Detroit joining Michigan program that gives cash to expectant mothers for essentials

DETROIT (AP) — A program that provides cash to help expectant mothers cope with bills, expenses and the high cost of taking care of children is coming to Detroit.

Democratic Mayor Mary Sheffield announced Monday that Michigan State University's Rx Kids program is expected to open in the city within the first 100 days of her taking office. Sheffield was elected in November and was installed last week as Detroit's first female mayor.

The program gives a one-time allocation of $1,500 to expectant mothers during pregnancy. That's followed by $500 per month throughout the child's first six months after birth. Families are expected to use the money for rent, utilities, food, diapers, baby formula, transportation, medical care and other essentials.

There are no income requirements. Sign-up is online. Recipients must verify they are pregnant.

Rx Kids started in 2024 in Flint, Michigan, and is aimed at removing families and infants from deep poverty. It has since expanded to 20 other cities around the state. By the end of January, another eight cities are expected to be on board.

Michigan State runs the program, which is administered by a nonprofit.

Sheffield says about $9 million has been raised, so far, for Rx Kids in Detroit, while another $2.5 million still is needed.

Funding comes from various foundations and businesses. The city also will pitch in $500,000 annually over the next three years. The state of Michigan, in its fiscal year 2026 budget, committed $250 million for expansion of the two-year-old program.

“Half of our children are living in poverty,” Sheffield told reporters with about a half-dozen mothers and a dozen young children behind her. “That means that too many of our children are entering life’s journey burdened by financial hardship before they even take their first steps.”

About 34% of Detroit's 639,000 residents live in poverty, according to census data. The medium household income in Detroit is about $39,200 compared to more than $72,000 for the rest of the state.

Dr. Mona Hanna, a pediatrician and associate dean of Public Health at Michigan State, is the program's founding director. She calls it a “bold public health effort to improve outcomes.”

“When our babies don't have everything they need, that hurts them. It makes them sick,” Hanna said Monday.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announces the city's participation in Rx Kids program that provides cash to help expectant mothers, Monday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Corey Williams)

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announces the city's participation in Rx Kids program that provides cash to help expectant mothers, Monday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Corey Williams)

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield holds child during an announcement of the city's participation in Rx Kids program that provides cash to help expectant mothers, Monday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Corey Williams)

MIAMI (AP) — The Boston Celtics had a first quarter like none other in their storied history.

The Celtics scored 53 points — their biggest-scoring first quarter ever — in the opening 12 minutes of their game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

Boston's barrage is now tied for the second-highest-scoring first quarter in NBA regular-season history. Golden State had a 55-point opening quarter at Portland on April 9, 2023, and Miami had a 53-point opening quarter against Charlotte on Nov. 7.

“Getting to the paint, getting to the basket and finishing. I think that was the catalyst,” Celtics forward Jaylen Brown said.

The Celtics went on to win 147-129, after seeing what was a 27-point lead trimmed to nine early in the fourth before pulling away again in the final minutes.

“I thought we executed pretty well,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “There's times when you execute well and you get good shot after good shot. It just kind of happens. Usually when you’re in moments like that and you start to feel it, you take poor shots. We didn’t do that. We kept fighting for a good look, the next best look and I thought that kind of kept the momentum going a little bit.”

Boston led 53-33 at the end of the quarter, after shooting 20 for 28 from the field and 11 for 15 from 3-point range.

The 53 first-quarter points was the second-highest total Boston ever had in a quarter; the Celtics had 54 in the fourth period of a game against the San Diego Clippers on Feb. 25, 1970. And it was the most points Miami ever allowed in any quarter; the Heat gave up 50 in the fourth quarter of a game at Seattle on Jan. 5, 1990.

Boston made 11 3-pointers in the opening quarter, with Sam Hauser going 5 for 5 from beyond the arc while playing all 12 minutes. Brown had 20 points by himself in the quarter — the ninth 20-point quarter of his career, including playoffs — and Hauser finished with 17 in the quarter.

“Sam has been really shooting the ball really well all season. ... Sam has been in his bag,” Brown said.

Brown ended up with 43 points for the Celtics, and Jayson Tatum had a 28-point, 18-rebound, 11-assist triple-double — his first of the season, after missing much of the year while recovering from the Achilles tendon tear he suffered in last season's playoffs.

“It was just high-level shotmaking on both ends,” Tatum said.

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Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) goes tot he basket as Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson, left, and center Bam Adebayo, right, defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, left talks with forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)