Large groups of teenagers gathering in downtown Detroit this week have led to fights and arrests, prompting an increased police presence and intervention from a local community group on the Detroit Tigers' Opening Day.

Social media posts circulated plans for teenagers to meet up downtown. In response, Detroit police ramped up their presence, and a community group called Ceasefire took to the streets to stop violence before it started.

Watch the video report below: Community group on the ground working to stop teen violence in downtown Detroit

On Friday evening, a large gathering of teens in Campus Martius led Detroit police to step in and disperse the group. Our cameras caught some young people running through the streets with police trailing close behind. Ceasefire was on the move, trying to de-escalate the situation before anything became violent.

"Tuesday, there were a lot of fights and stuff like that, so our goal is to really work with them, talk to them, and through our relationships, keep them from going to jail, keep things from escalating. We've seen crazy things happen downtown with young people," Ceasefire crewmember Toson Knight said.

The group says showing up at popular places with lots of foot traffic, like Campus Martius Park, and interacting with the youth plays a huge role in building trust.

"When it comes to our youth, sometimes you got to step in. You meet them where they are at. Look happy? Talk to them happy. They angry? You try and take that anger out of them and lead them another way," Ceasefire crewmember Ortagus Jackson said.

"Once you know them, you can kind of help them change their lives, for real, and help them stay out of trouble. They'll listen to you more than they'll listen to a police officer," Knight said.

"They know we're not trying to send them to jail or have them locked up. We want them to get home safe at the end of the night," Jackson said.

"Their parents are not down here, right? They're around their friends, probably going to be trying to show out," Knight said.

"Sometimes, they get out of line. It's up to us as adults in the community to say hey, stop," Jackson said.

Related video: Detroit youth flag football league launched by Community Violence Intervention groups Detroit youth flag football league launched by Community Violence Intervention groups

Ceasefire program manager Tamara Smith said the group is focused on making sure the community stays safe.

"We want to continue for Detroiters to feel safe," Smith said. "If you are caught doing wrong, reprimand to the fullest will happen."

"My message to them on a daily basis is make good decisions, find things that are productive and don't get you locked up, in trouble or hurt others," Knight said.

"We're here to help you stay out of trouble and get home to your loved ones your mother and father, your blood brothers and sisters," Jackson said.

Ceasefire wants to remind young people that the curfew for those who are 15 and under is 10 p.m., and for 16 and 17-year-olds, it is 11 p.m.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

It began with a tip jar theft and ended with a hug. A now-viral full circle moment.

Hot dog stand owner and live-streamer Musa Sarac, who goes by MUSA_USA where he streams live on Twitch, went viral for a clip of a man stealing about $30 from his tip jar. He also live streams and shares videos from his life and business, Musa Steak and Dogs, on Kik and TikTok.

Kindness goes viral: Mother returns tip jar money son stole Money returned after viral tip jar theft

[I] let him to go. We dont know whats going on, I dont like to be fight[ing] then I let him to go, then I didnt know what Im going to do, Sarac said.

Sarac filed a police report but said that the officer on scene couldnt do much.

What happened next, he never expected.

PART 2 : I want to pay you back because you don't deserve to be stolen from. 'You don't deserve to be stolen from'

A few days later the mother of that man, Pastor Tonya Gray, came to the stand at Johnny Cake Road and Ingleside Avenue with some money and a big apology.

My son wasn't raised like that. My son drinks, and when he drinks, he does stupid stuff, Gray said. I want to pay you back because you don't deserve to be stolen from.

Gray shared that her son is now getting the help he needs.

She also sat down with WMAR-2 News to share more of her story.

"When my oldest was murdered in 2013, my son was a teenager. But if the 9 or 10-year-old doesn't handle that trauma, the 26-year-old becomes the alcoholic," Gray said. "When my son is not drinking, he's a whole different person, heart as big as all of the world."

She wants other parents to hear this message.

"If your child is showing signs of any kind of trauma, any PTSD, any depression, you need to address it," Gray said. "You don't throw away an addict, you address the addiction, you don't ignore a child, you continue to be a mother. He's trouble, but he's not trash."

