OK, so maybe the New York Times isn't what it used to be. Its editors no longer set the agenda for the rest of the news media, and many conservatives discern in its news coverage a political bias as pronounced as the one liberals perceive in Fox News broadcasts.

CAROL CAIN

Bing says he has background to lead

Timing is everything as Detroit businessman and former NBA All-Star Dave Bing will attest. Whether sinking a shot before the buzzer to getting into the incredibly competitive steel industry as a novice to launching his bid to become mayor of Detroit, good timing has been pivotal to his success.

LAURA VARON BROWN

Our memories deserve to be safely preserved

Technology has made so many things easier. MapQuest and Google alone have changed the way we navigate daily life. And the way we remember life -- how our memories are savored and stored -- well, advances there have literally and virtually changed everything.

DREW SHARP

Trading places: MSU in contention; U-M overshadowed

Michigan State is the story. Michigan is the stigma. It's a college football role reversal unseen in these parts for quite some time, but it's an opportunity for the Spartans. It's the Spartans, not the Wolverines, with a legitimate chance at contending for the Big Ten championship.

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MIKE THOMPSON'S BLOG

The slow, sad descent of General Motors

HELENE ST. JAMES' BLOG

Wings to visit White House Tuesday

The Red Wings will visit the White House this Tuesday to be honored by President George W. Bush for the 2007-2008 Stanley Cup championship.

MARK SNYDER'S BLOG

U-M assistant admits he was outcoached by Illinois

One of the noticeable differences in the current U-M coaching staff is the willingness to let their feelings be known publicly.

GEORGE SIPPLE'S BLOG

Kitna misses another practice, won't discuss his status

Lions quarterback Jon Kitna missed his third straight day of practice because of back problems, but declined to talk about his status.

O STREET

Oh, you knew a child molester, too?

Oneita the Chef prepares dinner for her friends and tells them a family friend tried to sexually assault her when she was 14 or 15. She later learns the same thing happened to some of her friends and family members. Oneita told on the person — would you?

BARB ARRIGO

Don’t scapegoat the poor

Ever since the current economic crisis began, there’s been a tendency in some political quarters to blame the people who took out subprime loans they really could not handle.

HELENE ST. JAMES' BLOG

Wings good to go; changes on horizon

Update from Joe Louis Arena this morning: Everyone is good to go for tonight’s season opener against Toronto.

HELENE ST. JAMES' BLOG

Lidstrom will wear visor all season

Nicklas Lidstrom, who still has some blood in his right eye, plans to make a visor a permanent part of his gear.

Celebrate Michigan

UP fall colors are near peak perfection

If you’re looking to lift your spirits with one of Michigan’s fall treats, head for the Upper Peninsula, where fall leaf color is peaking. Strong colors are also showing in the Mackinaw City, Alpena and Rogers City areas.

NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA'S BLOG

After not playing vs. Bears, Kelly just waiting for his shot

You can guess how veteran cornerback Brian Kelly felt when he put on his pads Sunday but didn’t play a down in the Lions’ 34-7 loss to Chicago.

SHANNON SHELTON'S BLOG

Izzo, Spartans put reporters through their paces

Freep sports writer Shannon Shelton blogs about her experience at the second annual media practice with the MSU men's basketball team.

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