Taken aback with emotions, Sarac gave Gray a hug. The heart-warming moment all caught on live stream.

I love her. Shes good," Sarac told WMAR-2 News. They dont need to be avoiding or feel bad... I would love to be family with them.

Its since brought even more attention to his small stand. Inspiring first-time customers like Ayisha Paige-Randall to check it out.

Seeing how his personality is and everything like that, why wouldnt you want to support someone who has a good heart? she said.

Surprisingly, the attention is a lot even for Sarac, who live streams his entire life practically 24/7.

I dont want to be too much famous. Just simple life. Im happy in my simple life, he said.

A knock at the door. A moment that changed everything.

In this deeply emotional episode of Connected, Alisyn Camerota sits down with Judge Esther Salas whose life was shattered by a targeted act of violence meant for her but instead took the life of her only child.

What unfolds is a story of unimaginable loss, resilience, and purpose. From the devastating day that took her sons life to her fight to protect others in the justice system, she shares how she transformed grief into action and why forgiveness became her path forward.

As threats against judges and public officials rise, this conversation explores the human cost of violence, the power of compassion, and what it means to keep going when everything is broken.

This is not just a story about tragedy. Its a story about strength, love, and choosing light in the darkest moments.

Sweet 220, a Livonia bakery, is seeing massive lines and selling out of thousands of cupcakes after a viral influencer review changed everything for the struggling business.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Viral TikTok review saves Dearborn bakery and brings massive lines

Owner Hassan Makki says ever since the viral video by social media influencer Chow Down Detroit, the bakery has had a line and sold out almost every day.

"Today we made 2,000 cupcakes, so Im not trying to be out today," Makki said.

The Arab American Muslim pastry chef started the business in 2008 with his wife, opening their current location in 2011, where everything is made from scratch. Makki said things were a lot different just one month ago, describing business as slow and quiet.

"Like every other small business, food or bakery establishment, it was tough. We were dealing with high inflation. We were dealing with all our prices going up on all our products. Our pastry products, our plastic products, our cupcake containers, our chocolate is crazy, our dairy is inflated. Everything has gone up, so for us, our profit margins, completely, just depleted, so, for us, we couldnt just up our prices on everyday consumers because were everyday consumers serving everyday consumers," Makki said.

Then Chow Down Detroit visited.

"He got a six-pack of cupcakes, and in his own words, his words ring in my head because I watch the video so much, he said, 'these might be the best cupcakes in metro Detroit," Makki said.

It has been four weeks since that visit, and the bakery has sold out almost every day and hired more help. Last Saturday, the bakery sold out of 1,800 cupcakes. Makki says he's so grateful.

"Id just like to just give this man his recognition because what he does for small businesses. Its unbelievable, and hes truly just a kind, humble human being," Makki said.

The line is a sight that still makes Makki emotional.

"Wow," Makki said. "Thankful, blessed, happy, proud, humbled."

Customers lined up early, before doors opened at eleven, to get their hands on the popular treats.

"I been here since a quarter to ten this morning," Alicia Crafter said.

Crafter was determined to pick up the perfect cupcakes for her husband, Michaels, retirement party.

"We tried to order some two weeks ago, and he was not taking pre-orders. He said he was swamped," Crafter said.

Crafter, a long-time customer, did not mind the wait and is happy to support the family behind the sweets they have grown to love.

"And its a blessing, now its all coming back," Crafter said as she hugged Makki

Other customers are visiting for the first time after seeing the viral video.

"I came here to get some dessert for Easter. I follow Chow Down Detroit on TikTok," Miranda Johnson said.

"Im here because I want to try to banana pudding cupcake and my mom wants to try the lemon cheesecake and the pumpkin cheesecake," Synedy Lawrence said.

Makki is relying on his faith to continue growing his business. He is proud to have cultivated a positive environment where kindness and community are their biggest values.

Correction: A previous version of this story had an incorrect location for the bakery. The story has been updated and we regret the error.

This story was reported on air by a journalist and has been converted for this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The Attorney General's office charged 37-year-old Dr. Faddi Salim with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise and 131 counts of Medicaid fraud.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Utica dentist faces 131 counts of Medicaid fraud

The Utica dentist is accused of cashing in on clients receiving government benefits by billing for dental crowns that were unnecessary or never provided.

Each count of Medicaid fraud is punishable by up to 4 years in prison, while conducting a criminal enterprise is a 20-year felony.

The AG's office says Dr. Salim, "repeatedly billed the taxpayer-funded Medicaid program for a large number of crowns on individual patients that were both unnecessary and never provided

The attorney general's office said the alleged fraud was discovered when patients tried to get needed treatment.

"Patients who allegedly had many crowns billed under their benefits were subsequently told they were not covered for needed treatment because their annual benefits were exhausted," the Attorney General's office said.

The Attorney General's office is asking former patients who believe they may have been billed for crowns or other services that were never provided to contact them.

Salim was arraigned on March 19 in East Lansing and granted a $50,000 personal bond. He is scheduled to be back in court next month.

When I went to Salim's Utica office, a secretary told me they were closed, and he would be back on Monday. Salim later sent a statement regarding the charges.

"I want to be clear: my office operates with strict adherence to all legal and insurance standards. We hold ourselves to a high level of accountability, and our priority has always been delivering exceptional care to our patients, both locally and from out-of-state. Im confident that the full facts will come to light, and I look forward to speaking more openly, and provide more details once this process is resolved," Salim said.

7 News Detroit previously spoke to Salim in 2020 when his office donated thousands of masks to a local hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Since were closed, we felt like there are more people in need of these masks so we donated to them," Salim said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A family is searching for answers after 28-year-old Jermoni Stephens was fatally shot on Detroit's west side last year, while police struggle to identify the killer due to uncooperative potential witnesses.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Family pleads for answers in fatal shooting as police say witnesses won't talk

Stephens was killed on July 5 last year outside a home on Monica Street near Puritan, where he lived with his girlfriend and her children.

Detroit police said the fatal shooting followed a dispute over the launching of fireworks, which escalated into a physical confrontation.

Captain Marcus Thirkill said several people were outside when the confrontation took place, including acquaintances of Stephens. However, potential witnesses have been unwilling to share information.

"We believe the individuals who are responsible for this shooting are connected to someone in the neighborhood. However, at this time, without the help of the community, we are struggling to identify these individuals," Thirkill said.

"We are well aware that people know who this individual is, and you are not doing the community any service allowing this individual to remain on the streets," Thirkill said.

Stephens' mother, Tamiya Jones, remembered her son as someone who cared about those around him.

"He was a fun, loving, no-nonsense type of person. He served in community," Tamiya Jones said.

"When I got the call July 5th, it changed my life forever. It changed my familys life forever, and its just been difficult. Its been very hard, knowing the kind of person he was," Tamiya Jones said.

Tamiya Jones said it has been difficult for the family to heal knowing the killer is still free, noting that Stephens' sister misses her brother every day.

"So they have their family, and theyre moving on, and theyre moving forward, but we have to move forward and through this and its unfair," Tamiya Jones said.

The family is pleading with anyone who saw what happened to come forward.

"If he were still here and this had happened to someone he loved or his friend, he would not keep quiet about it," Tamiya Jones said.

Stephens' grandmother, Melisa Jones, is also urging people who know information to speak up.

"I do know that somebody knows something," Melisa Jones said.

Anyone with information about Stephens' death is encouraged to contact Detroit police or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Opening Day is a big celebration for fans of the Detroit Tigers, but one local man is marking a truly impressive milestone.

Watch Carli Petrus's video report: Detroit Tigers superfan celebrates 50th consecutive Opening Day milestone

Carl Gianotti attended his 50th consecutive Opening Day at Comerica Park, a tradition that started at Tiger Stadium in 1977 when he was just 16 years old.

"Yes, I skipped class," Gianotti joked. "Don't tell anybody."

The decision turned into a lifelong tradition. Gianotti remembers bits and pieces of that very first game.

"I remember buying the tickets and meeting at my parents' house in Warren and all leaving from there and sitting up in the bleachers. Two dollars a ticket," Gianotti said.

From $2 bleacher seats to decades of memories, he has seen it all.

"We've had snow, we've had sun, a little bit of everything after 50 years," Gianotti said.

He says this was never part of some big plan.

"It started happening and it was fun every year and it just continued on. It wasn't a plan. God-willing, I was blessed and healthy, and here we are 50 years later," Gianotti said.

The tradition was not part of his wife Lori Gianotti's plan either.

"He leaves the house at 5:30 in the morning, and I Uber down. That's just way too early for me," Lori Gianotti said.

The two of them turned it into a family affair, eventually bringing along their four kids.

"When the kids were 21, we made sure of that after they were 21, they could come hang with us, and my son has been to every one since then," Carl Gianotti said.

Related video: Tigers fans celebrating Opening Day Tigers fans celebrating Opening Day

Along the way, they made friends like fellow fan Chris Zobl.

"We started in '82 and met Carl in about '88," Zobl said.

Now, year after year, they all gather at the corner of John R Street and Adams Avenue. This year, they are celebrating Carl Gianotti's milestone and the start of another baseball season.

"I love seeing him happy," Lori Gianotti said.

For Carl Gianotti, it is not just about baseball. It is about tradition, family and showing up year after year.

"Look around. I mean, everybody is having fun. It's family and friends. Life's too short, right? It's not promised to anybody, so come and do what you can do," Carl Gianotti said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Supporters of an American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad say she risked her life reporting from some of the world's most dangerous places. Now she's the one in danger.

"Bring Shelly home now." That's a growing call from friends, family, and supporters of kidnapped U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson. The 49-year-old freelancer, who has spent years reporting on the Middle East, was abducted from a busy street in Baghdad on March 31.

Now, days later, the New York Times reports a ransom has been demanded in exchange for her release. So far only one suspect has been arrested. The State Department says they're believed to be connected to an Iranian-aligned militia group.

RELATED NEWS | US journalist abducted in Iraq; State Department says she was warned of threats

The State Department also says Kittleson was repeatedly warned about credible threats to her safety prior to her kidnapping. Meanwhile, supporters of Kittleson warned against blaming the journalist for her abduction.

"I think it's really critical that we not go down the road of suggesting that the journalist shouldn't have been there or should have been better prepared. Putting the onus on the back of the person who is attacked, who people are trying to silence, is not the right way to go," said Elisa Lees Muoz, with the International Women's Media Foundation.

Friends of Kittleson told Scripps News she knew the risks, but they didn't stop her from choosing to do her job.

The New York Times reports representatives from an Iranian-backed militia group have contacted Iraqi government officials to negotiate for Kittleson's release. They've demanded the release of several detained militia members in exchange.

Gerald Towns was arraigned Friday on murder, conspiracy and witness intimidation charges in connection with the October death of 42-year-old Robert Harbin on Detroits east side.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: 3 face murder charges in a deadly plot to silence a Detroit witness

Harbin was set to testify against Towns, who allegedly shot at him in September. Investigators said Harbin was silenced before he could take the stand.

Tycie Parham and Bekelba Holland are also charged in Robert Harbin's murder.

Watch Gerald Towns' arraignment in the video player below: RAW VIDEO: Arraignment of Gerald Towns

Investigators said Holland followed Robert Harbin to a home on Kelly Road near Moross and shot into his car. Robert Harbin later died.

Authorities said Towns and Parham aided and abetted Holland, who is facing murder and weapons charges in the fatal shooting.

"It broke me, broke my heart for real. It just didn't feel real," Aaliyah Harbin said.

Aaliyah Harbin is Robert Harbin's daughter.

"He meant everything to me, you know, I still love him as a dad. I'm glad he was here with me, trying to grow bonds with me after that," Aaliyah Harbin said.

Desha Harbin, Robert Harbins niece, said she long suspected Parham was involved. Desha Harbin said Parham shares children with both her uncle and Towns.

"And I was like, I feel like you set him up because you were just calling his phone last week before he got murdered, threatened him, saying like if you don't drop the charges, something gonna happen to you and your family gonna be feeling sorry," Desha Harbin said.

"Whatever happens in the dark always comes to the light," Desha Harbin said.

Parham was arraigned Thursday on murder, conspiracy and witness intimidation charges. Towns was held without bond Friday.

If convicted on the most serious charges, Towns, Parham and Holland could spend the rest of their lives in prison.

"I feel like they deserve to be charged. I feel like they should not be getting out no time soon. I just feel like they need to be in there for killing my dad like that. I don't think he deserved that at all for you to wanna kill him like that," Aaliyah Harbin said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

When a U.S. military aircraft is lost behind enemy lines, survival training begins immediately and rescue operations are quickly set into motion, according to former Navy fighter pilot Matthew Whiz Buckley.

Once a pilot ejects, the immediate focus shifts to survival and evasion, he said.

As an aviator, as an air crew, we go through SERE, survival, evasion, resistance, and escape training, Buckley said.

Pilots are trained to avoid capture while waiting for recovery forces, often in difficult terrain. Buckley said the area where a fighter jet was reportedly lost in Iran appears mountainous, complicating rescue efforts. The Associated Press reported that one crew member who ejected was rescued, while the search continues for a second service member.

RELATED STORY | Crew member rescued after US aircraft shot down in Iran

Buckley said specialized Combat Search and Rescue teams, known as CSAR, are on constant alert and deploy quickly when an aircraft is lost.

These CSAR folks, the Combat Search and Rescue, they eat, breathe, and sleep this mission, Buckley said.

Rescue operations involve far more than a single helicopter. Buckley described a coordinated military response that can include HC-130 aircraft, Pave Hawk helicopters, fighter escorts and additional air support.

The scale of that response underscores how seriously the military prioritizes recovering its personnel.

No man left behind. No woman left behind. Were going to come and get you, Buckley said.

Pilots are also equipped with tools to help them survive and potentially avoid capture. Each carries a survival vest and additional gear in the ejection seat.

Buckley added that the equipment is not meant for fighting off enemy forces.

Youre really not going to gun your way out of something, he said, adding that pilots also carry specialized gear designed to help them evade capture and signal rescuers.

Pilots may also carry a blood chit, a document written in local languages that asks civilians for help and offers a reward for returning the service member to friendly forces.

It says, I am an American fighting man or woman. I mean you no harm. If you return me to friendly forces, you know, well pay 10 million bucks or whatever the current bloodshed say, Buckley said.

If necessary, the military may also destroy the downed aircraft to prevent sensitive technology from falling into enemy hands.

I guarantee you that within a limited amount of time from finding where the crash site was, its gone, Buckley said.

Dillon Dingler homered, Framber Valdez pitched six shutout innings and the Detroit Tigers ended a four-game losing streak with a 4-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in their home opener on Friday.

Watch Brad Galli and Alex Crescenti report from Comerica Park: Valdez, Dingler help Tigers snap 4-game losing streak with win over Cardinals Valdez, Dingler help Tigers snap 4-game losing streak with win over Cardinals

Detroit has a .667 regular-season winning percentage (34-17) against the Cardinals their highest mark against any team but the Cardinals have a 2-1 advantage in World Series matchups. St. Louis beat the Tigers in 1934 and 2006, with Detroit winning in 1968.

Valdez (1-0) allowed three hits and two walks in his home debut for Detroit. Three relievers finished the game.

Michael McGreevy (0-1) allowed three runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Riley Greene hit a one-out double in the fourth and Dingler broke the scoreless tie with a 433-foot homer over the Cardinals bullpen in left-center.

Greene then hit an RBI single with two out in the fifth to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead, and Javier Bez drove in Parker Meadows to add a fourth run in the sixth.

The Tigers nearly took the lead in the third inning. Bez singled and stole second before trying to score on a single from Gleyber Torres to right. However, Jordan Walker's throw reached the plate on the fly, allowing Ivn Herrera to apply the tag.

The Cardinals loaded the bases with two out in the fourth, but Jos Fermn flew out to left.

The game-time temperature was 71 degrees, making it the warmest home opener since the Tigers moved to Comerica Park in 2000.

Up next

The teams play the second game of their weekend series on Saturday afternoon, with Tigers RHP Jack Flaherty (0-1, 4.15) facing RHP Dustin May (0-1, 13.50).

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

On Sunday, April 5, Spotlight on the News will interview Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund and Gilbert Family Foundation its $500 million dollar commitment to Detroit. We'll also talk to Robin Lott, Bureau Director for Saving, Access & Financial Empowerment (SAFE) about the Michigan Department of Treasury's 1.5 million Money Matters Initiative. How will these two programs impact the quality of life for people living and working in Southeast Michigan?

Spotlight on the News, now in its 61st season, is Michigan's longest-running weekly news and public affairs television program. It airs every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, is streamed live on wxyz.com and broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on 23.1 WKAR-HD in East Lansing.

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Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was treated at a hospital in Philadelphia in March, Scripps News has learned.

A Supreme Court spokesperson said Alito felt ill during an event and sought medical care before a planned three-hour drive home.

"After that examination and the administration of fluids for dehydration, he returned home that night, as previously planned," spokesperson Patricia McCabe said. "Justice Alito was thoroughly checked by his own physician, and he returned to work the following Monday for oral argument."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Supreme Court justices appear skeptical of Trump birthright citizenship order

The case heard that Monday was Watson v. RNC. The justices are considering whether Mississippi, and potentially other states, can count mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. In Mississippi, ballots can be counted if they arrive within five days after the election.

Alito participated in the arguments and did not appear to show signs of illness.

Alito, 76, was nominated to the court in 2005 and began serving in 2006. Some conservatives have urged him to step down while Republicans control the Senate and the White House to preserve the courts ideological balance.

Alito has not indicated any plans to retire.

The post In The Groove: Resavoir finds the space between genres in latest album ‘Themes for Dreams’ appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Tigers fans are hitting all the favorite downtown Detroit spots for Opening Day, and delivering millions of dollars in a huge financial windfall for shops, bars and restaurants.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video reports: Detroit businesses get boost from crowds on beautiful Opening Day Detroit businesses get boost from crowds on beautiful Opening Day

From the streets to the inside of some of Detroits most popular businesses, die-hard fans have waited all year long to come and show love to our Tigers.

Even if theyre not glued to the game for this years Opening Day, Tigers fans like Tina Volve appreciate the importance of showing up and representing their team.

Watch our interview with Union Assembly owner Curt Catallo: Talking Opening Day with Union Assembly's Curt Catallo

For some like Tina Harris, the stylish threads being worn are a product of planning.

"I had someone to custom make everything," she said.

As an expected flood of more than 200,000 fans has come to downtown, you cant help but feel somewhat nostalgic inside shops like Gameday Detroit.

Familiar names like Brandon Inge on jerseys being worn go along with the feeling that fans are buying future keepsakes while making memories.

Check out Chopper 7 video of the Opening Day crowds: Opening Day crowds

We are definitely going to grab some ... either the chains up there, a couple hats, then I think we're going to grab a shirt," said fan Jarred Launs.

It's also a much-needed boost to the bottom line for businesses.

Watch Darren Cunningham's report on fans at the game: Tigers fans celebrating Opening Day

"It's like a playoff game, every year, it's just unbelievable ... we always make sure we're fully stocked for Opening Day, said Curt Ciaravino, manager at Gameday Detroit.

Short-sleeve shirts and hats are some of the top sellers thanks to this beautiful weather today.

At Vollmer's Bar, just a short walk from Comerica Park, there are plenty of fans who value the chance to support downtown businesses.

Fan Derek Lenz says outdoor space also helps on nice days.

Just talking on the ride down. We took Woodward and had a conversation about keeping momentum going. The town. City. Its wonderful," said Lenz.

Owner of the bar, Chris Vollmer, believes Opening Day plays a key role in the survival of the business.

"Atmosphere is energetic and powerful. People have a great time," said Vollmer.

McDonalds has announced a new value menu featuring eight items priced at $3 or less, along with a $4 breakfast meal deal.

The eight items include:

Sausage McMuffin Sausage Biscuit Sausage Burrito Hash Browns McChicken McDouble 4-piece Chicken McNuggets Small Fries

For generations, McDonalds has been committed to delivering great value our fans can count on, said Alyssa Buetikofer, chief marketing and customer experience officer for McDonalds USA. As our customers expectations evolve, were making it easier for them to get the value theyre looking for on their terms. McValue offers more choice, more flexibility, and more ways to build a meal that fits their day and budget.

The $4 breakfast meal includes a choice of a Sausage McMuffin or Sausage Biscuit, served with Hash Browns and a small McCaf Premium Roast Coffee

RELATED STORY | McDonalds to debut Big Arch Burger, its most calorie-dense yet, March 3

The $1 menu, once a staple, is long gone. Labor and food costs have surged since the pandemic, forcing fast-food chains like McDonalds to adjust prices.

How it compares to past value items

In late 2017, McDonalds introduced its 3-2-1 value menu.

$1 items: Sausage Burrito, McChicken, Cheeseburger, any size soft drink $2 items: Sausage McGriddles, 2-piece Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, Bacon McDouble, small McCaf beverage $3 items: Sausage McMuffin with Egg, Classic Chicken Sandwich, Triple Cheeseburger, Happy Meal

The 3-2-1 menu remained for several years.

In 2019, McDonalds launched a buy-one-get-one-for-$1 deal on Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Big Mac, Filet-O-Fish, and 10-piece Chicken McNuggets.

Following the pandemic, the company shifted toward meal bundles rather than individual value items.

RELATED STORY | McDonald's rounds cash transactions to nearest nickel as US faces penny shortage

In 2024, McDonalds introduced a $5 value meal that included a McDouble or McChicken, small fries, a 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small soft drink. Many locations still offer that deal.

The Artemis II astronauts have captured our blue planets brilliant beauty as they zoom ever closer to the moon.

NASA released the crews first downlinked images Friday, 1 1/2 days into the first astronaut moonshot in more than half a century.

The first photo taken by commander Reid Wiseman shows a curved slice of Earth in one of the capsules windows. The second shows the entire globe with the oceans topped by swirling white tendrils of clouds. A green aurora even glows, according to NASA.

RELATED STORY | One stinky problem: Artemis II launch hits toilet trouble in orbit

As of midmorning Friday, Wiseman and his crew were 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers) from Earth and were quickly gaining on the moon with another 160,000 miles (258,000 kilometers) to go. They should reach their destination on Monday.

The three Americans and one Canadian will swing around the moon in their Orion capsule, hang a U-turn and then head straight back home without stopping. They fired Orion's main engine Thursday night that set them on their course.

After Mission Control shifted the position of their capsule, the entire Earth, complete with northern lights, filled their windows.

It was the most spectacular moment, and it paused all four of us in our tracks, Wiseman said in a TV interview.

They're the first lunar travelers since Apollo 17 in 1972.

A tender, flavorful brisket served over potatoes and carrots delivers the kind of comfort that feels like a hug on a plate. This version uses a pressure cooker to cut down on cook time without sacrificing rich, slow-cooked flavor.

Scripps News food and wellness contributor Jessica DeLuise, PA-C, shares this recipe, perfect for gathering around the table for Easter or Passover.

Brisket in the Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

3 lb beef brisket 1 tsp salt tsp black pepper 3 cloves minced garlic 1 large yellow onion, sliced 2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 2 cups crushed tomatoes (from canned) 2 cups low-sodium beef broth 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Gravy:

1 tbsp whole wheat flour 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

Add all of the brisket ingredients to the pressure cooker. Seal and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the brisket. Let the liquid and brisket cool separately overnight if possible. Trim the fat off the brisket. Slice the brisket against the grain in - inch pieces. Skim the fat off the liquid and discard. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the sauce in the Instant Pot vessel until smooth. Return the sliced beef to the instant pot and cook for an additional 20 minutes.h. If you prefer the meat to be more tender or shredded, pressure cook for longer. Serve with braising liquid or use the liquid to make a thick gravy.

For the gravy:

Whisk together flour and butter in a saucepan. Cook on low for 304 minutes, or until it smells toasty. Add 2-3 cups of instant pot liquid (depending on desired thickness) Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk and cook until the gravy thickens. Serve with brisket. Serve with potatoes or other desired sides. Spoon the pot sauce over the brisket for serving.